Cockpit Cover for Winter

DVILLANDRE

Member
Apr 26, 2015
40
long island
Boat Info
1999 38" sundancer
Engines
454 gas
I have a 38' 1999 Searay Sundancer. I'm going to get a custom cockpit cover and use it for winter. Previously, I shrinkwrapped the boat and feel that it is so wasteful and I always seem to get mold on the seats in the rear of the boat. Should I cover the windshield with the cover? I don't know what the advantages/disadvantages are.
 
something to think about would be a fisher canvas. I was lucky enough to pick one up used on CL for cheap for our boat, but they really pay for themselves pretty quickly. You do have to build a frame but if you do it out of PVC its reusable. The problem with a sunbrella or other type of cockpit only cover is you stand to get a lot of buildup on the bow. Snow and ice can really do some damage. Also, a cockpit cover could be overcome by the weight. They're in NJ, so probably would come out and install it for you this year so you can see it. Here's their site and my boat with the cover on from the other day

http://www.fishercanvas.com/

IMG_2989.JPG

image2.jpeg
 
I would cover the windshield it looks neat. ;) Plus it will keep the sun out of the cockpit saving your interior and will keep it from heating up like a green house.

If I was pulling out of the water like Strecker25 I would probably pick up a cover like he purchased. That looks nice.

2v2uCP292xf2ik.jpg

2v2uCP2vExf2ik.jpg
 
I would cover the windshield it looks neat. ;) Plus it will keep the sun out of the cockpit saving your interior and will keep it from heating up like a green house.

If I was pulling out of the water like Strecker25 I would probably pick up a cover like he purchased. That looks nice.

2v2uCP292xf2ik.jpg

2v2uCP2vExf2ik.jpg

good point, I assumed he was coming out for the winter. Your boat looks great
 
good point, I assumed he was coming out for the winter. Your boat looks great

Thanks, It's coming along. I pulled out the cockpit cover a week ago and put it on for the 1st time. If this is the original cover it's in pretty good shape for 19 years old. The cover is missing about 20+ snaps and the back shrunk about 2". A local canvas company came by and gave me an estimate to rehab the cover for $150 including new snaps w/reinforcement material, fix a few seams where stitching has come loose and add an extension piece to the back so it will fit again.
 
something to think about would be a fisher canvas. I was lucky enough to pick one up used on CL for cheap for our boat, but they really pay for themselves pretty quickly. You do have to build a frame but if you do it out of PVC its reusable. The problem with a sunbrella or other type of cockpit only cover is you stand to get a lot of buildup on the bow. Snow and ice can really do some damage. Also, a cockpit cover could be overcome by the weight. They're in NJ, so probably would come out and install it for you this year so you can see it. Here's their site and my boat with the cover on from the other day

http://www.fishercanvas.com/

View attachment 51480
View attachment 51481
I second that. Their winter covers are second to none and the company is great to work with.
 
I use my cockpit cover during peak summer. I had it made to snap to the top of the windshield to make it easer to take on and off (less material). If you are just using it for the winter then i would go with covering the windshield. Also, do you already have snaps in place to cover the windshield? If not then you would have to add them. In that case I would just use the snaps at the top of the windshield.
 
So if I do get a cockpit cover (sunbrella)for the winter (boat out of the water) will I still get alot of moisture inside of the boat? I will get damp rid but it won't have air holes like the shrinkwrap had.
 
So if I do get a cockpit cover (sunbrella)for the winter (boat out of the water) will I still get alot of moisture inside of the boat? I will get damp rid but it won't have air holes like the shrinkwrap had.

Sunbrella actually breathes a bit as long as there’s no seamark vinyl on the back.
 

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