Travel Covers?

[icedperch]

I have a 16.5 foot side console Fisher and need to get a travel cover. Any recommendations?

Are the Cabelas $100-$200 covers worth the money, or do I stay with a cheapo one from West Marine?

Or is it worth it to go get a custom cover made? If so, what is a reasonable price to pay?

Planning on keeping the boat for awhile, and want her to stay pretty!

[Joe_G]

I have bought 3 canvass travel covers from Meiers, strapped 'em down per the instructions and have never had one make it thru one season, even wrapped extra rope around from stem to stern for added hold down, all for naught. The only covers I've seen that will last for years, are custom made, marine grade vinyls or heavy canvass with snaps about every 12 to 16 inches. I have a couple friends with boats that have never had a problem with these covers, except for the occasional snap rivet popping off. I ended up buying a commercial snap rivet tool, somewhere down by 10 & Jefferson and a box of snaps, just so I can fix this minor nuisance in about 5 minutes. So, the bottom line would be, 100 or 200 dollars a year, or maybe 500 bucks for 10 years or more. With the proper care, cleaning and storage, I'd bet you could get 20 years out of a good quality custom cover. JMHO.

[slowpoke]

Custom cover is the way to go especially if you are going to keep your boat. I got one when I got my Range bass boat in 1988 and it's still good.