Do use a cover?

[moreyes]

I am trying to decide whether or not to get a cover made for my Mr Pike 17, if I get it will be made out of Top Gun and snap on. I used the cover that came with my boat and it doesnt fit over the trolling motor bracket and is a pain to take on and off, I used it three times last year. How many of you use a cover for travel? I generally lock everything in my topper, still there are a few things that are out in the open,seats, VHF radio. Any comments thanks. Any body looking for a grey Lund cover(cheap) that will fit a Mr Pike 17 or the ProV 17?

Thanks again and Happy New Year, moreyes

[Skis]

My boat, unless I am fishing out of it, has a cover on it. I just think it's easier on the seats, carpet, etc. to have it covered from the element going down the road.
Just my opinion, but I can't imagine not having my boat covered.

[Walteye]

I own a Crestliner Fish Hawk 1750 with the factory snap-on cover. I wouldn't trailer it long distances without it, but for a 1-2 hour trip, I don't put it on, as it has about 75 snaps that go all the way around the boat. When I bought it with the boat from the dealer, he had it customized to go around my kicker motor, and it looks and trailers really fine. I was concerned about it blowing around at highway speeds, but it really fits great. Good luck
Walteye

[Craig]

When I travel I don't use a cover. When I'm not using my boat it's garaged and covered with a dust cover. The longest trip I figure to take with my rig is about 750 miles. That's about 15 hours. Most years the longest pull is about 350 miles.

My boat is fiberglass and I thought about buying a cover for it. I did some research and found out an aqualon cover from Ranger was going to run close to $700 with shipping. I checked around with some other places that make covers and could get a good one for about $450. Since they were in the same town I'd also save shipping. What bothered me about the in-town dealers, and every dealer but Ranger is that they wouldn't promise the cover wouldn't damage the boat's finish. No way I was going to spend that kind of money to protect my boat when the cure might be as bad or even worse than the disease.

I've read that covers discourage thieves. I don't know why that is. Maybe it's true. I do have a lock on my prop and I lock all the compartments. I hope I never catch messing with it. That won't be pretty. One of us is going to get hurt real bad.

[HarryE]

I have used the "mooring" cover during travel on my 1900 Pro-V. It does flap a bit and doesn't fit real well around the bow mount motor. I have also traveled with no cover. Going only 250 miles to Leech...I don't put it on anymore.

[T-Mac]

On my Pro-V, I don't unless I am only going a short distance..or at a slow speed (like 25 miles down a muddy road into Ft.Peck...LOL)
If the cover rubs on the side of the boat, the top of the console, the seat backs...etc, etc, etc, it acts just like fine sandpaper.
Might take a while to see it, but damage is occuring.
Now, on a windshield boat (like a TYEE, etc.), a cockpit cover is a better deal, but nothing is perfectly trouble free.
Guess it depends on how fussy or anal a person is. (I am magnum)....LOL

[Joe]

I also do not cover the boat going down the road unless it is raining or I have to go a long way down a dusty road. Pretty much the same reason that T-Mac stated. When we are camping I always slip a cover over it to protect it from tree sap, pine needles,etc. When I get home I always make sure it is in the garage!

[Fred_G]

I use the Lund cover. I had it altered to fit over the trolling motor. Cost about $125 and was well worth it. I trailered the boat about 3,000 mile this year, and the only problem I found was a little wear on the seat edges. I started covering the seats with a towel and have not seen any additional wear. There was no wear from the cover rubbing on the sides of the boat.

I won't trailer the boat any distance without the cover. It's much easier to pull with the cover, and I don't have to worry if the weather turns bad. My equipment is always protected and I get better fuel economy from my tow vehicle.

Just my $0.02 worth.

Fred

[Jim Ordway]

Unless its a short trip and or a very nice day it can move unconvered but usually it is covered. When covered it keeps the boat cleaner and when parked at a resturant, baitshop, fleet farm, etc. it protects the gear inside. Of course, someone could pop it open, but that is unlikely. Out of site, out of mind. The cover is a good investment for protecting your boat and the gear inside. I have a glass boat. Some folks with tin boats are not as worried about appearance, but the protection it affords in hiding your gear would still be worth it.\
My 2 cents,

[rickn]

I'm with Fred. I have a tyee, and it stays covered in the garage as well as on the road. I had it modified to fit over the troller, and it stays on even to my local lake. 6 miles.

[MLD]

That wouldn't be that crummy road from Jordan to Heck Creek would it?

Mike

[mtwalleye]

MLD --
Jordan to ##### Creek is Grade A highway compared to many of the other roads to Fort Peck boat ramps. On the other hand, those roads keep out the riff-raff. LOL. -- mark
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Walleyes Unlimited
www.walleyesunlimited.com

[ifish4eyes]

Here's a few reason to use your cover. 1. better fuel mileage. 2.Protection from the elements (rain, sun, road grime) 3. protection of equipment from thieves.

[MLD]

Thats the only road I have experience with and it was so rough bolts were breaking on my trailer and a fender fell off. Remind me not to try any of the other roads. Seriously, what's the best road to a ramp coming from the south?

Mike

[mtwalleye]

MLD --

The bad news is that Heck Creek Road IS the best road coming from the south. Crooked Creek is twice as long (about 52 miles and currently its ramp is out of the water). The only other option would be to go to the Big Dry Arm and take the Nelson Creek Road -- about six or seven miles of all-weather gravel -- but that ramp is probably out of the water by now, too. By far the best facilities for roads and launching are right near the dam. That's a pretty long haul past Heck Creek. -- mark
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Walleyes Unlimited
www.walleyesunlimited.com

[Hutch]

I agree with ifish4eyes. Good sound reasoning!! Anything over 60 miles for me and the covers on, after all you gotta get your moneys worth out of it after it's bought and paid for. Hutch

[moreyes]

Thanks for the input, I think I willl go with a custom cover. I had Erichsen Canvws build my last one and will have do another.

thanks moreyes

[hgf]

More reasons: Stuff doesn't fly out of boat with a cover. Dust doesn't get in. Carpet stays dry. Birds don't poop in boat. Sleep better at night-less thievery. Would never be without one.