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Redngoo.
I proceeded to do some research on the forum with respect to traveling covers, but I didnt see anyone post a comment or a question of – would you recommend a basscat owner to purchase and use a travel cover? Granted, from reading the forum I already know to go with the premium cover which can be ordered via the basscat store; Im more interested in reading feedback as to whether or not individuals on this forum actually use them and encourage others to go buy a travel cover. If the answer is “depends on how far you have to travel”, then what is the distance that determines your decision on using one? And I dont think this is a question that I could ask a pro and get an appropriate response – they have wrapped boats that will be sold every year. Appreciate any feedback before spending that kind of $$cash.
I have my first brand new boat and purchased the Aurora cover for it. I will be keeping my boat for a long time. I plan to use the cover for traveling anytime over about 1 – 1 1/2 hours. And everytime it is rainy/foggy or I know Ill need to leave the truck & boat unattended for any amount of time.My thinking is the balance of time to take on/off the cover for a short 30 min drive to the ramp vs longer trip and potential for allowing the carpet/upholstery to get soiled due to things out of my control.Also, the cover is on the boat under my boatport as a dust cover, a very expensive dust cover. I have not traveled with it yet since it just arrived about 10 days ago. It is an impressive cover which looks like will last the life of the boat.Dave.
I purchased covers for my first several boats and quickly grew tired of them. I just never felt that they provided me anything useful for the effort they required. I will say the new covers are better; based on fewer straps, better fit, and better materials. I havent used a cover to travel with in over 15 years and the only reason I purchase one now is for resale and very specific circumstances. Realize my boat is pretty much garage kept. When I do go to a tournament that requires overnight stays with no cover, I put the cover on if I feel there will be harsh weather or as a security measure (a mild deterrent). Covers with straps have caused damage to gel coats when used going down the road. I have plenty of buddies who tarp theirs all the time and when I ask them why (to make sure I aint missing something), they dont really give me an answer. Mostly get “just because” and “I have it so I use it, just in case” kind of responses. To me its something that if it gives you peace of mind then it has value, if you are impatient like me then youll probably be fine too.
I purchased an Aurora cover shortly after buying my Puma. It was stolen out of my pickup in Florida before I had even fit the straps. I was waiting to get somewhere warm before fitting it. I had my Dust cover from the delivery and used that. Since then Ive bought a couple more over the years. I use it for storage,inclement weather travel/towing. its soft on the underside,very waterproof and easy on and off. At a price point of about $200 Ive been getting about three years out of them before the top surface shows any degradation. Granted up here in the northeast UV rays are not as strong as the Southern guys contend with. I also store the boat in a covered shelter. I have towed with it all over the east coast at different times and it held up well. Like i said three years and it needs replacing but I dont think a 1k cover would have lasted 10 years so i figure Im a little ahead.Bob
The Aurora Sunbrella cover is the best made! I have hauled my boat from TX, to MO many times over, to AR, to OK, to CA, to LA and never a blemish caused by the cover. Yes, I highly recommend buying and using it with a religion. If you are as anal about keeping it cleaned and polished as I am you learn to appreciate how much the cover protects your investment from the road grime.BrianLast edited by pops77s on April 6th, 2016, 12:05 am, edited 1 time in total.BrianHAWG Hunter2013 BassCat Eyra2013 Mercury 250 Pro XS Gen2 L/U
I rarely use a cover when towing my boat, no matter how far I travel. I do have a dust cover, that I used on my CougarFTD. It will fit on my Caracal, but for an anniversary present, my wife had Sherm order an Aqualon cover for the new Caracal. I always like to have a cover when staying at motel. I put it on my boat in the garage too, just to keep dust off of the boat.
The Aurora cover is “strapless” with a cinch-strap that snugs under the rub-rail of the boat. I cannot see how it will damage anything.Dave.
DaLa wrote:The Aurora cover is “strapless” with a cinch-strap that snugs under the rub-rail of the boat. I cannot see how it will damage anything.Dave.Ive never used an Aurora cover so I cant speak to it damaging the gel coat. In my past experience with covers, its not the straps that do the damage, but the cover moving in the wind as you trailer the boat down the road. Even with a soft material inside the cover they seem to scratch the gel. You can put saran wrap or some kind of cling wrap on your boat before putting the cover on…this seems to help quite a bit.
I use my cover when towing in the rain. I would not want all the road grime in my boat, reels, etc. I also use it when the boat sits out overnight at the campground or motel.
For yrs I stored my old bcb outside. So I was costantly cover aND uncovering.I took care of that old boat constantly waxing and cleaning . Through my many yrs of covers I tried many covers. But when I purchased my p2 I elected to build a shop with the money I saved by purchasing used.needless to say my covering days are over. Sure when it bad dry I throw the shipping cover over it. Never have been one to travel long distances to fish. Guess the way I look at it is I love the rainy days for fishing Im gna have to clean it back up anyway. So why cover it anyway going to the water..I fished Friday in the rain and I bet right know she as clean as most owners on this board. Just my thoughts and my many yrs of wrestling covers. Dont get me wrong if I traveled all over the u.s. and swapping boat every couple of yrs I wouldnt be without the best travel cover money could buy.2013 PANTERA 2MERCURY 200 PRO XSMINNKOTA 80LB FORTREX25 fury
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