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I have a 1989 Outrage 18 with no bow or gunwale rails and I need a good, high-quality boat cover. I have varnished all the teak on my boat (console trim/doors and gunwales) and need the cover to protect it all. My problem is that most covers are designed to fit around the bow rails - where do you suggest a cover that will fit without any rails?

Thanks,
David
Houston, TX

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Look for a local, custom canvas shop, and get a cover made out of Sunbrella in your choice of color. It will likely work better than anything you'll buy, and will be a good value in the long run.

Tim

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I agree with Tedious. Also, make sure whatever cover you have made snaps onto the boat which would mean canvas snaps will be installed onto the hull below the rub rail to keep the canvas tight. This along with a couple of poles installed will give you a tight cover which will stay on during windy days, trailering, and even can be used as a mooring cover. Any cover such as a universal fit with a drawstring that can be tightened around the circumference of the hull will be pretty much useless and falling off all of the time for any other purpose but using it to cover a boat to keep the dust off that is already stored inside.. A good price should be $500-$700 versus $200-$300 for the universal useless type. it is not cheap unless you consider the time and, "sweat equity" you have invested in refinishing the wood on your Whaler.

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Check with Carver Industries.

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I have a Mills cover for my 1985 Outrage 18. It does allow for bow rails, but they are covered with gusset material so very little gelcoat is exposed. This cover is very high quality, and fits the boat superbly. It secures under the rub rail and does not depend upon rails for anchoring the cover. Water is shed down the front, sides, and aft to the splashwell.

The lack of rear side rails may affect the tension a bit, but I'm not certain. I can actually check this out for you if need be, as I am in the process of finishing the gunwales and have all rails removed. I'll be to that step next week, so let me know.

If you want to go with a high quality stock cover, the Mills is an excellent choice for an Outrage 18.

Dennis

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Hi Dennis,

I called Mills this morning and spoke with Suzanne and she informed me her mooring cover will not work with the bow rails removed and mentioned I could re-install the bow rails to get her cover to work. If you can inform me that is incorrect then I will order a Mills cover.

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I just ordered a Carver sunbrella 'style-to-fit' cover. They assured me the cover would fit without any bow rails. Thanks!