Factory Boat Cover?

[millsjq]

I am in need of a boat cover for a used 04 196 that I have purchased. I like the cover that comes with the new boats from the factory as an option. Does anyone know what the manufacture is. Or is my only recourse to go to the dealer and if so what they charge.

[NautiqueJeff]

I would recommend not going with a factory cover for several reasons.

First, I don't believe that the material itself is breathable. Also, if I remeber correctly, they have plastic air vents. These are not the best at allowing residual moisture to escape, and might let rain water in.

Second, the factory covers use a drawstring and side ropes to hold the cover in place. This makes the cover unusable for trailering, and basically unusable with the boat in the water.

I would recommend a good quality Sunbrella cover that snaps under the rubrail. I have this type of cover, and I absolutely love it. I had a factory-style cover for my '94, and the difference between that and the cover on my new boat is great. I can tow with it, use it in the water, etc without worries.

[efox]

How does that cover slip over the platform and stay put with snaps? I know what you mean about the others being unusable in the water, but I can still get it over the boat in the water and cinch up the drawstring.

Thanks,

Eric

[patoloco]

I agree about the snap on cover vs. factory cover. The cover on my 99 air is sunbrella and I think it looks good and wears well. I think the snaps under the rub rail are probably the best setup as there are no straps to rub and allows very little movement of the cover when trailering.

My only conerns are the long term effects of the of the snap under the rub rail....will they wear out a larger hole...will they eventually ruin the rub rail, etc. But I have had mine for 2 years and no problems thus far.

I would advise going to a well respected place to have one made as it is a bit of an art to get it to fit well. They also left openings around the cleats so that it could be used on the water.

As far as the swim platform, mine is tailored to fit over the platform and snap on to the bottom of the platform in the back.

[NautiqueJeff]

Mine is similar. It snaps around the outside edge of the platform.