Boatcovers?

[aquasport79]

Does anybody know where to get a good boat cover for a decent price?

I have bought several over the years but none seem to fit right over the tall windshield of the
AS Family Fisherman models.

I usually just but generic, But they don't fit very good...

Where are you guys getting your covers from?

[RickK]

I went through many types of covers over the 20+ years I've owned my 170 and like you, they just didn't last.
When I bought my 230 I had a canvas guy make a bunch of stuff for that boat, to include a cover and it all fit perfect. Finally, just a few months ago, I broke down and had him make a cover for the 170 - fits like a glove and is reinforced in all the right places.  It's not cheap but is the only way to go in my experience.

[LilRichard]

Yup - a custom made cover will  cost 2 or 3X the amount, but fits right and (should) last much longer.

[scott_gunn]

My custom Shumakes cover is ~10 years old. The canvas is still in good shape, but the stitching is coming undone.

I have been pleased with it - not convinved the price difference is really worth it though.

By the way, anyone know if I can just take the existing cover to any canvas guy and they should be able to restitch it?

[RickK]

My custom Shumakes cover is ~10 years old. The canvas is still in good shape, but the stitching is coming undone.

I have been pleased with it - not convinved the price difference is really worth it though.

By the way, anyone know if I can just take the existing cover to any canvas guy and they should be able to restitch it?

They should be able to do this.  If they can scratch the material with their fingernail and chalk comes off, they'll want you to replace it though (that's what my guy told me).

[wingtime]

I build tents and awnings and have done some boat canvas work in the past too.  What happens is the Florida sun has the highest UV concentration in the country.  Most shops use a polyester blend thread that the UV will break down before the rest of the fabric.  Most bimini tops are made out of Sunbrella or a similar acrylic fabric that holds up much better than the fabric does.  There is a thread available that will hold up better in the long run but it is very expensive.  As in over $100 per roll.  To answer your question, yes the seams can be re-sewn but getting a shop that wants to do it verses selling you a new cover is another story.  Also when a cover is made the seams are done in a certain order allowing easy access with the machine.  Once it is all together resewing the center seems can be a pain.  I would suggest you clean your cover before you bring it to a shop.  No one wants to bring a smelly cover into their sewing room and work on it.

Boat covers could be made from Sunbrella, Aqualon, Boatex, or Sunforger.  The choice of the fabric can have a big impact on the cost and life of the cover.  Any of them used for a custom cover will be a much higher quality cover than the generic covers that are typically polyester fabric.