Boat Cover? Custom vs. Semi-Custom (Wellcraft 210 Fisherman) - The Hull Truth

flyau98 · 08-27-2005, 09:35 PM

I'm looking for a cover for my Wellcraft 210 Fisherman... I haven't been able to find a mass-produced cover that is designed specifically for it, and have thought about getting one of the generic covers they call "semi-custom" that fits my size boat. But, I was wondering what kind of price I could expect if I go to a canvas shop and have one custom made? I don't trailer much (the ramp I use is just a couple blocks away, so I really just need the cover for when it is in the driveway (or possibly in the water if I could secure it well in the water).

What luck have you had with the generic covers?? Is it worth the extra money for a custom fit?

Any canvas shop suggestions in the lower Florida Keys?

Brewhedd · 08-28-2005, 08:51 PM

I bought a cover from an internet co. and would not recommend going that route. The savings are only in the 10-15% range and not worth it. Going custom will give you someone close to help with any problems you encounter and it will be a better cover. I would guess around $7-800 to have a Sunbrella one made.

angler5240 · 08-29-2005, 07:40 AM

A couple of thoughts. You say you just need the cover when the boat's in the driveway. In other words, you need the cover on 95% of the time. If you want the cover on the boat when it's in the water, you'll need a custom cover and be willing to have snaps installed on your boat. If not, the cover can be strapped to the trailer frame.

Your cost will depend on whether or not you have a T top, if you want zippers, a motor cover, etc, etc. The price of Sunbrella, or any other marine fabric will go up with oil prices. Just to give you an idea of what it takes to make a custom cover, my son and I made one for a 21 footer with a t top. There was 25 hours labor in it, over 20 yards of material, for about $800 in Sunbrella fabric (recommended). Think that's expensive? Call a plumber & see what his hourly rate is. By the way, we went to the boat and made the cover.

roaddogg4040 · 08-29-2005, 11:55 AM

I had the same dilemma on my last boat a 2270 Pursuit CC. The canvas guy wanted $1,100.00 for a Sunbrella cover. That was just out of the question so I looked around the Internet and found a Canvas cover for $210.00 delivered. No it wasn't a Sunbrella cover but it was a really nice cover with lots of tie down loops and even included covering the engine.

It was delivered in three days. Worked really great!

Steve

DarthBaiter · 08-29-2005, 02:25 PM

I have the same boat made by Aquasport. A 205 osprey with a t-top. I got my cover from boatcoversdirect.com. I paid under $400 and it haslasted two seasons with no problem. Call them and ask as they don't have all their items listed in the website.

flyau98 · 08-29-2005, 04:01 PM

It looks like boatcoversdirect.com only carrys the generic fit covers, and I don't even see a t-top option for either of our boats...but the Aquasport cover is like $50 less then the Wellcraft one. Do you know if yours was custom designed for our boat?

Door#3 · 08-29-2005, 05:15 PM

If you need a cover for keeping the boat in the driveway, you should go with a semi-custom option. Since the cover is going to get beat on by the elements there is no need to go the expensive custom route.

I have a semi-custom that is on my boat outside for 7 months a year, and in a barn the other 5 months. I'm in my 4th season and the cover is still in good shape. I figure I'll get 10 years out of it. I also have a custom made travel cover, for when I go on those long trips. That cover was made right on the boat and was expensive, but since I only use it for long trips, it will last a long time.

DarthBaiter · 08-29-2005, 06:41 PM

Again, you have to give em a call, as the one with a t-top is not listed in their website. Call up and ask for the cover to fit a 22' cc with a t-top and they will have it.

mirage2521 · 08-29-2005, 06:47 PM

A drive-way quality boat cover is between 2-300 dollars at West Marine, and if you don't like it or it does not last, take it back, they have a "100% satisfaction" policy, they have to take it back even if you "just don't like it"

PaulPaladin · 08-29-2005, 08:20 PM

I have a semi-custom cover from http://www.ttopcovers.com

Real high quality and they're in Charleston (a benefit for me if anything ever goes wrong).....easy to get on and off and protects the whole boat.

Was $850 for my 21' Outrage

flyau98 · 08-29-2005, 08:46 PM

Great advise from everyone... Thanks. I don't have a t-top though, so I just need a regular cover...