Towing MPGs, cover on or off?

[JohnMickish]

Has anybody ever done a test to see if you better MPGs towing with the cover on or off the boat?

[harvey lee]

I have never tested it but it would sure seem that it you cover the top of the boat, there will be less wind resistance and you should do better. Less drag, like a race car.

[BobT]

I suspect the type and design of the cover may have a lot to do with it. For example, a cover that is well fitted so it doesn't concave under the wind pressure creating pockets to catch air might be beneficial whereas a cover that is poorly fit and flops in the wind may actually cost mileage. Don't know for sure though.

Bob

[Minnewawa]

checked this out on a trip to canada. we found that with the cover on (a good custom fit one) yielded 1-1.5 miles to the gallon better. The boat is a 17.5' pulled with a chevy 1500.

You could feel the difference when driving as well.

[GoFish4]

A sturdy fabric tight fit cover does help. I have never calculated it to the MPG but you can feel the differance when you are pulling. I have a 2006 Fishawk 17.5 ft with a cover with slack taken out by poles. It cuts the wind well as I have a tunel cover on the truck.

[ripstick]

I could understand that the cover could help gas. BUT if all else fails you wont loose anything out of the boat.

[Fishin=Easy]

my old man's 16 ft has a tight cover with 2 poles, and snaps every 5-6 in. and has some sort of vent hole so if air gets in there it wont bloat it or stretch it on the road. haven't pulled any other boats do most covers come with these?