Boat Cover

[jackson2088]

Looking for suggestions for a good boat cover for my 2001 215 Express Cruiser. They guy I bought it from stored it indoors however I do not have the space in my garage. I have a cockpit cover but I am looking for something that covers the entire boat preferably custom fit. Any help on where I can buy is appreciated.

 

[Dave 205]

There are a lot of options. The original canvas usually comes from Great Lakes. You could try that.

http://www.greatlakesboattop.com/

A major supplier of customs and semi-customs is Overton's. I bought one of their Sharkskin covers for trailering. It's a custom and fits well.

http://www.greatlakesboattop.com/

Venting in your cover is probably important to consider if your boat will be outside full time.

 

[dpvandy01]

Check your hull id number. If it starts with SERA###### then it doesn't have canvas from Great Lakes,, it's likely from Westland. If that's the case you'll need to go with a local custom canvas fitter as GL won't have a template for your boat and Westland destroyed theirs during the bitter divorce from Sea Ray. Even though they are both in business and both in the same building. It's a pain in the ass of a situation.

 

[dpvandy01]

As for the Overtons covers,,,,,, THE MOSTLY SUCK

 

[wish2fish]

dp,
I got my cover from overtons and it is a Westland. It fits great and has had significant outdoor use over 5 summers and is holding up well. Did they change their vendor for the semi custom covers since I bought one?

 

[K9Deuce]

I bought a Taylor Made . I have a snap In canvas that I use when trailering etc .( came from factory) however since mine sits on trailer I wanted something that covers more of the top/side areas since the sun really beats on those areas and the factory cover doesn't protect them. I have had this for 3 years now and it works great, I also vented it with one of the option kits. I suggest two covers one for trailering or mooring and the other when it sits on the trailer. The snap will last alot longer, not fade and fall apart so your protected as you roll down the road or dock it ... plus it will look good...Just my opinion.

 

[tcason]

I like the way these covers go below water line.

http://www.fishercanvas.com/

 

[beernutz]

For the frugal boater: I bought this one in May and it still looks brand new, plus it was only $90 with free shipping: http://www.amazon.com/VORTEX-HEAVY-VHULL-RUNABOUT-AVAILABLE/dp/B00414S9NG/ref=cm_cr-mr-title

Previously I'd owned a Walmart cover for which I'd paid about $110 but it mildewed and deteriorated after less than two years use to the point that I wouldn't recommend it at all.

 

[claude]

Recently asked for a quote on a top from Great Lakes and they never replied

 

[Trucky]

For the frugal boater: I bought this one in May and it still looks brand new, plus it was only $90 with free shipping: http://www.amazon.com/VORTEX-HEAVY-VHULL-RUNABOUT-AVAILABLE/dp/B00414S9NG/ref=cm_cr-mr-title

Previously I'd owned a Walmart cover for which I'd paid about $110 but it mildewed and deteriorated after less than two years use to the point that I wouldn't recommend it at all.

I got a cover from Vortex Direct and liked the quality overall, especially for the price. I emailed the company prior to purchasing and gave them the dimensions, year, make, model and included a photo of my boat. They assured me that their 20-22' cover would fit as long as I laid down or removed the bimini. I got this cover in August for winter storage and never tried it on for size until last week. My own fault, but I trusted the information I got from the company. If I had a bow rider I'm sure it would fit nicely but I have a Sundeck and it fails miserable along the bow. Now I do understand return policies and all but I made the purchase based on their direct confirmation that it would fit. They are not willing to take it back.

Anyone interested in a new cover for a discount? Bums me but I can blame me for not doing the test fit as soon as I got it.

*Not my boat in the pic below...

 

[doodle's dad]

Trucky,

What color is it and how much are looking to get out of it??

 

[Trucky]

Trucky,

What color is it and how much are looking to get out of it??

Sorry sir, I sold it on craigslist for $80. A week later I got an email from the company saying they would allow me to return it for a refund if I paid the shipping. I paid $90 for it including shipping so I figure I still came out ahead since shipping would be close to $20.

The company's responses were quick and direct when I was looking to purchase. the reply when there was a problem took almost 2 weeks.

They still have a good cover for the price if you find one that fits your boat.

 

[runningstix]

I went through this whole dilemma of finding a cover as well, primarily for the winter months. We just bought our boat in March and had our first child in June so spending a lot of money on a custom cover wasnt in the cards this year. I did however want something with more coverage than the cockpit cover.

I ended up going with the Taylor Made V-HULL Cuddy IO 19'5"-20'4" 102 Navy (TAY72720ON) $216.89 from boatersland.com. I figured for this price if it lasted a couple of years it was worth it. I store my boat in a 3-sided storage structure with a boat on one side of me and an rv on the other. I have about 6' in front of the boat before it is affected by the elements, so it was more for sun and random dirt. This cover would actually be perfect if I buy their webbing system that goes from side to side under the cover. Since there is no chance of snow on my boat I didn't use anything under the cover so it did scrunch a bit on the sides, which is expected as a semi-custom cover.

Here is a crappy picture