Boat Covers

I have had Sunbrella before and its really nice. However, the 2 recent Carvers I bought were actually the Sun-Dura.

It has the same "feel" as a Sunbrella, and so far they have held up very well.
 
I have had Sunbrella before and its really nice. However, the 2 recent Carvers I bought were actually the Sun-Dura.

It has the same "feel" as a Sunbrella, and so far they have held up very well.
Great to hear, will most likely order a Sun-Dura then. Thanks!
 
For those who have bought Carver's, most have purchased the 9.25oz Sunbrella correct? For the more budget conscious, would the 7oz Sun-DURA be OK? I use the factory bow and stern snap on covers in addition to a full cover as well, just want to replace my beat up full cover with something nice/new. Primarily something custom fit, durable, breathable, water resistant, won't fade fast.
It's best not to use two covers on top of each other. They can wear against each other and more moisture will be retained inside the boat.
 
It's best not to use two covers on top of each other. They can wear against each other and more moisture will be retained inside the boat.
I was wondering about that, I'll most likely remove the snap on covers once I get a new full cover during the season.
The PO had a dry dock slip, so he double covered because it sat outside. The boat is in amazing shape inside/out so the two covers def. didn't harm anything.
 
Last edited:
I was wondering about that, I'll most likely remove the snap on covers once I get a new full cover during the season.
The PO had a dry dock slip, so he double covered because it sat outside. The boat is in amazing shape inside/out so the two covers def. didn't harm anything.
It's not a "guaranteed to harm" kind of thing. But it can happen. This is just a "best practice" kind of thing.
 
It's not a "guaranteed to harm" kind of thing. But it can happen. This is just a "best practice" kind of thing.
If anything it is one less "cover" I have to toss on after I take the boat out. I am gonna spring for a custom fit Carver in a few weeks, now to decide on color. People that own darker colors, is it safe to assume they get hotter than lighter colors? Could potentially damage the interior over time vs. a lighter color?
 
If anything it is one less "cover" I have to toss on after I take the boat out. I am gonna spring for a custom fit Carver in a few weeks, now to decide on color. People that own darker colors, is it safe to assume they get hotter than lighter colors? Could potentially damage the interior over time vs. a lighter color?
I asked the same question a while back about bimini tops. Really got no definitive answer, but based on what everybody said my own conclusion was it probably makes no difference.

I have 9 years on a bright read Carver, and only 2 years on a black one. So, my data is insufficient to answer. No problems with either yet.
 
It's not a "guaranteed to harm" kind of thing. But it can happen. This is just a "best practice" kind of thing.
My old tinny had a brand new canvas cover that I used in the garage and for over-the-road vacations. It looked like new. My second cover was identical, but it had been on the boat outdoors and had been retreated many times.

On the interstate when I knew it was going to rain, I used both covers - the good one underneath. Never had an issue with either.

Of course, the cover went on that 14 footer in about a minute and a half, so it was no bother either.
 
Thanks Jim for the feedback! I most likely will get a colored one that matches my boats scheme, spice things up a bit.
Also is it just me or is it kinda of wacky that all the online retailers that sell custom fit Carver covers pricing is all over the place. Not like $10-$20 different but like $100 different sometimes. SavvyBoater has the Sun-DURA for $370, while Boat Covers Direct has it for $470.
 
I've been in the marine business for nearly 30 years and a life-long boater... I have yet to see a dark colored canvas cause "hot" damage to the vinyl.
 
Thanks Jim for the feedback! I most likely will get a colored one that matches my boats scheme, spice things up a bit.
Also is it just me or is it kinda of wacky that all the online retailers that sell custom fit Carver covers pricing is all over the place. Not like $10-$20 different but like $100 different sometimes. SavvyBoater has the Sun-DURA for $370, while Boat Covers Direct has it for $470.
When I searched the first time (9 years ago), BCD was the one that came up and gave the best price. Last year when I bought my Whaler, and based on exemplary service, I didn't google it, I just went back to BCD.

In the end Carver is the bizness that warranties the product.
 
I have a 3 year old cover I bought from National Boat Covers for my 23' Cobalt. It was not the cheapest one and I think we paid $400-500. And we live in Louisiana and get almost, or more rain than Florida. The cover is still in great condition, has not faded and the bungy cord that keeps it tight around the hem is still as tight as ever. In fact we were so impressed we bought covers from them for our patio furniture.

When we first moved here I had to keep the cover strapped down tight with poles and PVC pipe in strategic places to prevent water pooling. I have since had a metal carport installed and I now just keep the cover on to keep out dust and critters.
Shawn
 
Well finally put my order in for a Custom Carver in Sun-DURA, specially with fall approaching more rain will be in store. Used SavvyBoater and got it for about $370 shipped for my 180 BR, excited to ditch the cover that came with the boat that is pretty beat. Will post pictures once I get it/put it on.
 
Finally got to install my new cover, great quality and fit. Only gripes were that it didn't include enough tie down straps for every loop, also I was under the impression it would have been elastic on the edges. Instead it was just a rope I pull tight/tie, lastly I had to buy a new support pole that has the snap end to use with the cover.
bfhnFzbl.jpg
 
Finally got to install my new cover, great quality and fit. Only gripes were that it didn't include enough tie down straps for every loop, also I was under the impression it would have been elastic on the edges. Instead it was just a rope I pull tight/tie, lastly I had to buy a new support pole that has the snap end to use with the cover.
bfhnFzbl.jpg
It looks like there is supposed to be a picture with your post, but it doesn't seem to be showing up?

Elastic wears out. Rope is better (and more secure). Most times, you don't need a tie down on every single loop. Did you check to see if the pole was reversible or had a removable cap to expose a snap end? Some of them are a "3-n-1" type.

The link Kevin supplied isn't working for me... but if it's the "ratchet" type setup... they work GREAT!
 
It looks like there is supposed to be a picture with your post, but it doesn't seem to be showing up?

Elastic wears out. Rope is better (and more secure). Most times, you don't need a tie down on every single loop. Did you check to see if the pole was reversible or had a removable cap to expose a snap end? Some of them are a "3-n-1" type.

The link Kevin supplied isn't working for me... but if it's the "ratchet" type setup... they work GREAT!
That is weird, I am able to see the image? Do you just see a blank space where the image should be?
Def. will have to pick up the ratcheting tool tho, my factory support poles are not a 3-in-1 deal. Went ahead and ordered the proper support poles, Thanks everyone!
 
Last edited:
I made my own cockpit cover by following a video on Sailrite. It does take a good sewing machine. I have a 24ft Searay Sundancer 1977 model. It took me about three days and cost about 150.00 including the snaps and some tools. I am about to start another one for my 1750 Bayliner Capri Cuddy. I have also made side panels and rear seats for the Bayliner by using their videos, they also have all the materials and tools you need to do the job.
 
B76292F4-4353-4F9A-B017-EFF5947C6DBD.jpeg
B76292F4-4353-4F9A-B017-EFF5947C6DBD.jpeg
Just had a tonneau cover made for my boat.
Keep it in the water at a marina over the summer and on trailer shrink wrapped over the winter.
Hopefully easier to take on and off then the full top and lasts.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
112,944
Messages
1,422,720
Members
60,927
Latest member
Jaguar65
Back
Top