boat covers

[Bruce]

When properly installing the support poles that come with the factory cover I've achieved a tight fit that tows well and sheds water. I think it's the loose fit of after market covers that causes them to rip when towing. Of course the sun and elements will eventually deteriorate any cover.
View attachment 45099

The anti pooling poles are for keeping water off while parked. They are not supposed to be used for trailering as they can become a pressure point causing the cover to rip. Many of us cover the windscreen, bow rails and other pressure points with cut pieces of swim noodles to reduce the pressure at those points.

 

[KXCam22]

I am one of the few that tows with the poles in. No issues for me. The last cover lasted 7 years - but it did explode while trailering in a big crosswind. Cam.

 

[mdwarchichoke]

Thanks for the pics. I hope mine last a few years. The manual says it is designed to tow up to 65 mph. Only one way to find out! I agree about adding a little extra padding at the windshield.

I got trailer brakes and wheel bearings for this next weekend and then maybe the motor can come out and see how bad it really is.

 

[Marvin willis]

When properly installing the support poles that come with the factory cover I've achieved a tight fit that tows well and sheds water. I think it's the loose fit of after market covers that causes them to rip when towing. Of course the sun and elements will eventually deteriorate any cover.
View attachment 45099

That is a nice looking trailer. Wow

 

[AZ Native]

That is a nice looking trailer. Wow

Thanks Marvin. I bought the boat in May 2016. It came on a huge custom 37' three axle trailer with bunks up front of the boat for 2 jet skis. It was heavy and a monster. I had the aluminum trailer custom built in Phoenix and traded in the old monster. The new one only weighs 880 lbs. so my entire package is about 4,000 lbs for towing.
Old Trailer:

New Trailer:

 

[Marvin willis]

That thing is a beast. Looks like you need a cdl to pull it

 

[zipper]

we still use the original grey towing/mooring cover with the poles although never more than 60mph. only one small hole on port side where bimini telescoping rod locking "pin" is and still works well. to brighten up a 9 yr. old boat, we had custom sunbrella bow and cockpit covers installed as well as a new bimini not shown. now i need to clean and wax hull.

 

[farrelltravis]

@AZ Native what did you do with your old trailer?

 

[AZ Native]

@AZ Native what did you do with your old trailer?

I traded the beast in on the new trailer. Funny I notice you have a Chris Craft. I just stopped by the shop that built the new aluminum trailer today and he said he sold the big red beast last weekend to a guy in Vegas who needed a trailer for a 28 foot Chris Craft. The trailer is still longer than he needs, but it will take the weight.

 

[farrelltravis]

Gotcha. I don't have any PWC, but it would be nice to have a trailer for the Yamaha and two PWC's if I had them!

Yes, I do have a Chris Craft. It is 45' long and 14' wide though, so it wouldn't fit on that trailer! =)

 

[Ryan Pittman]

When properly installing the support poles that come with the factory cover I've achieved a tight fit that tows well and sheds water. I think it's the loose fit of after market covers that causes them to rip when towing. Of course the sun and elements will eventually deteriorate any cover.
View attachment 45099

I have the same boat and cover but i cant get the back to be a tight fit like you have...how do you do it...how many poles do you use?

 

[AZ Native]

The OEM Covers come with two poles, one in the bow and the second in the cockpit. They are equipped with straps pre-configured to the poles and connecting to the bow and stern cleates. It’s the combination of the pole and 1 inch straps that create the proper support for the cover. Having put a brand new OEM cover on my 2005 and now my 2013 I’ve learned the pole kits that come with the OEM covers are all the same. Same height, same straps.

On the 2005 the pole in the cockpit extended above the side boards a lot and supported the cover pushing it up like a tent. In my 2013 the side boards are considerably higher and the cockpit pole doesn’t actually push up on the OEM cover, between it and straps the cover sits level on them keeping it from sagging. The angle from the windshield to the stern is pretty steep, so when I snug up the top with the ratchet edge straps it becomes very taunt.

One other point, the 2005 in the photos of this thread has the Bimini top helping hold up the cover above the engine compartment. The cover is designed to accomodate the Bimini. If you don’t have one, your cover will sag.

I know most owners think the OEM covers are too expensive and they settle for ill fitting covers half the price. I think Yamaha makes a great OEM cover and would never buy any after market cover. In Arizona I figure they are good for 3 to 5 years and just plan on replacing when they start to tear.

 

[Ryan Pittman]

The OEM Covers come with two poles, one in the bow and the second in the cockpit. They are equipped with straps pre-configured to the poles and connecting to the bow and stern cleates. It’s the combination of the pole and 1 inch straps that create the proper support for the cover. Having put a brand new OEM cover on my 2005 and now my 2013 I’ve learned the pole kits that come with the OEM covers are all the same. Same height, same straps.

On the 2005 the pole in the cockpit extended above the side boards a lot and supported the cover pushing it up like a tent. In my 2013 the side boards are considerably higher and the cockpit pole doesn’t actually push up on the OEM cover, between it and straps the cover sits level on them keeping it from sagging. The angle from the windshield to the stern is pretty steep, so when I snug up the top with the ratchet edge straps it becomes very taunt.

One other point, the 2005 in the photos of this thread has the Bimini top helping hold up the cover above the engine compartment. The cover is designed to accomodate the Bimini. If you don’t have one, your cover will sag.

I know most owners think the OEM covers are too expensive and they settle for ill fitting covers half the price. I think Yamaha makes a great OEM cover and would never buy any after market cover. In Arizona I figure they are good for 3 to 5 years and just plan on replacing when they start to tear. Here’s what the 2013 looks like.
View attachment 70986

So i think my problem is i dont have a bimini...so theres nothing there to hold the back up....thats really annoying...spend 700 on a cover for it to be saggy and pool up

 

[AZ Native]

I would think investing in a used or even new Bimini would be worth it. Not to hold up your cover, but to protect your head. In my part of the world a boat without a Bimini is just a floating oven.

 

[Ryan Pittman]

I am going to get one but i like the ones that attach to the tower and are out of the way so will not be of any use to hold up the cover...ill have to rig something up

 

[AZ Native]

While this thread is bumped to the top, I could use some advice on protecting the top seat cushions on my 2013. As you can see in this photo the cover literally rests on the vinyl seat backs of the engine cover and they are baking and starting to discolor and even crack. How do those of you with later LS models protect the seat tops from the heat?

 

[Ryan Pittman]

Put a towel over your seats...lol