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Author Topic:   Recommended Vendors for Canvas

weekendwarrior posted 04-02-2015 10:37 AM ET (US)
Can anyone recommend a good brand and good model boat cover that would fit a 1996 Moutauk 17, not to exceed $300 if possible? The only requirement is that it hold up to hot Florida sun reasonably well.
My Road Runner cover was great but after several years the Florida sun has turned it into tissue paper and it seems the brand is now out of business.

Carver posted 04-02-2015 12:14 PM ET (US)
For the intense Florida sun conditions, the Sunbrella material is going to be your best bet for a cover for your 1996 Montauk 17 model. The next best material option would be a 100% marine polyester material. Carver manufactures(they do not sell direct) a custom cover part number 10304* that fits this boat model with bow rails and side rails, or part number 10367* w/o bow rails w/ side rails.
hmaz1 posted 04-02-2015 01:10 PM ET (US)
01-7453 CABELA'S TRAIL TUFF BOSTON WHALER TRAVEL COVER MONTAUK 17 (W RAILS) is $225 to $250, but I can NOT recommend it much. Nice fit, but it won't last. Mine started showing wear in outdoor California storage after a year. When I sold the 1979 Montauk around that time, the buyer contacted Cabella's and was at least able to get a replacement under warranty.
Jefecinco posted 04-02-2015 06:43 PM ET (US)
Carver Industries sells fitted covers for Boston Whalers.
carvercovers.com will get you started. I recently replaced a Carver Sunbrella cover for my 190 Montauk with another fabric called Sundura also from Carver. The Sundura is supposedly a good material for use on the Gulf Coast. I like mine a lot so far.
Butch
andygere posted 04-02-2015 11:44 PM ET (US)
I had a custom mooring cover made out of Sunbrella for my Whaler more than 10 years ago, and it's still going strong. It has been installed on the boat that entire time. While Central California is not nearly as hot as Florida, we get a lot of sunny days every year, and the cover has held up well.
Hoosier posted 04-03-2015 08:25 AM ET (US)
In the FWIW department, my '78 Outrage still has its Mills full canvas set. It's been touched up over the years to replace some of the stitching and modified to fit when I raised the center console. I think it's Sunbrella, but I don't know, for sure.
jimh posted 04-04-2015 12:28 PM ET (US)
The Wm. J. Mills & Co. have been using the Glen Raven Mills fabric SUNBRELLA for their boat canvas for decades. I don't think you'd find any other material used in canvas made by Wm. J. Mills & Co. for a Boston Whaler boat.
ASIDE: I recently saw a sample book of available SUNBRELLA fabrics, provided by a custom boat canvas shop. I was very impressed with the range of colors and designs that are available in SUNBRELLA. Your choice is not limited to just a solid color of PACIFIC BLUE anymore--although that is still a great look for a classic Boston Whaler boat. Here is a sample of SUNBRELLA fabrics recommended for marine tops:
http://www.sunbrella.com/showroom/#!submit=complexSearch&app=00100000& color=all&pattern=all&col=all&fs=&screen=listing
MattInSanDiego posted 04-07-2015 01:14 AM ET (US)
I like this company. Use the Make Offer option and I bet you can get a great cover for well under $300.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Boston-Whaler-Montauk-17-Custom-Boat-Cover-BW17MT88-B-/251210709057?vxp=mtr&hash=item3a7d533841
Phil T posted 04-07-2015 01:14 PM ET (US)
The company Matt referred to above, Canvas Products Company, has been used by members before,
See last post by Dan here: http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/019546.html
The search engine on CW is your friend.
weekendwarrior posted 04-07-2015 02:16 PM ET (US)
Thanks everyone for the replies. The Sunbrella material sounds great but wow does it raise the price. But I've been having to buy new covers every couple of years so maybe Sunbrella is worth it's cost if Sunbrella really will last in the sun. My Mills top still looks brand new, and as far as I'm aware it's the original 1996 part. Maybe that is Sunbrella material?
I've also been unable to find a pattern by any brand that has a flap for covering the motor included as part of the main cover. My old cover has this, but new covers all seem to have a separate motor cover. Does anyone know of a brand with built in flap to cover the motor?
Jefecinco posted 04-07-2015 07:04 PM ET (US)
From Carver the cover for our Sport 13 came with an engine cover sewn in. The 190 Montauk came with a separate engine cover. The Carver cover on my previous Dauntless 16 came with a separate engine cover.
After using both for a couple of years I prefer the separate engine cover. I find that with the sewn in cover the seams are under more stress than I care for when the tie-down straps are tensioned.
I'm guessing that the covers for smaller boats are typically sewn in because the engines tend to be much smaller. Or, possibly because smaller covers are more easily sewn in. Your guess is as good as mine.
Carver has a customer support toll free telephone number. I've always found them to be very helpful. If you call and request a sewn in cover them may be able to provide one.
Butch
MattInSanDiego posted 04-08-2015 12:20 AM ET (US)
I believe that the cover I listed above is made out of Sunbrella fabric. Ask the seller on the ebay link to confirm.
Matt
weekendwarrior posted 04-12-2015 03:30 PM ET (US)
Where do you guys buy your covers? I found the Carver 10304s at savvyboater.com for a good price ($339), but they have a no returns policy for custom covers and that makes me a little nervous. Amazon has it for $418 which seems very high. I can't seem to find it anywhere else.
West Marine has their own custom covers, $221 for the "Hot Shot" fabric or $442 for the "Ultima" fabric, but there's no real info on the difference. Does anyone have experience with either of these?
Jefecinco posted 04-13-2015 09:57 AM ET (US)
The Carver web site lists several retailers for their products. Some offer 10% off pricing and or free shipping from time to time. They all have toll free numbers. It's usually best to call and discuss what you want with them.
Butch
PeteB88 posted 04-14-2015 02:22 PM ET (US)
In west Michigan I use Miller's Canvas in Holton, a true Amish-owned place. Their pricing is great, workmanship is excellent, but they're so popular that to get a job done takes a long time. All the machines, including the fans, run on compressed air from a compressor run by a diesel engine. Telephone hooked up to 12-VDC car battery. Andy Miller is the owner. They don't work on Mondays.
I would like to have a back-up shop in Michigan since Miller's are usually backed-up big time.
Carver posted 04-16-2015 12:14 PM ET (US)
The custom covers made by Carver would be guaranteed to fit the boat model that it is advertised to fit and Carver will stand behind their products. If the cover description matches the boat model description, you shouldn't have any issues. It would be important to let the dealer / retailer know of any changes or optional equipment added to the boat before ordering.
If you are unsure of a material and/or color - material and color swatches are available by request as well.
weekendwarrior posted 04-24-2015 05:19 PM ET (US)
Well I bought the sundura material Carver cover from boatcoversoutlet.com, I'll report back when it arrives. :)
Jefecinco posted 04-25-2015 10:20 AM ET (US)
This has been an interesting thread. I hope you like the Sundura cover as much as I like mine. The lighter weight is another plus of the material.
Butch
Ferdinando posted 04-28-2015 11:22 AM ET (US)
I also purchased a Sundura cover just before I retired at the end of 2012 and it's still going strong. Full exposure to sunlight 24/7 here in Puerto Rico is pretty harsh. I was a bit of a sceptic when Sundura compared themselves as good or better than Sunbrella. Quite frankly with 3 years on my boat I have to agree it's lived up to its reputation!
Fred
Jefecinco posted 04-28-2015 06:38 PM ET (US)
Sundura and Sunbrella are both products of Raven Mills.
Butch
contender posted 04-28-2015 08:22 PM ET (US)
Being in Fla, having a canvas right on the boat builds up to much heat under the canvas. Also with all the rain it nevers gets a chance to dry out resulting in mold. The boat stays wet and the high heat helps grow the mold. Best to design a tent over the boat so that you can drive in and out easy, the boat will dry out after the rain, and it will not be so hot. Build like a small awing to cover your boat...

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Author	Topic: Recommended Vendors for Canvas
weekendwarrior	posted 04-02-2015 10:37 AM ET (US) Can anyone recommend a good brand and good model boat cover that would fit a 1996 Moutauk 17, not to exceed $300 if possible? The only requirement is that it hold up to hot Florida sun reasonably well. My Road Runner cover was great but after several years the Florida sun has turned it into tissue paper and it seems the brand is now out of business.
Carver	posted 04-02-2015 12:14 PM ET (US) For the intense Florida sun conditions, the Sunbrella material is going to be your best bet for a cover for your 1996 Montauk 17 model. The next best material option would be a 100% marine polyester material. Carver manufactures(they do not sell direct) a custom cover part number 10304* that fits this boat model with bow rails and side rails, or part number 10367* w/o bow rails w/ side rails.
hmaz1	posted 04-02-2015 01:10 PM ET (US) 01-7453 CABELA'S TRAIL TUFF BOSTON WHALER TRAVEL COVER MONTAUK 17 (W RAILS) is $225 to $250, but I can NOT recommend it much. Nice fit, but it won't last. Mine started showing wear in outdoor California storage after a year. When I sold the 1979 Montauk around that time, the buyer contacted Cabella's and was at least able to get a replacement under warranty.
Jefecinco	posted 04-02-2015 06:43 PM ET (US) Carver Industries sells fitted covers for Boston Whalers. carvercovers.com will get you started. I recently replaced a Carver Sunbrella cover for my 190 Montauk with another fabric called Sundura also from Carver. The Sundura is supposedly a good material for use on the Gulf Coast. I like mine a lot so far. Butch
andygere	posted 04-02-2015 11:44 PM ET (US) I had a custom mooring cover made out of Sunbrella for my Whaler more than 10 years ago, and it's still going strong. It has been installed on the boat that entire time. While Central California is not nearly as hot as Florida, we get a lot of sunny days every year, and the cover has held up well.
Hoosier	posted 04-03-2015 08:25 AM ET (US) In the FWIW department, my '78 Outrage still has its Mills full canvas set. It's been touched up over the years to replace some of the stitching and modified to fit when I raised the center console. I think it's Sunbrella, but I don't know, for sure.
jimh	posted 04-04-2015 12:28 PM ET (US) The Wm. J. Mills & Co. have been using the Glen Raven Mills fabric SUNBRELLA for their boat canvas for decades. I don't think you'd find any other material used in canvas made by Wm. J. Mills & Co. for a Boston Whaler boat. ASIDE: I recently saw a sample book of available SUNBRELLA fabrics, provided by a custom boat canvas shop. I was very impressed with the range of colors and designs that are available in SUNBRELLA. Your choice is not limited to just a solid color of PACIFIC BLUE anymore--although that is still a great look for a classic Boston Whaler boat. Here is a sample of SUNBRELLA fabrics recommended for marine tops: http://www.sunbrella.com/showroom/#!submit=complexSearch&app=00100000& color=all&pattern=all&col=all&fs=&screen=listing
MattInSanDiego	posted 04-07-2015 01:14 AM ET (US) I like this company. Use the Make Offer option and I bet you can get a great cover for well under $300. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Boston-Whaler-Montauk-17-Custom-Boat-Cover-BW17MT88-B-/251210709057?vxp=mtr&hash=item3a7d533841
Phil T	posted 04-07-2015 01:14 PM ET (US) The company Matt referred to above, Canvas Products Company, has been used by members before, See last post by Dan here: http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/019546.html The search engine on CW is your friend.
weekendwarrior	posted 04-07-2015 02:16 PM ET (US) Thanks everyone for the replies. The Sunbrella material sounds great but wow does it raise the price. But I've been having to buy new covers every couple of years so maybe Sunbrella is worth it's cost if Sunbrella really will last in the sun. My Mills top still looks brand new, and as far as I'm aware it's the original 1996 part. Maybe that is Sunbrella material? I've also been unable to find a pattern by any brand that has a flap for covering the motor included as part of the main cover. My old cover has this, but new covers all seem to have a separate motor cover. Does anyone know of a brand with built in flap to cover the motor?
Jefecinco	posted 04-07-2015 07:04 PM ET (US) From Carver the cover for our Sport 13 came with an engine cover sewn in. The 190 Montauk came with a separate engine cover. The Carver cover on my previous Dauntless 16 came with a separate engine cover. After using both for a couple of years I prefer the separate engine cover. I find that with the sewn in cover the seams are under more stress than I care for when the tie-down straps are tensioned. I'm guessing that the covers for smaller boats are typically sewn in because the engines tend to be much smaller. Or, possibly because smaller covers are more easily sewn in. Your guess is as good as mine. Carver has a customer support toll free telephone number. I've always found them to be very helpful. If you call and request a sewn in cover them may be able to provide one. Butch
MattInSanDiego	posted 04-08-2015 12:20 AM ET (US) I believe that the cover I listed above is made out of Sunbrella fabric. Ask the seller on the ebay link to confirm. Matt
weekendwarrior	posted 04-12-2015 03:30 PM ET (US) Where do you guys buy your covers? I found the Carver 10304s at savvyboater.com for a good price ($339), but they have a no returns policy for custom covers and that makes me a little nervous. Amazon has it for $418 which seems very high. I can't seem to find it anywhere else. West Marine has their own custom covers, $221 for the "Hot Shot" fabric or $442 for the "Ultima" fabric, but there's no real info on the difference. Does anyone have experience with either of these?
Jefecinco	posted 04-13-2015 09:57 AM ET (US) The Carver web site lists several retailers for their products. Some offer 10% off pricing and or free shipping from time to time. They all have toll free numbers. It's usually best to call and discuss what you want with them. Butch
PeteB88	posted 04-14-2015 02:22 PM ET (US) In west Michigan I use Miller's Canvas in Holton, a true Amish-owned place. Their pricing is great, workmanship is excellent, but they're so popular that to get a job done takes a long time. All the machines, including the fans, run on compressed air from a compressor run by a diesel engine. Telephone hooked up to 12-VDC car battery. Andy Miller is the owner. They don't work on Mondays. I would like to have a back-up shop in Michigan since Miller's are usually backed-up big time.
Carver	posted 04-16-2015 12:14 PM ET (US) The custom covers made by Carver would be guaranteed to fit the boat model that it is advertised to fit and Carver will stand behind their products. If the cover description matches the boat model description, you shouldn't have any issues. It would be important to let the dealer / retailer know of any changes or optional equipment added to the boat before ordering. If you are unsure of a material and/or color - material and color swatches are available by request as well.
weekendwarrior	posted 04-24-2015 05:19 PM ET (US) Well I bought the sundura material Carver cover from boatcoversoutlet.com, I'll report back when it arrives. :)
Jefecinco	posted 04-25-2015 10:20 AM ET (US) This has been an interesting thread. I hope you like the Sundura cover as much as I like mine. The lighter weight is another plus of the material. Butch
Ferdinando	posted 04-28-2015 11:22 AM ET (US) I also purchased a Sundura cover just before I retired at the end of 2012 and it's still going strong. Full exposure to sunlight 24/7 here in Puerto Rico is pretty harsh. I was a bit of a sceptic when Sundura compared themselves as good or better than Sunbrella. Quite frankly with 3 years on my boat I have to agree it's lived up to its reputation! Fred
Jefecinco	posted 04-28-2015 06:38 PM ET (US) Sundura and Sunbrella are both products of Raven Mills. Butch
contender	posted 04-28-2015 08:22 PM ET (US) Being in Fla, having a canvas right on the boat builds up to much heat under the canvas. Also with all the rain it nevers gets a chance to dry out resulting in mold. The boat stays wet and the high heat helps grow the mold. Best to design a tent over the boat so that you can drive in and out easy, the boat will dry out after the rain, and it will not be so hot. Build like a small awing to cover your boat...