posted 07-18-2013 10:38 AM ET (US)
Yesterday I towed our Sport 13, cover installed, for about 45 miles at mostly 55 MPH. I had tie down straps or bungee cords in all the tie down loops and used one "tent pole" in the forward position.Within the first three miles I noticed the cover looked loose. I found a safe place to pull off the highway and checked the tie down straps. Several were loose enough to fit my hand between the strap and hull. I snugged them up and proceeded. Again, after a few miles the cover looked loose. I repeated the previous exercise although fewer straps were loose and they were not as loose as previously. After another several miles I decided to recheck the straps and found they were all tight. Upon arrival at my destination the straps remained tight. I assume the straps and/or cover did a little stretching. The cover was damp from dew when I began the drive.
My speed on the drive reached 65 MPH for a few seconds once while passing a string of vehicles.
I'm delighted to know I can safely tow our Sport 13 covered and will arrive with at least the interior of the boat nice and clean.
On the return trip I'll be repeating the checks but I suspect I'll have to snug up the straps only once.
This the third Carver cover I've owned and I've become increasingly impressed with the fit, quality and value of the products.
Butch