boat covers

[rli2]

I am looking for advice re: choice of boat cover- I am planning one buying an air 216 TE- The boat will likely be stored on a shore station during the summer and in my garage in the winter. Should I get a one piece cover that goes around the tower or a custom 2 piece cover (one that covers the open bow, one covers the main area). I think the 2 piece might be easier to remove/ replace, but I do not know what the external fastening devices for this type of cover would do for the appearance of the boat (does it look bad?)- If anyone has a photo of their boat with such a 2 piece custom cover I would appreciate it if you could include it in your respponse to this e-mail.

[Deuce]

In my personal gallery(page 2) I have a series of photos that I took of my snap cover(bow/cockpit).

As far as looks....I don't even notice the snaps when the cover is not on. It is my personal favorite as far as covers go. Towable and VERY easy on and off. Easy to store.

My boat is stored indoors during the off season, I would not use it as a Winter cover if it was out in the elements.

E.J.

[ddgueth]

Although I bought a 211TE, I struggled with the same decision. In the end, I went with the drawstring cover. I just couldn't put snaps on the deck of the boat. AirNautique211 initially put snaps on the rub rail and that didn't work out. It may not be a problem on the 216. I believe he modified his set up and placed just underneath the rub rail. I think that's a much better option than on the deck; I chose snapless. See attached pictures of a 211 with two piece snap cover, a 210 with snaps under rail, & AirNautique211's snaps under the rail. It sure helped me make my decision to get feedback from other owners. Good Luck!

[AirNautique211]

Yes, I did initialy have snaps in the rubrail last season. Several of the snaps came out and needed replaced. Instead we asked our dealer to replace the rub rail and switched to straps. The straps fit into pockets when not in use and a draw string is used to snug up the cover. This is mostly done while boat is on the lift, not when trailored. The draw string sentch is located on the side of the boat near the tower. Due to the need for the cover to be fitted around rack, one side has hooks that are put in place around the rack. The other side is the sentch area.

I have not yet seen the changes, but the dealer says it works great. In fact, I haven't seen my boat in a while and these pictures are starting to make me anxious for good weather.

Good luck with your cover!

[Mikeski]

Your situaiton sounds pretty close to mine, see the pictures of my new boat cover in the other boat cover thread below.

[AirNautique211]

Hey guys - now I am getting stoked. Looking at the picture above of my boat at the Eagle Cove Courtesy Slip, I noticed a couple of other things that we have changed for '05.

1) We changed out the bimini for a Tower Bimini as recommended by all of you. I wish I had spent more time previously investigating biminis, but it's all good - the dealer gave me a credit on the old one and installed the new free of charge. Haven't seen it but am excited.

2) We added the Nautique Tower Mirror. It should work out alot better.

I am pumped up - and there still a good month before weather is suitable for riding!!

[jasper]

I've never had a snap cover so I can't comment on the ease of use, etc. relating to one. I have stored a boat for many years on a lift in a covered boat slip and have always used a draw string cover. Be sure to get get a cover that covers the swim platform if you have teak and the sun can hit it while the boat is on the lift. I had the cinch cord and ratchet pully put on the side so I could access it easily from the side of the boat while it is in the lift. Cover and uncovering is quick and easy. Roll or flip from the stern towards the bow to take it off.

[Edwin]

two piece cover

Just added one to my boat this winter...couldn't be happier. Don't notice the snaps when using the boat either.

[redelf75]

I have a 216 with the full cover and find it a pain. I trailer to the lake everyday, so putting the cover on and off is major part of my summer. So I see the advantage of a 2 piece design like leaving the bow cover if it's cold out or I'm just going for some serious skiing with just 2 others. Storage of the main section would be easier too. And I also have to remover the trailer bow stopper when removing/putting on the cover (see pic). But I just can't seem to bring myself to drill into the boat...

My dealer also sells the prestigious line of Cobalt and they all come with 2 piece tops from the factory. the snaps don't really stand out when you're enjoying the boat. Only the owner get a little too anal about them. But that's why we all belong to Planet Nautique, insn't it?

[Deuce]

Yep....previous boat was a Cobalt & had snap covers. When I purchased my SAN, first thing I did before delivery was have them add the snap covers & my trampoline bimini.

redelf, we leave the front cover often during cool mornings. It is also handy covered storage during cloud bursts....and has even become a cool fort/shelter from the sun for my son on occasion.

E.J.

[rli2]

re boat covers

Thanks for the advice- I think I will avoid puting snaps on my boat-

[redelf75]

Seems like the 2 piece is too practical to ignore. I think I'm going to have mine cut down.

jeff, I see your cover doesn't extend over the bow. Did you request it that way to avoid my trailer issue?

[NautiqueJeff]

jeff, I see your cover doesn't extend over the bow. Did you request it that way to avoid my trailer issue?

Yes, well, Mid-Ohio had the cover altered before I picked up the boat. They noticed a potential problem with the bowstop on the trailer, and had the cover modified to rectify the situation. My cover has a small canvas loop at the very front that I hook to the trailer with a small bungee cord. It works very well, and the cover isn't held in place by the bowstop. I'll try to snap a picture soon if I remember.