Cover. Might sound silly...

HawkX66

Well-Known Member
Jul 27, 2020
1,344
SE Virginia and NH
Boat Info
"Tread Knot"
1997 Sea Ray Sundancer 290DA

2020 F350 6.7L
Engines
454 L29 Carb w/ Bravo III
I've spent quite a bit on the boat this year so I'm trying to reel the spending in a little. I'm about to spend more on a new replacement bimini enclosure also.
Any thoughts as to why a 5th wheel RV cover wouldn't work?
We don't get much snow thankfully, so it's really just for leaves and uv protection.
There would be some extra fabric for height probably, but for $200-$300 I thought it might be worth it. In reality it would cover the trailer too which is a bonus. The cut outs are kind of cool for access to wax or whatever too.
Any thoughts?

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Like where your going! I too am looking for a cover. Last year was our first year on land and it was in a pinch we found a person selling billboard tarps that had been taken down. We were able to purchase one that was 40 x60 for less than $100 and ironically it was an ad from a boat dealer and repair company! We flipped it so that the blank side was up and secured it with thick rubber bungee straps to the trailer. It was tight, snug and secure all winter. We did have to deal with a pocket of water that formed on the front between rails - the tarp was not waterproof and made a pool up there- but that was due to our mistake and we learned from it.
 
Like where your going! I too am looking for a cover. Last year was our first year on land and it was in a pinch we found a person selling billboard tarps that had been taken down. We were able to purchase one that was 40 x60 for less than $100 and ironically it was an ad from a boat dealer and repair company! We flipped it so that the blank side was up and secured it with thick rubber bungee straps to the trailer. It was tight, snug and secure all winter. We did have to deal with a pocket of water that formed on the front between rails - the tarp was not waterproof and made a pool up there- but that was due to our mistake and we learned from it.
My wife saw those and suggested that too, but for the same reason I don't want to use a tarp, I'd rather not use one of those.
Just trying to think outside the box a little on this one.
 
I used to tarp my 330 before I got lazy and started getting it shrink wrapped. Its pretty easy to build a teepee with a 2x4 header with vertical 2x4 supports and just rope to the cleats and bow rails to stabilize it and to hold the tarp to prevent rain pooling spits. Then a large tarp lays nice and flat and off of the boat surface and canvas. Rope and bungees running under the boat holds the tarp tight and minimizes wind flap (ie no scratches). We have snow so my teepee height was pretty high. With no snow load you have an easier time.
 
My buddy used to use pool covers. They worked great. But just like the guys that use blue tarps, he had mold and mildew every Spring.
 
My buddy used to use pool covers. They worked great. But just like the guys that use blue tarps, he had mold and mildew every Spring.
I'm in S.VA. That's why I don't want to use tarp materials. Mold and mildew can be nightmares here. I'd rather leave it uncovered than tarp it.
 
Heres the best idea I’ve seen to date for building the wooden frame. These guys are cabinet makers by trade and rebuilt their 46’ Express Cruise from literally from the fiberglas up.

https://my1987searay.com/2019/11/10/finally/
 

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Do you have room for a RV/boat canopy? For several years before we began storing our ski boat indoors, I used one of these canopies and then used a lightweight cover directly on the boat. The canopy provided excellent protection from the elements and I had no moisture issues using the lightweight cover.
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I'm in S.VA. That's why I don't want to use tarp materials. Mold and mildew can be nightmares here. I'd rather leave it uncovered than tarp it.
If you leave the ends of the tarp open at the top at each end and use a frame there will be airflow. But I get the issue of mold risk. Better than uncovered though. You will get moss and algae growth in the canvas uncovered.
 
I'm in S.VA. That's why I don't want to use tarp materials. Mold and mildew can be nightmares here. I'd rather leave it uncovered than tarp it.
We use a cockpit cover, all windows open, no problems, sunbrella is breathable. If you have that option. Last winter i saw a hellalot boats at marina with $400 shrink wrap. We got no snow. Like why?
PS our sliding side, aft cabin windows are never ever closed, ever. Cabin is fresh, air circulation is the trick.
 
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Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm building a stick built 40' x 50' gambrel garage attached in the next couple of years. That's where the boat is eventually going to go. It should have been built last year, but guess what happened... I'm just looking at something temporary for now. There's a million $100-$150 RV covers for sale used that I can buy. There are quite a few that were never opened. 34'-37' will do the trick I think. My tentative plan right now is to leave the bimini enclosure up and build a light weight tent frame over the bow out of 1" or so pvc tubing to keep the rain from pooling. The RV cover will go over all that.
If I were going semi permanent I'd either go with a metal garage or something like what shoyrtt posted. They're realatively in expensive and easy to put up.
 
Similar here Northern Tool frame work first, then raised it with some 2" EMT from Home depot.
After the original cover wore out upgraded to a heavy duty.

Prices have gone up quite a bit.
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200485242_200485242

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I actually have one of those shelter logic temp sheds for storage while I'm building my barn. It's 12x20, but I don't think it's big enough for the boat. I want the whole thing covered if I'm going to bother covering it. I had two, but a tornado didn't like one of them for some reason...
I just spent some time clearing some space in my woods to store some of my crap.

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