185 Sprot covers

[79F150]

I have my 2008 Sea Ray 185 sport in the shop for some warranty work and trying to get them to price a cover for my boat. What is your opinion on covers? Should I pony up the $$$ for the covers that snap on or should I just get a slip on style? Boat has the wake board tower if it matter in the decision?

Is the snap on covers worth the $1000 (that is not a hard price just a number threw out at me) or are they charging to much.:huh:

 

[79F150]

Well I found a guy that will do it for $800 out the door and made with Sunbrella material. Marine Max came back with a $1000 for the cover and close to $1500 installed.

 

[black magic]

Is the boat is going to be exposed to the weather while the cover is on? Also, are you planning on transporting with the cover on? The reason I'm asking is a cheaper one may work if the your intention is to just keep it clean while in storage. If the boat is going to be sitting outside and/or you want to pull the boat with the cover on I would suggest one made for that.

The wife bought me an el cheapo($50ish) cover from walmart for christmas. My boat stays in my garage, so i know this will work for my needs (dust, bugs, etc.). I haven't put it on yet, but I will be within the next day or so. If you are interested in what I am using, I'll let you know how it fits and try to snap a few pics.

 

[chuck1]

"Black Magic" hit the nail on the head. It depends on what you need the cover for.

 

[TheJoker]

I would go with the snap ones. I have replaced my marine max custom fit one at 380 bucks each 3 times since I purchased the boat new and I regret not getting the snap on covers. Mine wont fit in my garage so it sits in sun.

 

[User Error]

One word eBay!!! They are so much cheaper on there. or order from Great Lakes website direct.. I've got the original snap on's on my 180, the only issue i'm seeing with them is I keep the boat under a tree and they are staining a bit from that but I have plans to build a car port which will solve that issue other than that they are great. You can also buy direct from the company that makes them for searay once the boat is 2 years old. Their contract says they can't sell the covers for brand new boats they have to be purchased from searay for the first 2 years. Great Lakes Boat Top Company is who makes the OEM covers. greatlakesboattop.com is their web site read up on them a bit.

 

[79F150]

Is the boat is going to be exposed to the weather while the cover is on? Also, are you planning on transporting with the cover on? The reason I'm asking is a cheaper one may work if the your intention is to just keep it clean while in storage. If the boat is going to be sitting outside and/or you want to pull the boat with the cover on I would suggest one made for that.

"Black Magic" hit the nail on the head. It depends on what you need the cover for.

Yes the boat will have to be stored outside but next year I plan to build a lean to off my barn to atleast cover it. Also I thought the snap on cover would be nice for in the summer when it is docked (even though covered).

I would go with the snap ones. I have replaced my marine max custom fit one at 380 bucks each 3 times since I purchased the boat new and I regret not getting the snap on covers. Mine wont fit in my garage so it sits in sun.

The guy that I am talking to is going to make the cover and install it for the $800. Made from that sunbrella material. Oh he is installing it at my house so he is coming to me to do it. Thought that was cool. He said he would make the cover to cover the windshield to is that normal?

One word eBay!!! They are so much cheaper on there. or order from Great Lakes website direct.. I've got the original snap on's on my 180, the only issue i'm seeing with them is I keep the boat under a tree and they are staining a bit from that but I have plans to build a car port which will solve that issue other than that they are great. You can also buy direct from the company that makes them for searay once the boat is 2 years old. Their contract says they can't sell the covers for brand new boats they have to be purchased from searay for the first 2 years. Great Lakes Boat Top Company is who makes the OEM covers. greatlakesboattop.com is their web site read up on them a bit.

I will have to check that out. Will they install because I don't want to be the person to drill those snaps?? Marine Max wanted almost $400 just to install the cover.


Thanks for the help guys..:thumbsup: