boat covers

I have a 1972 Correct Craft Mustang and would like to know what brands of boat covers for trailering and winter storage, have people used? My current cover is leaking and all of the restoration I put into the boat seems to be deteriorating. I was looking at Rankin, Sunbrella, Carver or Taylor Made. Anyone using one of these manufacturers?

John,
wasn't there a group buy arrangement sometime ago for Rankin covers. I think Tim was involved

Rankin makes great covers, but they wont have a template for your Mustang. I purchased a few Carver covers (pretty inexpensive) this year for both my Skier and Tique. They fit OK with the square windshield. You'll need a few good cover supports and some bungees, though. No way would I tow with it.

I have the cheapie made-for-a-Nautique cover from Overtons. I think it cost around $225. It's the one that only comes in grey. It is made to tow with and I have done it successfully. I've probably towed around 2,500 miles with it. The fit is about an 8 on a 1-10. It has lasted since 2000. I stored the boat inside with it for about 4 years and under a covered slip for the other 4. It's spent little time in the sun so I don't know how well it would hold up in the rays, but for me it's held up great!

Matt

Brktracer wrote: I have the cheapie made-for-a-Nautique cover from Overtons. I think it cost around $225. It's the one that only comes in grey. It is made to tow with and I have done it successfully.

Matt, Ive got the same Westland cover for my Skier, and I agree that the fit isnt bad. I have to disagree that it is "made to tow", though. There is much more to a towable cover than straps that attach to the trailer! If you were to ever see a Rankin in person, you would know what I mean- the fit is extremely precise and super tight, so it doesnt catch wind and mark up the gelcoat. I have to say that the only covers Ive seen that are truly trailerable are the Rankin style, and a handful of custom made covers, like Pete suggested.

TRB, I want to graduate to the $250ish cover you have, I've got the Walmart $50 dollar special on it right now.   I can't figure out which one will fit the 16.5 ft hull though, can't find listing for Skiers or Stangs on Overton's. If you can, would you help me narrow down the options so I get the right one you have that fits the Skier.

Overtons

Thanks

Adam, as strange as it sounds, the Overtons cover that fits my Skier pretty well is allegedly #71043. I answer this tentatively because their website says its supposed to fit a 1981 Ski Nautique, and the box said 1981 Ski Nautique/Tique.

I dont know if the one I specifically got was packaged incorrectly- that is very possible. I got it from Dave (copcraft) after he bought it from Jake- you can see the trouble they had in this thread.. Apparently it didnt fit the Mustang 17 or Ski Nautique very well.

Amazingly, the cover actually matches the curved windshield very nicely... it fit the Skier much better than my Ski Tique. Id love to get a custom sunbrella cover for the boat at some point, but for a $240 cover, this one is pretty decent.