Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by Captain Jack on 12/23/13 - 7:24 PM

Looking for suggestions for a trailerable boat cover for my 2000 Montauk 17 with bow rails. There are a ton of manufactures online and would welcome any feedback. Will be towing interstate long distance a couple times a year and need good quality cover.

Posted by butchdavis on 12/24/13 - 7:27 AM

I've had good luck at a reasonable cost from Carver Industries covers for a Dauntless 16 and for a 190 Montauk. Try www.carvercovers.com for a list of retailers. Discount Covers treated me well.

Butch

Posted by Phil T on 12/26/13 - 8:57 AM

I agree with Butch. Carver has some good products.

Personally, I trailered my Montauk 17 and Outrage 17, some trips were 300 miles and never saw the need for a cover.

When parked I used a 12x20 tarp that was laid from engine over the console to bow rail and held tight by 7 bungie to keep it out of the sun and dry.

Posted by burtim on 12/26/13 - 8:35 PM

I also looked around bfore buying a Carver 3 years ago. I got it in black which I like the look of. But it requires more frequent brushing off to keep it looking good. Use 303 Products fabric protector once a year. Get Sunbrella fabric. Only complaint...you need to reinforce tight spots with sharp bends to reduce wear. That would be rod holders, sonar mounts, etc.. Use Perfect Bungies (search them on the web) to tie it down. Spend a little more up front and enjoy it!

Posted by wannabe on 12/27/13 - 3:49 AM

I use a console cover to protect my electronics and gauges when towing. This works out pretty well. You will need to stow all your loose items.

Posted by wannabe on 12/27/13 - 3:49 AM

I use a console cover to protect my electronics and gauges when towing. This works out pretty well. You will need to stow all your loose items.

Posted by Captain Jack on 12/27/13 - 3:31 PM

Thanks everyone. Just to clarify, I recently trailered the boat to Key West from SC and back a month later. I agree a cover is not necessary for the towing but next year when making the trip it would be great to be able to use the boat as a "u haul" for some of our personal stuff and I can use the cover for storage in our shoulder months. Just need a tight trailerable cover where I can tow at Interstate speeds.

Posted by Marmalade on 12/27/13 - 5:43 PM

Just purchased a Carver Sunbrella cover this fall. Check out my personal page for photos. I would purchase an extra set of tie downs to use all the loops sewn into the cover. I also added an extra pole for support for a total of two. Cover fit great and looks very well made.

Posted by blacksmithdog on 12/28/13 - 6:56 AM

#10

Does anyone actually trailer with a full mooring cover on? I tried it twice, once with a Mills, the other with a Carver. Didn't end up well in either case despite the covers started out the trip drum tight.

Based on that, my personal opinion is that there's no such thing as a trailerable cover.

Posted by butchdavis on 12/28/13 - 4:27 PM

#11

Blacksmith,

Yes, I regularly tow with my Carver Sunbrella on the boat. Of course, it was sold to me as a traiierable cover not a mooring cover. I believe they are advertised as storage covers that are trailerable.

My first trip with the cover I stopped at about the three mile point to check the cover. It had loosened. I tightened the hold down straps and went on. I stopped again at about the twelve mile point and the cover had loosened a bit. I snugged it up again and went on. When I reached my destination at the fifty mile point the cover remained tightly attached.

I conclude the straps stretch and perhaps the Sunbrella stretched a tiny bit. I've since made multiple trips with the cover and had no loosening.

I concur with Marmalade. The extra straps are necessary for trailering with the covers.