Outdoor storage....

[jwh445]

My Pulsare 1850 BR has the two snap on tonneau covers. I would like to also use a full (boat, motor) cover. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good tight fitted cover. My main concern is water collecting ontop the cover. I currently use a prop up post on the bow cover and another one for the cockpit cover, I also have a ski pole which could be used to prop up the stern of a full cover. Do these covers strap to the trailer? If so, how?

[Boston Predictor]

The prop up post is a good idea. You can buy full covers that tie to the trailer from Overtons or west marine but they are usualy not water proof. I have one for my predictor. The previous owner of my sportfire had a waterproof cover made. It snaps on all around the boat for a tight fit. I think it cost him 500 to have custom made.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v694/checkmate414/untitled.jpg

[jrumon]

jwh445...
Since your boat is still a currently offered model, call directly to Checkmate and price a full cover. You can also call OVERTONS and see about a custom fitted one as well (THEY HAVE 1000'S OF MODEL PATTERNS)...

As far as support, Overtons sells a cover support kit for about $30 that works awesome for outdoor use even if you just using a cheap poly tarp... jim.

[BullittBen]

I bought a cover from Wal-Mart for less than $100 that fits my boat almost perfectly including the tower of power. I think it was their middle priced of 3 models. The motor actually holds the cover tight all the way across to the windshield where I don't even need a post. Mine is pretty much waterproof as long as it doesn't puddle up for a long period of time. I have a little spot on the bow where water occasionally collects causing a little seepage (our stupid cats lay there also causing the cover to sag). I just cut up an old foam "water noodle" and put it under the cover to slope that area better. The cover has lasted over a year and is still perfect. This one does strap to the trailer and is rated for trailering, though I have never tried it. Any slap against the finish is too much for me. Since my boat sits under trees, I'd rather not buy an expensive cover because it would be messed up in a couple of years anyway. If $100 lasts a few years I'm doing OK.

[wickedrister]

I used pvc pipe to make 3 cover supports. I made them in a 3 leg design that are free standing. I have one just behind the windshield, one back close to the motor and one all the way in the front of in the bow. The rounded edges are easy on the boat cover because they have no sharp edges. They hold the cover up in key places so it is good and tight with no pooling of water. The cost was really low and they do a good job supporting a low cost cover. Test fit them first then when you get them cut and fit how you want them glue the joints in place. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/thumb.gif

[petersfield]

check in you phone book were I live threr is a few guy's who custome make covers. on my boat I got one made that is very thick and has tie downs and can support the wieght of snow. it was expensive but worth it! It was not alot more than one you order from a store.

[BullittBen]

I finally had a chance to take a picture. Here's my cheap cover....
http://www.geocities.com/bullittben/cover2.JPG

[jrumon]

BulletBen...
That WORKS well...
A few tips to "outdoor" storage...

#1. Park the tires on a few pieces of plywood and cover them with a plastic bag or tarp as well (they will not rot that way)!

#2. Store motor in the DOWN position so all water drains and no risk of anything freezing... I have rebuilt so may lower units that people let the water get in (storing it up in the winter), it freezes and busts the lower unit housing!

#3. It helps keep the boat DRYER if you lay a plastic/poly trap OVER the canvas cover. Canvas will let moisture in as well. As long as you put it away DRY in the fall, the plastic works excellent.

Only 8 weeks until BOATING SEASON!!! http://checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/bounce.gifJim

[BullittBen]

I have the prop sealed off with a heavy plastic and a zip tie so that water can't get in and puddle up. The cover isn't just canvas, I have one of those also. This one is about 90% waterproof, the only way it lets water in is if it pools up where the stupid cats lay on the cover (see dark spots). I was under the cover yesterday and it was nice and dry with no mildew. You are right about the tires. I just replaced them last year because of dry rot. I want some of those RV tire covers.

[jrumon]

It amazing how badly the ground contact kills tires that sit... I see it on those big RV's all the time.. They cover them, but let them sit in the gravel (high in acids) that break down the stid walls.

Your "cats" remind me of camping with my kids... "Don't touch the tent when it's raining!" Sounds like you made out good and a lot less $$$ than indoor storage! Jim

[Chris]

If you click our Overton's banner at the top of the board and purchase something, we get a little tip from them. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[BullittBen]

The winter is so mild here, it isn't worth doing anything big for winter storage. We've only been below freezing a handfull of times this year, and I don't think we've been below 30* at all. It's been in the 70's all week.

[jrumon]

Wish I could say that about MICHIGAN! http://checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/jpshakehead.gif

It's been a real mild winter, and it still SUCKS!!! http://checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/sick.gif

BUT... less than 60 days until boating season starts!!! http://checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/bounce.gif