Ayrton Oneill
There are several ways to cover a boat on a lift. One method is to start at the bow and work your way back, using ditty bags filled with sand to hold down the cover on the non-access side, and bungee cords or suction cups to secure the accessible side. Another option is to use a cover that goes down past the rub rails, with a rope threaded through the lower edge, allowing you to draw it down and secure it while standing on the dock. A third approach involves tying the straps across the top and using a variation of trailer cover straps, such as inserting the straps through slits in tennis balls to prevent rubbing on the boat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cover | Dust cover, T-top cover |
| How to attach | Tie the straps across the top, attach the bow first, then go back |
| Accessories | Storage bag, tie downs, support poles, reinforcement kit, bungee cord/suction cups |
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What You'll Learn
Using rope to secure a boat cover
When covering a boat on a lift, it's recommended to start at the bow and work your way back. You can use a rope to secure the boat cover by threading it through the lower edge of the cover, much like the cord on a hoodie. A rope ratchet can be used to tighten and secure the rope so that the boat cover stays in place. The rope should be tied off on each end to prevent it from slipping back.
If your boat cover has draw rope encased in the hem, you can use a Rope Ratchet to tighten and secure the rope. Untie one end of the rope and feed it into the bottom of the ratchet casing, around the gear, and back out through the bottom. The ratchet casing will have an arrow showing the direction to thread the rope.
You can also use tie-down straps or ropes to secure the cover to your boat. The most common method is to use straps, but you can also use rope or shock cord. Each tie-down loop must be securely tied to either the boat or the trailer, and the cover must be properly supported and padded before tightening.
If you're using rope, it's important to secure it as tightly as possible, whether storing, mooring, or trailering your boat. You should not rely exclusively on the rope-lock to maintain tension – always knot off the remaining exposed rope after tightening.
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Using a ratchet hook to secure a boat cover
To secure a boat cover using a ratchet hook, you first need to attach the cover straps to the boat. Then, pull on the rope ratchet to create tension on the straps underneath. The straps will rise up, creating a ridged tent effect so that water will run off the cover and not puddle.
To use a rope ratchet, first unthread one end of the hemline rope. The ratchet casing is marked with an arrow showing the direction to thread the rope. Feed the rope into the bottom of the ratchet casing, around the gear and back out through the bottom. Allow the rope end to hang free. Insert the hook into the knotted (opposite) end of the rope and pull the free-hanging rope end to tighten, ensuring the cover is taut.
Some boat covers are designed to go down past the rub rails, with a rope threaded through the lower edge. There is a ratchet hook on one end at the front of the cover so you can draw it down and secure it when you are standing on the dock.
If you are using the cover straps, you can use a variation of the following method: cut slits on each side of a tennis ball and insert the end of each strap through the tennis ball to prevent the straps from rubbing the boat. If you put tennis balls on the end of your straps, and then use a long pole/stick with a hook on the end, you could pull the straps (from the other side) under the boat and tie them to the straps on your side.
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Using a cover with a Velcro slot for antennas
When using a cover with a Velcro slot for antennas, it's important to consider the placement of the cover and how it will be secured. Start by attaching the bow of the cover to the front of the boat, then work your way back. You can use ditty bags filled with sand to hold down the cover on the non-access side, and bungee cords or suction cups can be used to secure the accessible side.
Some covers come with a draw rope that can be pulled snug on the port side and tied off, so you don't have to adjust it each time. Alternatively, you can tie the straps across the top to their counterparts on the other side before folding the cover. This keeps them out of the way and prevents them from rubbing against the boat.
If you want to use the cover straps, you can cut slits in tennis balls and insert the ends of the straps to prevent rubbing. Then, use a long pole or stick with a hook to pull the straps from the other side and tie them under the boat.
For sun protection, consider a cover that goes down past the rub rails. A rope can be threaded through the lower edge, and a ratchet hook at the front of the cover allows you to draw it down securely when standing on the dock. You can also find dust covers that are cheap and good quality, such as the Ranger Z520 cover, which fits most 20' bass boats.
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Using tennis balls to prevent straps from rubbing the boat
When putting a cover on a boat that is on a lift, it is recommended to start at the bow and work your way back. You can use a draw rope to pull the cover snug on the port side and then tie it off. You can also use a ditty bag filled with sand to hold down the cover on the non-access side, and bungee cords or suction cups to hold down the side you have access to.
If you want to use the cover straps, you can cut slits on each side of a tennis ball and insert the end of each strap through the tennis ball to prevent the straps from rubbing the boat. Then, you can use a long pole or stick with a hook on the end to pull the straps from the other side under the boat and tie them to the straps on your side. This method will keep the straps off the boat and prevent any potential damage.
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Using a T-topcover for a boat on a lift
If you're using a T-top cover for a boat on a lift, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you have all the necessary accessories, such as a storage bag, tie-downs, support poles, and a reinforcement kit. These will help you secure the cover properly.
When putting on the cover, start at the bow and work your way back. You can use ditty bags filled with sand to hold down the cover on the non-access side. On the access side, you can use bungee cords or suction cups to secure the cover. If you have a draw rope, pull it snug on the port side and tie it off. This will ensure that the cover is tight and secure.
To protect your boat's motor from sun damage, consider using a cover that extends past the rub rails. You can also get a separate cover for the motor hood. Ranger offers a "dust cover" that is affordable and good quality.
When tying down the cover, you can use a variety of methods to secure the straps. One option is to tie the straps across the top to their counterparts on the other side before folding the cover. This will keep them out of the way and prevent them from rubbing against the boat. You can also cut slits in tennis balls and insert the end of each strap to achieve the same goal.
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Frequently asked questions
Start at the bow, and work your way back. Tie the straps across the top, and then fold the cover. You can also use a draw rope to pull the cover snug on the port side, and then tie it off.
You will need a storage bag, tie-downs, support poles, and a reinforcement kit. You can also use a ratchet hook, rope, and a cover for the motor hood to protect it from sun damage.
Cut slits on each side of a tennis ball and insert the end of each strap through the tennis ball.
It should take around 7-10 minutes.
