Sharkskin or Sunbrella boat cover

Pi Lvr83 · 12-01-2011, 02:24 PM

I need to cover my yacht, a 13' Boston Whaler with bow rail for the winter.
Has anyone had any experience with either the Sharkskin or Sunbrella type covers?
I did read the Sunbrella has a better warranty.

I would like to know how they have held up in the sun here in Fl.

Mikvi · 12-01-2011, 04:48 PM

Sunbrella will work fine. There are differnt grades of Sunbrella; You get what you pay for. Stay away from red colors as they fade the quickest and are more expensive. The stitching will probably rot long before the canvas. I can't talk too much about the longevity of sharkskin, but I know the reps were trying to push it when I was in the business. Make sure you have good fresh air ventilation to avoid mildew.

skiff man99 · 12-01-2011, 06:10 PM

Sunbrella is the way to go, excellent uv protection. If they use uv resistant thread as well the stitching will last about as long as the material as well.

X-Shark · 12-02-2011, 03:54 AM

Here is a chart break down between the two.

http://www.savvyboater.com/s-26-boat...-material.aspx

Ocean Master · 12-03-2011, 04:48 PM

Sunbrella will last almost forever if you take care of it. It's more expensive but well worht it.

Hydro Therapy 2 · 12-04-2011, 01:48 AM

Can you wrap your seat cushions with it?

boatnbob · 12-04-2011, 08:41 PM

I have used these guys for my DIY projects for years. I have made covers for my Supra, Mastercraft, Shamrock, and CS. I have used some of their closeout textiles (marine canvas), and first grade textiles as well. I am not a professional, but enjoy making my own stuff. That being said, they are decent on the money for what you get. Go to a shop and check out the different weight fabrics to figure out what weight you want.

I bought a large quantity of the 11.5 oz fabric and that stuff was better used for T tops vs. a boat cover. I like a lighter weight fabric for covers. I also place vents in mine which will allow a pole to placed inside the center of the vent. Not sure if they carry them, but I haven't had a problem with mildew or venting. Make sure you get UV stabilized thread as the other poster said. Lots of knowledgeable people on the forum, just offering a source:

http://www.rochfordsupply.com/shop/T...ver/index.html

Good luck on your cover.

Cheers,

Bob

Gamefish27 · 12-10-2011, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hydro Therapy 2

Can you wrap your seat cushions with it?

Yes, I cover just the center consul (windshield down) and the caption seats, much cheeper then covering the entire boat. Plus easer to get on and off by yourself. Go see Canvas Specialties in FT Walton he did a nice job for me.

Coastal Canvas/Pensacola · 01-19-2012, 06:30 PM

If you have not gotten a boat cover for your 13ft. Boston Whaler,please give us a call at Coastal Canvas of Pensacola, 466-5086. We use Sunbrella material. Thanks Tony

12-01-2011, 02:24 PM	#1
Pi Lvr83 Senior Member Mingo Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Navarre, FL Posts: 100	Sharkskin or Sunbrella boat cover I need to cover my yacht, a 13' Boston Whaler with bow rail for the winter. Has anyone had any experience with either the Sharkskin or Sunbrella type covers? I did read the Sunbrella has a better warranty. I would like to know how they have held up in the sun here in Fl. Last edited by Pi Lvr83; 12-01-2011 at 02:25 PM. Reason: misspelled!

12-01-2011, 06:10 PM	#3
skiff man99 Senior Member Trigger Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: pensacola Posts: 393	Sunbrella is the way to go, excellent uv protection. If they use uv resistant thread as well the stitching will last about as long as the material as well. __________________ Ashby Marine Services -Electronics Installs and service -Topcoat application and fiberglass repairs. -Bottom jobs, Plumbing, Brightwork -Detailing and Waxing 850-341-4762 Edwin/Ashby Yacht Services & Restoration - All aspects of vessel maintenance and repairs. -Quality craftsmanship done in a timely manner at the best price in town. -3301 N Navy Blvd -850-696-7668

12-03-2011, 04:48 PM	#5
Ocean Master 31' Ocean Master Custom Grouper Join Date: May 2008 Location: Gulf Breeze Intercoastal Posts: 954	Sunbrella will last almost forever if you take care of it. It's more expensive but well worht it. __________________ "How I Roll" On 71 "Wheelchair Accessible Fishing"

12-04-2011, 08:41 PM	#7
boatnbob Member Ruby Red Lip Join Date: May 2009 Location: Gulf Breeze, FL Posts: 78	Handy source - listed below I have used these guys for my DIY projects for years. I have made covers for my Supra, Mastercraft, Shamrock, and CS. I have used some of their closeout textiles (marine canvas), and first grade textiles as well. I am not a professional, but enjoy making my own stuff. That being said, they are decent on the money for what you get. Go to a shop and check out the different weight fabrics to figure out what weight you want. I bought a large quantity of the 11.5 oz fabric and that stuff was better used for T tops vs. a boat cover. I like a lighter weight fabric for covers. I also place vents in mine which will allow a pole to placed inside the center of the vent. Not sure if they carry them, but I haven't had a problem with mildew or venting. Make sure you get UV stabilized thread as the other poster said. Lots of knowledgeable people on the forum, just offering a source: http://www.rochfordsupply.com/shop/T...ver/index.html Good luck on your cover. Cheers, Bob

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12-01-2011, 04:48 PM	#2
Mikvi Senior Member Trigger Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Pensacola Posts: 379	Sunbrella will work fine. There are differnt grades of Sunbrella; You get what you pay for. Stay away from red colors as they fade the quickest and are more expensive. The stitching will probably rot long before the canvas. I can't talk too much about the longevity of sharkskin, but I know the reps were trying to push it when I was in the business. Make sure you have good fresh air ventilation to avoid mildew.

12-02-2011, 03:54 AM	#4
X-Shark Senior Member White Marlin Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Pensacola, Fl. Posts: 3,031	Here is a chart break down between the two. http://www.savvyboater.com/s-26-boat...-material.aspx

12-04-2011, 01:48 AM	#6
Hydro Therapy 2 Senior Member Sailfish Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 1,646	Can you wrap your seat cushions with it?

01-19-2012, 06:30 PM	#9
Coastal Canvas/Pensacola Junior Member Cigar Minnow Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: 3210 Olde Barrancas Rd., Pensacola, Fl. 32507 Posts: 8	If you have not gotten a boat cover for your 13ft. Boston Whaler,please give us a call at Coastal Canvas of Pensacola, 466-5086. We use Sunbrella material. Thanks Tony

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