CoverSource - Brent Fleming

[NautiqueJeff]

Some of you will recognize the name Brent Fleming, from CoverSourceInternational. I haven't had one of Brent's covers since 2014, and I have heard all of the stories about how he is kind of difficult to work with. That said, I decided to try him anyway.

My experience with Brent has been very good. He isn't computer savvy, but he has worked with me via e-mail to get this cover ordered, and a second one for the 2002 Ski Nautique I am working on.

Not only that, but he has followed up, asking me for my thoughts on how to improve the attachment system these covers use at the rear of the boat. He doesn't have a Ski Nautique of this era around to test with, so we have been working on a few improvements for covers for these models. That said, the cover I have right now is his original design, and it is very good. If he hadn't asked me to help him figure out some modifications, I never would have even thought they were necessary. He's going to implement the changes for the second cover, and I should have that one soon.

The design of these covers is unique. They fit so tightly that they don't use any support poles, which is really nice. You can adjust the tightness of the fit by moving the velcro rail grabs on the sides of the cover, and by tightening the straps at the back. It really is a very cool design. This also makes them trailerable, since they stay so tight and there are no flapping straps on the sides.

Brent will be my go-to source for covers going forward.

[SilentSeven]

+1. I picked up a new cover about two months ago from Brent for my 2004 206 to replace my well used PO supplied Brent coversports cover. Brent's local here to me in the Seattle area and I've had the pleasure of meeting him in person. Jeff's summary is spot on. His covers are fantastic and reasonably priced. For the best experience, just order early, communicate clearly and be a bit patient.

Edit: slight highjack with pictures of my CoverSports cover. NautiqueJeff ... Brent's keen on the loop setup for the tail straps. One pull and they release. Super nice! Couldn't tell for sure from your pictures if you have them set that way or not. See below. :)

[NautiqueJeff]

SilentSeven I had forgotten about that! And it bit me when I tried to release the cover today to get into the boat. I need to use the loop method going forward. Thanks for the reminder!

EDIT: Did this today, and of course it worked great. Much easier to access now, and holds just as well.

[bionaraq]

I'd love to work with someone to make a more modern better cover in line with the modern Nautique mooring covers. My Yamaha used a ratchet strap system under the rub rail. This made a huge difference in tightness and eliminated the "tie straps" The cover easily fit around the tower with Velcro and clips in the strap system. The ratchets fit into zip closed pockets so they do not get exposed to the elements. It also had zip open pockets to access the tie down hooks on the boat for mooring in a dock. adjustable ties at the back went back to the tie downs for the rear of a trailer. The cover worked well on the boat up to 70 miles an hour. This would mean a cover that goes to the rub rail 360 around the boat. Or could include a swim deck cover.

Happily/sadly i just ordered a clearance cover that fits my 216. So it'll be some time before i need a new cover.

[MN Ryan]

Brent made a cover for my 211 last year. It's awesome. I echo what the others say about him.

SilentSeven Is yours charcoal tweed? That's what I went with, and yours looks similar.

[SilentSeven]

Yup! Charcoal tweed it is!

[MN Ryan]

Very nice. I was really happy with my color choice!

[MN Ryan]

Here are a few pics of mine. It sat outside all summer, and I towed it around 3K miles this summer--really happy with it. No poles is a major plus.

[swatguy]

I am on my 5th cover from Brent , not because of quality , but because I changed boats that many times. He is a little slow , but to me the finished product is well worth the wait. He had some major health issues and I think that’s when things kinda started with the negativity and lack of contact , they were pretty serious from what I understand. Ha was at Rankin , then rebranded to coversports , now coversource. These covers for me were the single beat upgrade to me boat outside of FAE before surf pipes were the standard. The attention to detail on the covers in unmatched.

There is one thing that’s a must get the cutouts for the pop up cleats added. If you don’t using the cover while moored in the water is pretty difficult .

[srock]

I use mine solely for trailering and it is outstanding. My standard cover is an over-the-tower with skirts to cover the sides. I do not know, especially with colored hulls, why skirts are not standard.

I needed the loop advice. I have been doing it wrong and fighting to get the straps loose since day one.

The only other thing would like on all my covers is a different-colored nose piece at the bow. That would make it so much easier to find the starting position, especially with larger covers.

[MN Ryan]

srock Here is a video that Brent sent me when I bought mine. It discusses the loop method at about 3:37.

How to Install the Pro Cover:

[core-rider]

I will have to remember that loop method... makes so much sense, but I've never thought about it before!

[srock]

Thank Ryan...now I also know what the triangle pieces on the tag end are for!

[AlfaDon]

I need to throw in my $0.02 about Brent and Pro Cover. My first experience with him was marginal, he made a nice cover for my 176 despite it taking 2-3 weeks, but this second experience has been absolutely horrid. I brought him my 97 Four Winns 19 Unlimited to make a cover with the understanding that it would take roughly 2 weeks to get it done. After 2 MONTHS it still wasn't done. It wasn't easy to take it to him either. I had to drive from Idaho to drop it off, and then I had to drive from California to pick it up. He lied to me about the material availability. He told me there were "supply chain issues", when in reality he doesn't appear to be on good terms with Keyston, his supplier. He kept telling me that they hadn't shipped the material to him when in reality he has to pay COD, and the supplier sent the first order back because he didn't pay for it. This was after I gave him 50% deposit. And of course he lies his way through all of it.

I was finally fed up with his antics and told him that I was coming to pick up the boat and it better be ready. When I got there the cover wasn't done and he was no where to be found. I hitched up the boat and drove through the night to get back to California. When I got home I opened the engine compartment and was surprised to see condensation on the engine. I looked down into the bilge and the engine was half way submerged in water. I drained 60 gallons of water out of the boat, that had sloshed all the way from WA to CA. It took a week of airing the boat out with fans and heaters. Now I'm livid. I blast him in a few emails, and all he can do is make more excuses. "It was raining". "I didn't know how to put the cover on". "I didn't know I was supposed to cover it" . On and On. Of course he has no phone.

2 weeks later he finally sent the cover to me and it's not complete. It's missing straps. He didn't do all of the reinforcing.

Bottom line is that he's an irresponsible man-child living in his Moms basement. Based on my experience talking with him in person, I think he has serious substance abuse issues.

You've been forewarned. My bank wouldn't do a charge back despite paying with a debit card. The only recourse I have is small claims court in WA and that would mean multiple trips and it's not worth me spending more money. I learned my lesson. It's unfortunate because he's a skilled craftsman. He's just not grounded in reality.

BTW, The opinions expressed herein are mine from my personal experience.

[AlfaDon]

Oh yea, Nautique Jeff. He let you cut in line in front of me despite my boat being at his house