Cockpit cover on a Sundancer!!

[Alex D]

Ok, so I have a question. Why do you have to install the snaps. The boat should already have the snaps from the normal covers correct? I quess I was just thinking about it and got confused. Help :smt100

Cruisers do not usually have the snaps installed unless it was bought with an optional cover. also, even if it had one, the snaps are always in a different spot, so you must match the snaps on the cover to the boat to get the snug fit you need.

 

[Bridog]

The one downside to this setup is that you can forget about overhead casting from the cockpit if you are a fisherman, which I am not.

What happens when you actually want some sun? Does that roll up?

 

[STIHLBOLTS]

I remember those pictures from SRO. A very nice set up. :thumbsup:

 

[Bounty]

The one downside to this setup is that you can forget about overhead casting from the cockpit if you are a fisherman, which I am not.

What happens when you actually want some sun? Does that roll up?

Nope. But we get plenty of sun from the sides and aft. After I had my first basal skin cancer removed my affinity for the sun became more limited.

 

[dford]

340 Sundancer camper canvas

Thanks everyone, great ideas!

Don Ford

D3 of Us :grin:

 

[island trek1]

I also have a 1998 Sea ray 270 and it came with what I call a "winter cover" that already had the snaps. I like it because it snaps over and covers the windshield. I also recommend Great Lakes. They have great customer service. The tops of my bimini and camper tops needed replaced and I was able to just order the tops and use the original sides. I may replace the sides in a year or two but glad I didn't have to spend the cash on everything at once. It all fit well together.

 

[Bounty]

I also have a 1998 Sea ray 270 and it came with what I call a "winter cover" that already had the snaps. I like it because it snaps over and covers the windshield. I also recommend Great Lakes. They have great customer service. The tops of my bimini and camper tops needed replaced and I was able to just order the tops and use the original sides. I may replace the sides in a year or two but glad I didn't have to spend the cash on everything at once. It all fit well together.

Whenever my boat is docked other than during a trip, I have canvas covering all of my windshields. The thought of the sun beating down on my instruments and vinyl year after year is intolerable. My boat is entering its 7th year and it looks (and smells!) like new. These precautions pay off.

 

[Carpedmman]

Cockpit cover

I would check out this site.... http://www.greatlakesboattops.com/
They do most of the Sea Ray canvas for boats up to 34'. They probably did your original canvas and if you provide them with your Vehicle ID number they can tell you everything about your current canvas. The cockpit cover is fantastic for the times you don't want to install the whole canvas system.

 

[Kathyrau]

For all of you who completely cover your boats with canvas covers, I have a question. Do you have spiders in your cockpit when you uncover the boat? I was talking to one of my slip neighbors and he said that in general he doesn't have spiders in his cockpit when he arrives to take off the canvas which is a full one bow to stern with hangs over the edges with sand weights. Yes, they are around the edges but that is about it and he feels the cover keeps them out of the cockpit because he doesn't have the knats etc which are a food source the spiders look for.

I have the camper cover and the spiders just love it inside my cockpit - they love my covered zippers, the arch, the snapped edge between my windshield and the isenglass, etc. and are all tucked in there when I arrive.

Anyone have this experience . . . because if I can substantiate this I will buy a cover tomorrow!!

Kathy

 

[Carpedmman]

Spiders???

I think there will always be a few spiders around boats. Here on the West Coast there isn't hardly the amount of little guys compared to the Midwest. Your neighbor's cover sounds a bit extreme. Most cockpit covers go from the base of the windsheild to the stern. Hope this helps in your decision.

 

[gredmer]

This may sound stupid :smt101 , but..... I'm thinking of getting the cockpit cover for my 2007 240DA and my question is, how do you reach the snaps along the bottom of the windshield? Can you reach them by standing on the cabin door step? Without the room to walk along the sides on these new boats it doesn't seem like an easy task.

 

[Hampton]

Yes. I have a 1997 250 with a walkaround, but we don't use it to put the cockpit cover on.

Start with it in the "On" position. Unsnap it from the stern as you climb aboard. Roll it forward on itself as you unsnap until you have it lying over the windshield. Stand on the step and unsnap it at the base of the windshielf by reaching over. Pull the last flap back over toward yourself, then fold 1/3 from the right and 1/3 from the left to make a nice sized rectangle. Store away.

End of day - Take cover out and place on center of windshield with exposed snaps toward bow. Unfold left and right. Snap forward snaps at base of windshield by leaning over from the step. Continue to unroll back and snap in place.

Have a nice day.

 

[Bounty]

For all of you who completely cover your boats with canvas covers, I have a question. Do you have spiders in your cockpit when you uncover the boat? I was talking to one of my slip neighbors and he said that in general he doesn't have spiders in his cockpit when he arrives to take off the canvas which is a full one bow to stern with hangs over the edges with sand weights. Yes, they are around the edges but that is about it and he feels the cover keeps them out of the cockpit because he doesn't have the knats etc which are a food source the spiders look for.

I have the camper cover and the spiders just love it inside my cockpit - they love my covered zippers, the arch, the snapped edge between my windshield and the isenglass, etc. and are all tucked in there when I arrive.

Anyone have this experience . . . because if I can substantiate this I will buy a cover tomorrow!!

Kathy

Never had a single spider.