Question on Ranger boat cover

[ranger1850]

I was told recently that I should never trailer my boat with Ranger cover on. They said the wind causes the cover to rub gelcoat of the boat. They said regardless of how tight I get it, it will still cause problems. I have used a Ranger custom cover the last 15 yrs and dont see where it causes problems. Just seeing what others think on this issue. They suggested to have a piece made to protect the windshiled. Appreciate any input and suggestions. Thank you ahead of time for any replies on this issue. I had 2005 1850, 2012 1850 and just bought in July 2020 1850.

[bbheli]

Originally Posted by ranger1850

I was told recently that I should never trailer my boat with Ranger cover on. They said the wind causes the cover to rub gelcoat of the boat. They said regardless of how tight I get it, it will still cause problems. I have used a Ranger custom cover the last 15 yrs and dont see where it causes problems. Just seeing what others think on this issue. They suggested to have a piece made to protect the windshiled. Appreciate any input and suggestions. Thank you ahead of time for any replies on this issue. I had 2005 1850, 2012 1850 and just bought in July 2020 1850.

My opinion is cover on, I may be wrong and others will chime in. Far more damage can occur without it covered plus the beat down of the sun. Also risk of stuff blowing out of the boat not to mention dirt, wind, bugs. I’m sure the way the cover mounts may have small impact but that can be remedied. I also keep my boat waxed so that ads another layer of protection. Slight but good.

At the end of the day I think it depends on having the right cover and properly fit cover.

[Doog]

I have a 2009 1860. I only use my cover once a year for a 12 hours trip to Canada, no issues with rubbing.

[spaniel235]

If you twist the strap there shouldn't be a problem...

[Yellow Fever]

Twisting the strap is a good idea...if i am travelling more than 1/2 hour the cover goes on. I have a lot of trailer miles and all with the cover,crank it down and check it along the way

[kswalleyer]

twisting the strap just stops the wind from strumming the straps, does not do anything for the tarp. the straps don't touch the boat .

there are threads all over on this topic..i think its a ford chevy thing. I don't tarp any of my boats unless its raining or I'm on a gravel(rare-mainly dakotas). I'd drive all the way to alaska and back untarped...but that's just me. you'll find people who always tarp...

[ranger1850]

I apprecaite the input. I worry about a rock hiitting my windshield and other damage to the interor.
I will wait and see what others have to say. I can look into buying a cover for the windshild. I have traveled for years with the cover on, never have seen damage to the boat.

[kswalleyer]

Originally Posted by ranger1850

I apprecaite the input. I worry about a rock hiitting my windshield and other damage to the interor.
I will wait and see what others have to say. I can look into buying a cover for the windshild. I have traveled for years with the cover on, never have seen damage to the boat.

Ive never had any damage of any kind. I think if you are on gravel that is completely different, then you probably want a towtektor/trailer tux type gravel guard and all the protection you can get if you are going over 15 mph.

[goosechaser]

I travel with the cover on all the time. The only time that there could be damage to the boat from a ranger cover is if dust and dirt get in the felt pad on the inside of the cover. Once a year or when needed I roll the edges of the cover up and used compressed air to blow the dust out of that pad. This is what works for me.

[320bull]

I towed mine with the cover on for thousands and thousands of miles. No negative effects that I could see.