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I just purchased an '04 Sea Hunt 200 Escape with 150 Yamaha. I went to West Marine and along with all the other stuff new boat owners purchase, I bought a boat cover that, according to the box, was designed to fit a 19' to 21' dual console style boat. It was a mid-priced model that was supposedly trailerable.
After trying several different ways, I can't seem to get the cover on the boat. It is long enough, just doesn't seem wide enough. It won't completely cover the gunwails enough to get it strapped on.
Obviously, I'm going to return this cover. Any suggestions on how to find one that would fit?
I wasted time and money on two off the shelf covers for my Sea Hunt (before the t-top). Do yourself a favor and have a custom cover made. Any marine fabricator will have a canvas man (canvas person if you're politically correct) capable of making you a cover. There are some places that offer semi-custom covers but they cost nearly what I paid ($800) for my custom job.
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2005 Sea Hunt 202, Honda BF150 2009 Toyota Tundra
Thanks for the advice. Yeah, I thought about going custom, but in all honesty, my budget won't allow me to spend anywhere near $800 for a cover right now. I did check a couple of websites that advertised "custom" covers costing from $200 up to $600 or more (depending on the material the cover was made of.) The sites would typically prompt me for the type/make of boat, along with size, which would lead one to believe that it was a "custom" cover. However, I could see that this might not always be true.
What do you think about finding a cover designed for a 19' to 21' center console (my boat is a 20' dual console)? This way, it might allow more room from side to side?
Check the online covers from iboats. I notice that they normally come in several different widths for the semi custom ones., which definitely make a difference. They may well offer a completely custom one for your particular boat as well. I got one custom for my triumph 170 CC that fit very well after they first day or two, and the one for my Arima is pretty good, just a little off because it is a different model year.
Also, they do stretch over time, so will fit better after a week or two, esp if you tighten them up every few days. One of mine is sunbrella, one is sharkskin. The sunbrella may last longer, but the sharkskin weighs a whole lot less and looks just as nice.
__________________ 2009 NauticStar 2200 Bay Tournament Edition with 175 hp Suzuki 4-stroke
Location: Los Angeles, FL.or Georgia, depends. In Fl now.
Posts: 5,979
Re: Boat Covers
If you do not have the 800 bucks..
Wal Mart has boat covers for $119 to 139. I prefer the light Tyvek one. Cut a hole in center for console, slice one side from console to gunwaler and place snaps on it. Get a console cover and sew it in middle for your console. I think you can figure out the rest. I have problems towing with boat covers. They seem to tear apart after a year.
Overtons also has covers for center consoles. I would call and ask for specific models fitting your boat. About 300 to 500 bucks.
It all depends. If it is for storage only any cover will do. If you are going to park it in front of your house get the 800 buck job.
I went through several tarps and homemade PVC frames. A pain to put on and a pain to take off. And the tarps self destructed after a few months in the sun and wind. Plus, they looked like crap.
I finally spent a little over $600.00 to have a local shop make a custom cover that fit the existing camper canvas snaps. They did a couple of special custom things also.
Even though this seems expensive, anything less is just money thrown away. You spent a lot of money for the boat, spend what it takes to protect it.
Location: Los Angeles, FL.or Georgia, depends. In Fl now.
Posts: 5,979
Re: Boat Covers
Blue, green and silver tarps will not last 3 mos under the sun. I've had a WHITE tarp covering my camper in storage for 18 mos. It even survived Wilma's 110mph winds with minor shredding on one side. I replaced it with another one. They are white canopy covers at Overton's about 50 bucks for a 10x20 that is actually 12 x 22. I don't know any one locally that carries white canopy covers or white tarps. Canvas is too dang heavy. If it is too heavy it just sits around and does not get used after a while.
Thanks to all, especially Hullslap, for the opinions and info. I have ordered a "semi custom" that is in my price range. They will take it back if it doesn't fit, too. I called around to a few of the local canvas shops, and the average price quotes were in the $800 plus range. I may be wasting my time, but if the cover will fit, and I can get the 5 years that it is warranted, I will be happy.
HULLSLAP has the right idea, I did the same for a cockpit cover. Really keeps my boat clean. Custom covers (as all covers) will shrink over time, but you can just add on to them from year to year.
Boat Covers 
