User Tools
Sidebar
Using Boat Covers
(discussion from facebook September 2024)
James Anderson
I drive mine roughly 5000kms round trip no idea what that is in freedom units. I have rhino cradles spaced about 2.2 metres apart on a rhino pioneer platform. I wrap the nose in bubble wrap and tape it together, so the nose is protected. I have noticed that securing it slightly on its side with the bottom facing towards the oncoming traffic there is less buffeting and movement. I make sure the straps I use are wide and doubled, one set at the front rear and the middle. Sometimes with some support in the middle as well.
Trevor Wagner
James Anderson - I drive xyz kilometers a day and have no idea what that is in freedom units……… (next sentence) I have rhino cables………. Thank you for a good laugh
James Anderson
Trevor Wagner - cradles read brother
Darthe Boll
James Anderson - 5000 km is like 25,000 bald eagle wingspans in American give or take.
James Anderson
Darthe Boll - so only 10000 wedge tailed eagle wingspans.
Orion Fleming
Get a Burnham case, I have one for my K1 and it’s awesome
Joe Fore
I'm blessed and have an incredibly talented better half. She makes custom socks for all our boats- We transport them fairly regularly from East Tennessee to Texas and/Florida without any issues. If there are any loose flappy parts, a bungee chord or a few wraps of tape usually do the trick.
Matthew White
Joe Fore - mind me asking what material you used? We picked up some fabric and plan to make a sock this week before our trip from AL to TX next week. We have a cable knit stretch fabric. But would love to hear what you used.
Joe Fore
Hi Matthew - No worries. This is the material we use:
https://fabricwholesaledirect.com/.../ottertex-waterproof…
Ottertex® Waterproof Canvas
FABRICWHOLESALEDIRECT.COM
Ottertex® Waterproof Canvas
Bob Waters
It will at least keep bugs and rocks off
Lloyd Reeves
I’ve used socks driving long distance cross country and duct tape the back end to keep it from fluttering.
Bobby Bob
Use the sock and wrap kitchen foilfilm over it it cost ya €3 just like ya wrap a suitecas in the airport …job done 😉
Kim Reinike
Agree with Lloyd Reeves. I have and do transport kayaks and skis from the MS Gulf Coast to the WA state area. A good sock and then tape up in loose areas to avoid flapping. Have done this with no problems for thousands of miles.
Kimberly Riggle
I've been using RedLeaf Designs with my boat stored on the roof and through multiple cross US road trips with no issues. I tried multiple types before that and they just shredded way to quick (less than a year). They are pricey but better than buying multiple times. YMMV
Craig Ashworth
Seen people wrap the boat in glad wrap before putting it in a sock before
Julie Mitravich
I have both a home sewn sock made from stretch jersey that I have for mine, if it has a loose area, I just tape it or bungee around it.
I also have a bomber Salamander bag that I got from The River Connection, Inc. which is heavy weight and fits like a corset. I roll up the end and bungee it.
Both work really well, protect it from any small road debris. It helps to cover up the shiny new boat, steal me factor.
Neither one has caused any damage
Tim Healy
No sock …less wind resistant, no issues with rain, no flapping. I remove socks and covers from all the boats I transport. Worse case, wipe the boat down when you put it on the water. 😊
Chris Elek
I would wrap the boat tightly in a sheet. Than have the sock over it. Or try and get the sock on tight by wrapping it
Stephanie Schell
If you put a soft cover, just watch for the rough ends of the bungee cords attached to the back deck (behind the cockpit) chewing a hole in the bag. If there are rough ends, try to cover them up with pipe wrap tape or something that will prevent them rubbing on the bag when you transport.
Clive Gasson
Ive travelled that at more with the sock on. I use bungees on the rear section, stops the sock flapping and you can tuck the cord under.
Chuck Stevens
No issues using mine. The UV protection is worth it .
May be an image of kayak
Jeremy Vore
We make custom-fit storage and transport covers for canoes, kayaks, and surf skis in our family business.
We’d love to make one for your Epic!
Www.redleafdesigns.com
Custom Canoe and Kayak Storage and Transport Covers and Spray Decks – RedLeaf Designs
REDLEAFDESIGNS.COM
Milenko Nasagacin
I had that problem with some covers, You can wrap it with stretch pvc, and then you put in in sock, no problem there, but boat should be dry.
Justin Fraser
https://burnhamboatslings.com.au/weathermax-surf-ski.../
Check these out; I was so impressed with mine I bought a second one, and they were super quick from the US to Australia, the quilted quality of these covers is quite extraordinary,,,, and this is coming from someone to is an absolute fanatic
WeatherMax Surf Ski Cover Single
BURNHAMBOATSLINGS.COM.AU
Gerry Langworthy
Justin Fraser Those are not cheap!
Justin Fraser
Gerry Langworthy compared to what though, cheap and expensive is a matter of perspective,
Gerry Langworthy
The reason to put a cover on your ski, in my opinion, is to protect it from sun damage. The cover doesn’t really do more than that. I’ve transported kayaks and surfskis back and forth across North America, as far east as Newfoundland Canada and as far west as Alaska. I‘ve never had a sock for my watercraft, but I cover the boat or ski when my vehicle is stationary if I am parked somewhere and it is sunny. I think you are correct to be concerned that anything flapping could cause an abrasion to your ski.
Chris Sousa
A buddy of mine travels to CJ from Boston every year with his cedar deck/carbon hulled kayaks on the truck, uncovered. Never an issue. If you’re concerned about picking up road debris, a wrap of commercial plastic wrap on the nose should do the trick, or just wrap the whole boat in shrink wrap. It won’t buffet in the wind like canvas will.
