By McKenzieDriftBoat.com

Boat Covers

Having just finished my boat ( photos coming soon) I am looking to protect it when being towed. Will a cover tend to mar the finish? I understand some covers have a soft liner to provent this. I am looking at the mail order ones and wonder if any of them are worthwhile. I also talked to a custom build shop but the prices are pretty high. Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks Mark G

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by mitchell on June 3, 2010 at 6:06am

If covers rub they will mar the finish. If held tightly they may not. But, watch what tie downs/bungee cords your cover is held tightly in place with. Their hooks can lay against the boat and create gouges.

I've got two gouges/worn spots near my bow from the cover hooks. I tried sanding them but I had one of those moments with an orbital sander. You know, leaving the sander stationary in one spot to long. And...I did the same thing on the other side of the boat...Now i've got two 5" circular over sanded spots near my bow, one on each side, exactly in the same spot. I'm still trying out how to back fill those level.

Mark, try 5c's boat covers in Oregon City. She has a very good reputation in Oregon for making great covers. Give her a call, she's knows her stuff!

mitchell

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Scott Hepler on June 4, 2010 at 10:51am

Mark, I have a cover that is too short for my boat, It is made by carver and is for a 16" drift boat and has a bra for trailering. I had the same cover on another boat for 10 years so I ordered this one for my new boat that I just finished. But the new boat is 17' long (I decided to round the transom which added too much length) and the new cover doesn't fit. I will let it go for $150 and ship it to you.
scott

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mark Griffith on June 4, 2010 at 12:55pm

Scott, that is a great deal. My boat is 15'8" from stem to transom and 16' 6' around the gunnell. I believe your cover should fit. Do you agree? Also it is a low side. Would that matter? Anyhow if you want to call me at 509-966-7133 we can work out details.
Thanks a bunch, Mark G

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Chris Calvert on July 22, 2010 at 10:57am

Mark, you may have found a cover by now, but if not, I may be able to help. I just opened a canvas shop on Main St. in Oregon City and I would be happy to come look at your boat and give you a free estimate. My covers fit like a well tailored suit and we could address the maring issue. I hope to hear from you!
Chris at Seven Seas Canvas
sevenseas.calvert@gmail.com

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mark Griffith on July 22, 2010 at 2:46pm

Chris, I appreciate your intrest, but I purchased the cover from Scott and am no longer in the market. Scott, if you read this, your cover is working great. Just got back from the Bitterroot and it did a great job of protecting the Mariah from miles of road consruction.

Thanks, Mark

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Scott Hepler on July 22, 2010 at 5:30pm

Mark

Glad to hear the cover worked. I have the same one on the new boat, just one foot longer and it did just fine. It worked out for both of us. Thanks.
Scott

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Greg Max on July 23, 2010 at 10:37am

Chris,
I would really like to hear what you think your covers may cost. I live in the Denver area, so I don't think I'll be able to bring my boat by for a free estimate.... I have a 16 foot framed boat, the kit was purchased from the boys over at Tatman boats in Oregon. Not sure if you could swing by their shop and check one out or not, but my boat needs some cover love in a serious way..... Let me know some estimates and if you need it, I could send along some photos with measurements. Thanks Chris!

Greg

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Chris Calvert on July 23, 2010 at 4:06pm

Hey Greg! I will check out Tatman and see if I can take a look at a 16 footer. Then I will get back to you and get some more details about what you want your cover to look like.