Custom Mooring Cover

I can't stand the look of snaps going around a boat, but at the same time, most of my worrying with the boat on trips involves not having a really nice cover that is easy to put on and can be put on the boat while it is in the water. I have a very nice Sunbrella tow cover for the boat (sewn in pads, reinforcements, custom fit to go around the crash pads, etc) but it needs to be tailored to fit a bit better and is always a PITA to put on since it goes over the whole boat and needs to be strapped to the trailer. If I have the boat on the water overnight on vacation somewhere and the weather calls for precip, I have to drape the tow cover over the boat, which of course caves in in in the wrong places and is only held on by the drawstring. A strong wind will blow it right off.

Weitekampt has an awesome custom snap-on cover which only covers from the windshield back. It's tight, fits perfectly, is easy to put on, and looks great. Yes, you have to have snaps on the boat, but I think it might be well worth it for the peace of mind offered by a good fitting cover. So, what I need to know is:

1. Are there any good canvas shops around Chicago that anyone would reccommend to create this cover

2. Any suggestions for placing the snaps so they are as invisible as possible? Maybe on he actual lower windshield frame? Maybe not even across the windshield if I don't tow with it?

3. How much should a custom mooring cover like this cost?

My neighbor's also covers the windshield so that the snaps go at the base of the windshield, and not along the ridge. It looks good, and you're less inclined to catch fingers on the snaps. Just a thought. Here in CA, that would cost you 600-800. BKH

I actually have a platform cover already, so that is taken care of. The Rankin cover looks like the ticket but they are obscenely expensive. Looks like they just tension on the rubrail, which is nice. I had no idea they existed. The G-note price tag is certainly a killer, but peace of mind when you're supposed to be having fun on vacation is priceless I suppose.

In Maine, custom mooring covers are $800 to $1,200 for inboards depending on size. I like draw strings the best, but they are more work and harder top put on in a strong wind. If you're going to use snaps, you definately want them under the rub rail. The shops around here have started to put them on above the rub rail, UGLY. If you don't think to tell them, you end up being surprised when you pick up your boat.

Snaps kill!!! Get in the water and run some straps under the hull you wussy!!! If you need the snaps do it all under the rub rail please.

Joel,

They put snaps under my rub rail for my cover, there are about 5 on each side, you really cannot see them so it's not too bad. Cover is a draw string, has tabs with snaps on them which snap to the rub rail and also loops for tie downs. Never towed with cover on however I would guess it would need to be tied down to trailer to remain secure. I have had good luck with an outfit in Lake Villa who does covers if you decide to go that route also.