Cover entire Boat or just the Center Console

[dpvandy01]

Hey there all,

Not for my Sea Ray but I'd like some thoughts on covering my Pro-Line 20 Center Console at my Florida home. So I have been trying to purchase a cover for this boat and have had one hell of a time getting this right. I am on my 3rd attempt to purchase and despite this latest effort I have had ZERO success. My latest purchase was from a company that sells "Semi-Custom" covers made with Sunbrella Windstorm. The cover material is extremely robust however the cover isn't even close to fitting. It is supposed to be a "trailerable" cover but it is at least 8 inches short of the mark on the port side and 3 or so short on the starboard. My question (which im pretty sure I already know the answer to) is what are your thoughts on purchasing a cover that only covers the Center Console (below the Hard Top covering the helm and leaning post)? That would leave the rest of the boat exposed to the South Florida sun which I know will cause more work for me to keep up on the wax but all of the cushions are removable and would be place in my garage when not in use. I am in the process of returning the latest failed attempt and am looking for other options. Having a custom canvas guy do the work will likely be around $2300 at least from the first quote I received. Soooooo?? Cover the CC or continue the quest for a proper fit on the entire boat
Here are a few pics of the latest attempt along with the CC only cover option

 

[Woody]

How about just put a roof over the lift.

 

[dpvandy01]

Condo Association sure aint gonna go for that..

 

[scoflaw]

I just cover the console, but mines just a beater, no wax. I take the stereo equipment out and the leaning post seat. Seams to do just fine ion sw fla.

 

[Woody]

Condo Association sure aint gonna go for that..

They won't allow even a simple canvas boat lift canopy?

 

[dpvandy01]

They won't allow even a simple canvas boat lift canopy?

Not likely, It would obstruct the view of the water for the 1st and 2nd floor units. I'm on the 3rd (top) floor and honestly I don't think I'd like to look at that either

 

[blaster]

I say your idea of covering the console is going to be your best option given the circumstances. The hardtop makes it pretty much impossible to find the right fit without going custom for $$$. Even then a big heavy cover will be a pain and may be a deterrent to taking the boat out on quick trips.

I have a full cover for the whaler that I used one time. I just use the console cover since it's way easier to handle. Only way I would use the full cover would be for long term storage, and since I keep it garaged...

Yes you will have to wash and wax it more frequently, but that would probably be a wash compared to fighting a heavy full cover, especially in the wind.

Beautiful spot you have down there in FL, best of luck with your decision.

 

[fwebster]

The 15 Dauntless "blaster" mentioned in the previous post was mine at one time. I kept it in Florida both on a (borrowed) lift for about a year, then moved it to the marina. I have also owned my 450DA since 1997 and I've learned that the Florida sun does more damage to a boat than salt water.

It isn't just a matter of more work, but figuring out the frequency of waxing and compounding necessary to keep the boat from oxidizing. If you only make occasional trips to Florida, then you will probably be waxing every trip down. It took 3-4 wax/polish trips around the 450 every year when I was out in the open (love my covered slip!) and Sea Ray has about the best gelcoat in the business.

Back to the Whaler, our boat had a console and seat covers made of light gauge Sunbrella. I bought a "best (like in good, better, best) custom fit cover for the whole boat from Overtons for it, but never got around to using it. My suggestion would be to get a whole boat cover that fits then plan on it just protecting the boat from the sun, birds, and dirt and not worry about rain. Everyone that uses them in our area adapts the off the shelf cover buy adding slots or pockets for fitting around T-top supports, antennae, etc. and not over them.

You could also just have seat covers and a console cover made so they snap on and let the gelcoat go until you see how bad it is going to fade/oxidize. The vinyl, foam and seat bottoms as well as the console is where the maintenance/repair cost is. I never got around to fitting the whole boat cover to the Whaler because the seat and console covers were so easy and quick.......and it appears that "blaster" has also found that to be true.

 

[dpvandy01]

Thanks for the input as always. I plan to be there for 5 or 6 days at a time about every 6 weeks year-round. With a few longer 10 day visits as well.

 

[dpmulvey]

Whole boat. UV and pollution is UV and pollution.