posted 08-11-2002 09:54 PM ET (US)        

Has anyone used the covers that are advertised in major boating catalogs (i.e.: West Marine, Boat U.S., or Overtons)?

I have always seen the covers advertised with the proper dimensions for Whalers up to 19ft. If I remember correctly the brand name is RoadRunner??

I am not looking for Mills quality but would like a decent fitting cover for my newly acquired 1990 19ft outrage.

Thanks in advance for any comments.

posted 08-12-2002 06:59 AM ET (US)            

West Marine sells Taylor Made covers and I have one on a '96 17' OR. In fact if you have questions about a cover West Marine gives you the phone # for Taylor. I can send you a picture or you can see it yourself if you fish the Bonito Blast.

posted 08-12-2002 08:57 AM ET (US)            

Do you like the cover, has it met your expectations?

I would love to see it but I will be unable to attend the Bonita Blast.

Tx

Jason

posted 08-12-2002 10:04 AM ET (US)            

I had three different covers on my Outrage 18. Two of them were Starr Brand, and one was some other I cannot remember, maybe RoadRunner. My experience was that the fit was very good. They are made to fit the exact model listed.

The problem was that they did not last more than three seasons before the fabric would be cooked and it would start to rip. once it rips, there's no repairing it as the the fabric will simply rip in another spot.

The fabric used in those covers was not the same in all three of them either. I have a Taylor Made cover on another boat of mine now and just yesterday I noticed its first tear and sure enough by the time I got the cover stretched over the boat it ripped again. The fabric is cooked. Like clock work, this is its third summer.

So apart from the durability, these covers work very well. It should be noted that there is one big difference in how they are fit compared to the Mills mooring cover. These after market covers go over the bow rail while the Mills is designed to go around the bow rail stanchions.

Mills does this to insure good drainage which is something the after market cover may or may not be able to do depending on if you have the cover strapped or bungeed to help it remain taught and also on the elevation of the tongue on the trailer and how it is parked on the pavement.

Here in Seattle I had to use a bow to help the covers on my Outrage maintain drainage.

I believe some of the after market covers are also available in Sunbrella fabric which is exactly what the Mills covers are made of too. These cost a bit more but may be worth it if they will last longer.

posted 08-12-2002 10:51 AM ET (US)            

Thank you for the information. I will look for a cover made w/ Sunbrella or buy the Mills.