Sharkskin cover

[Jimmy Buffett]

I need a new cover. Would like the Rankin, but don't ever tow with the cover on and with a 6 week old baby I don't want to spend $1k on the boat right now. I'm looking at the Westland Sharkskin cover from Overtons. Just under $300. If it lasts me 3-4 years I'll be happy. Anybody use one of these? How's the waterproofing? Thanks!

[CarveItUp]

I had one on my old boat and the waterproofing was fine for the one year I owned it. Then we bought our 'bu...

[87Skier]

This is my first season with that cover and I am happy with it so far.

[Jimmy Buffett]

We found a local canvas shop who quoted $700 for a custom Sunbrella cover. The CFO OK'd it, so I'm taking it in Friday. It's a good bit more money, but I want the breathability of the fabric plus I like the idea of getting a custom cover with reinforcement where I need it. And their custom price is the same as the dealer price for a factory cover.

[vette-ski]

I have a sharkskin. It actually has done pretty well when I have used it for towing. One 6 hour trip. The padding on the underside for the windshield got a little rubbed, but the cover is good and tight. As for the waterproofing, it's not 100%. I threw the cover over it one evening in a parking lot and we got a good rain and water pooled on top of the cover. Some dripped through. It does better if you use poles to keep the water drained off.

[DNA'er]

I went for a custom Sunbrella cover for a few reasons:

Sunbrella breathes well

Sunbrella does not fade easily.

Sunbrella has good long term water repellancy

Sunbrella wears like iron(Sharkskin cover on pontoon boat lasted 5 years)

Lots of colors(like 80 or so)

I had the cover customized so it is a waterline cover.... skirts all around it(no sun fading on back or sides of boat).

I got mine at skiboatcovers.com $700 and it was at my door 4 days after I ordered it.

Edited October 12, 2005 by DNA'er