Question:
I need to replace my current boat cover (old and getting holes and tears in
it) with a new one. I will now be keeping my boat on a lift at a marina and
no longer in the garage so I need one that will fit tight, possibly with a
drawstring that will allow me to cinch it tight around the hull. For those
that moor their boats or keep them in a marina, what have you done and what
would you recommend? I am not so interested in it being a cover that I can
trailer the boat with but I do want one to fit well. What type of fabric
Answer:
You can buy a fully custom cover from a local canvas shop, but they
tend to be very expensive. The other option is to buy one from a
local or mail order store. Most of the covers will fit fine. Just be
sure to get a cover that is custom made for your boat. I think they
are classified as semi-custom covers. For instance - I own a 93 MC
PS190, so I recently bought a cover that was specifically designed for
the 91-94 MC PS190's and it fits great. They usually come with the
drawstring you want, and towing straps (or at least the sewn in rings
to use for towing straps).
After you find a suitable size, then you have to consider which
fabric. Sunbrella is probably the best to use, but it is also the
most expensive. It holds up well in the sun, but it isn't completely
water proof (good water resistant characteristics, but not water
proof). That's why you need to make sure the water doesn't puddle on
the cover because it will eventually soak through. The plus side is
that is does breathe well, so mildew will have a harder time growing.
This is probably going to act very similarly to your factory cover
(most are not water proof either - but do breathe well).
Another popular fabric is Sharkskin. This is a fabric with a
plastic-like coating. It is more water proof than the Sunbrella, but
it also doesn't breathe very well. So you have to be careful or mold
and mildew will be more likely to grow. I have one of these covers
(couldn't pass up on the great deal I got at the time) and I use one
of those kids "water noodles" that I slip under the handrail and bend
down over the side of the boat. This creates a 2-3 inch space between
the cover and the side of the boat to help it breathe. I've had no
problems with mildew even after mooring it on the water all winter,
but it is more of a concern with this cover.
Do not buy a plain fabric or canvas cover. They may be the cheapest,
but they won't hold up well in the sun and they aren't very water
resistant either.
