good boat covers?

[AirJeff]

So, we are looking for a cover for our '02 Air Nautique that we just picked up. :lol: I know several people have suggested www.skiboatcovers.com but the covers there are kind of expensive.(But they sure look nice) I was wondering if anyone had used Overtons or had any feedback on their covers. Or, if there were any other places that I should check into.

[SilverSpraySports]

The covers from skiboatcovers.com is what we use (we provide the Nautiques for them to make the patterns). They do a really nice job with them. I would not consider spending the money for a polyduck cover. They are a cotton/polyester blend that only lasts about 2-3 years. The sunbrella have a 5 year guarantee on them and I have seen them last 10+ years. As far as covers from Overtons, my biggest gripe is that they don't fit that well to the boat. They aren't very easy to tie down if you want to tow with them. I would highly recommend a custom made cover from a canvas shop. You will be much happier with the fit and quality. (what is a little more when you have already made such a large investment?!)

-Doug

[Socbum]

Doug is spot on with his advise on the covers. If you go cheap you will need to buy another cover in about 2 years.

I have gone through several covers and the best ones that I have used are the custom made models.

[AirJeff]

Thanks for the input! I'll be checking on a custom cover to see what those run. The reason I was asking about Overtons is the prices. These are "custom" but I'm sure they're not a great fit.
poly/cotton duck ~ $265
poly ~ $305
sunbrella ~ $540
Skiboatcovers.com wants a bit more, do they ever have a sale?
poly/cotton duck - $540
sunbrella - $725

[Christopher-W.-Becker]

All,

Not endorsing any dealer, but I got the cover for my 2004 216 with tower from Silver Spray Sports (Doug above). It was the sumbrella and I cannot talk highly enough about it. They do a real nice job with the "holes" for the tower frame. It may let a little water in, but still allows the cover to be pulled tight all the way around. With the 14 pull down loops, yes 14, you can pull the entire cover tight without folds or waves. I paid less than the $725 subrella from Overtons cited above. For the 216 they use three poles to keep a peak and prevent water accumulation.

Unfortunately (or fortunately) I have not towed with the cover yet, so I don't know how that will go. But based on how tigth the cover pulls I am confident that I will not have a problem.

If anyone requests, I will take a pic with the cover on and a pic of the detail of the wrap around the tower.

P.S. I still have one "betterment" to the cover I am exploring, and that is a rain cover for around the tower to make sure no water gets in through those holes (what can I say I am an engineerin AND a perfectionist).

[BigBald]

I would also recommend a custom cover. It is worth the money in the long run.

I recently had an 1988 SN with a tie down cover. I also had some experience with a borrowed boat that had a tie down cover (Don't know if it was custom fit or just made for that model boat). I currently have a boat with a snap down system (under the rub rail). It is awesome. My boys (9 & 11) can easily remove or attach the cover by themselves. Plus it tows pretty good. I still suggest long hauls without the cover.

Just my two cents worth.

[igkya]

Chris, I'd like to see some pics of your cover

[bhamnautique]

We purchased a Sunbrella cover from Overtons about a month agoand have been quite happy with it. It's a good fit and with 2 aftermarket poles to help lift the center, it doesn't collect any water at all or leak. I'd recommend them.

[Johnsongc]

I bought a cover from Overtons and have been very disapointed in it. Bad fit, and when left in the sun, it leaves a stain on my seats and engine cover.

[Christopher-W.-Becker]

All,

Here are picturs of the details showing the how skiboatcovers.com cover go around the tower.

Has three poles which snap to the cover.

I finally towed with it in prep for vacation and it towed fine. Did put 3/4" pipe insulation over the winshield to keep down the wear.

No marks.