Canopy vs No Canopy on Lift?

[jeffolsen]

I need to upgrade my lift with the hopeful purchase of a G23. I'm curious to hear the communities take on canopy versus no canopy on the lift. I have had a Shorestation w/ a canopy for several years and other than replacing stuff (cost), it's been helpful to have it there as a layer of protection. That said, my local boat guy strongly recommends not purchasing a canopy and investing that $ in a nice cover for the boat.

Anyone have an opinion on the topic? Thanks in advance.

[charlesml3]

Anyone have an opinion on the topic? Thanks in advance.

Can you post some photos of what you're describing? That would make this much easier.

-Charles

[ScooterMcgavin]

Both... A canopy to keep sun,rain and elements off boat when not covered with cover and off while drying out. Then after its dry put the cover on to keep dust and bugs out. But the canopy will make your cover last much longer as it will keep elements off the cover.

[swatguy]

We choose to forgo the canopy. Heres why that's the call for us.

With two younger girls we like going to the dock and hanging out. We don't have a huge "hangout space " at the end of our dock. It's just the standard 4ft wide dock to the lift. We like to relax in the boat , swim off the back , and kick the tunes and relax in the boat at the dock when our smaller lake gets riddled with lake roaches and wallys on the weekend afternoons . So having a canopy would kill that part.


If you dont don't have any reason to do that Canopy all the way

[Quinner]

Have Shorestation w/canopy also and IMO you definitely want to keep your canopy, if you are buying another Shorestation your existing canopy should work with the new lift, only question is if your canopy is long enough for complete coverage. The real question will be how you have it set up, mine as an example I have the canopy just high enough that I can get under with my tower up and crank the boat just out of the water, if my tower is down I can crank up much higher of course and tighter to the underside of the canopy which provides much better coverage from the sun. If the boat is going to sit for a few days unused or bad weather is coming I will go thru the process of breaking the bimini down and folding the tower, which on my 206 take about 10-15min. Believe the G towers fold pretty easily depending on if/what bimini you have. Another great advantage of the canopy is having the ability to leave the boat uncovered so it can air out even if there is a chance of rain. Will see if I can find a pic to post for you.

[Jeff88]

Just went through this same scenario. We decided to forgo the canopy and invested in a over the tower cover. I don't regret it. The cover breaths enough to let the boat dry when putting it away wet and the boat stays very clean....no UV damage, dust, etc.

[SANonTellico]

Both. I have a 26' tower (deep) styled canopy for my SAN 210 which provides great protection for the boat.
I also have a cheap, oversized boat cover that I use to eliminate pollen, bugs, etc. from getting in the boat.
my boat is always dry and is fully protected.

swatguy mentioned that they use the boat as "hang out" space since they have limited space on their dock - I do the same but a little differently.
I have space on my dock to sit and relax on sunny days but on rainy days, I like to sit on the boat and watch the rain, play on my ipad, take a nap, etc.

[DocPhil]

Dude, sometimes after a long day of boating the last thing I want to do is fart around with a cover. I vote canopy for sure.

[mlsurfco]

Agree w DocPhil... Get the canopy. Its a huge time saver.

[scottb7]

canopy for sure...cover would trap too much moisture, be a pain to deal with, and...sometimes i go out to the boat and take a nap...i am old...

[Shockthis]

I had canopy before we moved, new lift has no canopy , what a hassle covering it every night. Get the canopy, I would get one but we will get a new boat soon and have to upgrade lifts again. Next lift will have a canopy

[Evening Shade]

Definitely want a canopy. There is a reason so many people park/store their RVs under a shelter. It's UV rays. They will ruin your cover in a few years.

I'm currently in the market for lake property and there is a very nice lake about an hour away, but you are not allowed to have a covered boat slip there. I won't even look at houses on that lake for that very reason.

[swc5150]

Canopy for sure. WI pollen alone is reason enough.

[DocPhil]

Canopy for sure. WI pollen alone is reason enough.

My canopy doesn't do that great in protecting from pollen.

I use a canopy and cover through pollen season but I'm sure a lot of that depends on canopy depth, wind, location, etc.

[mcosub]

I have a roof over my boat and my only complaint is that the birds sit up in there and crap all over my boat.........so I have to keep the cover on the boat now to keep the bird crap out!!