Silver ducksback covers

[Hightower]

Originally Posted by Trevor G

Yes - after 3 years in the open my blue one finally gave up - I replaced it with a silver one and it seems of similar quality. Hard to beat for the money!

I'm also coming to a stage where I need a new cover.

3 years seems to be the life expectancy of these type of covers, my current blue one isn't fairing as well as the last and has had a coat of water repellent applied, but it's still not as good as the first (which I bought from Bembridge Marine).

How long do made for measure "proper" boat covers last? I'm sure a cover made from lorry siding would last a long time and cost less than the fabric ones, but is there anyone making them from this material?

[simon23]

I bought a really good quality millatry tarp used about 10mtrs square for £150 cut it in half trimed to something like the shape put some eyes in it and i m sure its going to be good for 10 yrs.only problem is its a two man job to lift on!

[Ian M]

Yes, I had a similar cover on my old XS. Rugged, but a real struggle to get on, and, in winter, really stiff and difficult.
I've got a made to measure one on the Osprey, made by Sanders Sails, and it is very easy to fit by comparison. A simple one man job to fit.
They do different grades of material, with a lighter material if you wanted to carry it in the boat
Sanders quoted a minimum life of ten years, but hinted that if that is all I got they would be surprised.
Not cheap, but I am very happy with it. I guess you get what you pay for

[lakelandterrier]

I've found the Ducksback covers last only a couple of seasons.
They're not a good fit on my boat - I've not been able to crack getting it to fit around the A-frame neatly - so always end up with lots of pooling at the bow and / water in the after end.
I'm seriously considering shelling out for a properly made cover which will clip arounds the rubbing strake. I know they're not cheap, but should pay back over time.