New boat, needs a cover...

[TurnUpTheFishing]

I bought a "new to me" boat the other day. Its a 17' Bass Tracker and unfortunately Ive gotta store it outside. Im looking for a really good quality boat cover to protect my investment. Does anyone have any recomendations? Ive thought about getting a custom cover made anyone know of a good shop or ballpark pricing?

[Fishing_Novice]

Canvas Craft on Hwy 10 in Ramsey make high quality covers.

[bucketmouth64]

dnp in cambridge. I have a bass tracker too and had one custom made last year.

[Raider4ever]

If you just get a cover, you are going to have to be very vigilant about snow sitting on it. If you can, get the good cover but have someone do that blue shrink wrap thing where they peak the shrink wrap so snow slides off it. I don't use it because I have an indoor storage spot but my next door neighbor used it when he had a boat. Never saw snow piled on it.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

bucketmouth, what sorta ballpark price did it cost you?

Raider, not a bad idea. I might look into that.

[Tom7227]

I bet you could build a peaked roof sort of thing for $50 that would take care of the snow. Put a $30 tarp on it and your set for probably at least 3-4 years. I suspect the shrink wrap is big bucks and it's a one time thing.

[Far-I]

you could probably get indoor storage for as much or cheaper than some boat covers, so i'd make sure the cover you get is a one time cost as said above, that'll last at least a few seasons.

[goose89]

Northcountry Canvas in Robbinsdale. Dave has made three of them for me, and two of them helped sell the boats they covered. New ones got one too.

[goose89]

Prior North Country Canvas custom snap on (Alumacraft 175 TP).

[Raider4ever]

I bet you could build a peaked roof sort of thing for $50 that would take care of the snow. Put a $30 tarp on it and your set for probably at least 3-4 years. I suspect the shrink wrap is big bucks and it's a one time thing.

You could. But it wouldn't be as tight as a shrink wrap. I agree that in the long run, indoor storage is probably about the same as PROPERLY preparing a boat for outdoor winter storage.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

Thanks guys, Ill look into those places.

Ive considered paying to store it indoors this winter but regardless the boat needs a good cover since it will be outside in the summer. Id like to keep rain, debri, and UV rays out so a good cover, I feel, is a must have accessorie.

[swamptiger]

I would have a good custom cover made regardless.

You can get by going over the boat (and cover) with a blue pvc tarp, which will shed snow better than the cover fabric, but as stated, you need to be careful about snow build-up because most of the support systems for boat covers are not designed to support a snow load. Make sure you get all the water out of the bottom of the boat - you also need to be mindful of mildew problems if the cover isn't ventilated. In the end, there really isn't any better alternative than a roof for winter storage.

[mojogunter]

Call Faith at Banner canvas in Ham Lake. She does outstanding work. Rapid sport has her make any custom covers that their customer may want. Expect to pay at least $500 for a quality cover. 763-413-1104

[bucketmouth64]

bucketmouth, what sorta ballpark price did it cost you?

About $400.00 and that included a separate cover for motor. He used a ratchet system to tighten the cover and rubber bungees to hold cover down and he put two posts where seats are. You have a choice of color and the material price can vary depending how durable of a cover you want.

[Superduty]

I"m pretty sure you can buy a cover made specifically for your boat through bass pro shops. They sell a full line of covers made for tracker boats.

[Corey20]

Another vote for Canvas Craft in Ramsey. They have made 6-7 covers for us over the years and they are top quality. By getting a nice custom cover made you usually get your money back out of it when selling and its a good selling point. Even if I keep mine in the garage I will always have a cover for going down the hwy.

[goose89]

By getting a nice custom cover made you usually get your money back out of it when selling and its a good selling point.

Absolutely true. Both buyers of my last two boats commented on the custom covers and said they made the sale easier to close. Good luck on your search.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

I"m pretty sure you can buy a cover made specifically for your boat through bass pro shops. They sell a full line of covers made for tracker boats.

I checked those out tonight and ordered one.

I really wanted to go the custom route but from every shop I talked to it sounded like I was looking at a $650 price tag. If my boat was newer/worth more I would do it but I just couldnt swing that kinda cost right now as I still have other things to buy for the boat.

I figured this cover was made for this boat so it will be the happy medium between a generic and custom cover all while being less than half the price.