Boat Cover On While Towing?

[J. Thomson]

We recently put a deposit down on an R-27 OB for 2022 delivery. The boat will be stored on the trailer when not in use and we definitely want a full cover to protect it while being stored. We live in Idaho and I am aware of a couple of local custom cover shops that can make a tight-fitting cover that is also suitable for leaving on while towing. I haven't been able to find a post that directly addresses this. On longer trips I have always towed our current boat (18 ft. bowrider) with a cover. I am curious as to whether there are any other R-27 owners out there, as well as owners of other Ranger Tug models, that tow with a cover, and if so what your experience has been in terms of how that has worked, whether you would recommend it with the Ranger Tug, and why or why not.

Also, if anyone is aware of a cover/canvas shop in the Pacific Northwest that has done full-size covers for the R27 OB other than King Marine Canvas please let me know. I reached out to King and they informed me they do not have a template for a full cover and are only fabricating cockpit enclosures for the R27 OB.

Thank you.
- Jim

 

[Bruce Moore]

Bumping post delayed in moderation queue.

 

[CaspersCruiser]

If the cover is a custom made, custom fit, tight fitting, and made specifically for towing, yes tow with it. Ranger Tugs are towed shrink wrapped all the time.

I’ve owned my 2012 R27 four years and have made eight long-distance tows— five 500+ miles, and three 1,000 miles. Those mileages are one way so double the mileage for trip total. The boat has not incurred any damage on them.

A disadvantage I see towing with a cover is that I have “boater homed” on two of those tows where I stayed on the boat overnight en route. A cover would complicate that. On every long tow, I have had the boat provisioned and the refrigerator stocked to be ready at the destination. To power the refrigerator during the tow, I use either the solar panel or a portable generator. A cover eliminates that possibility. Also, I make lunch and eat on the boat at rest areas. A cover would preclude or complicate that.

 

[S. Todd]

I successfully towed various Sea Rays (18 to 25 feet) for decades with road covers on them. I have towed a R25SC and our current R29S with just a padded windshield covers and covers on the spot lights and haler speaker. I have not had fitted road/storage covers made for the Ranger Tugs because in addition to the comments made by CaspersCruiser with the folded masts and the sharp corners on the solar panels I am not sure a road cover is practical. I have gone with the windshield cover for two reasons, friends had a windshield break due to flying rock and I hated having to wash the bugs off the windshield when I got to the launching site. {Our typical tow to the lake is 250 to 350 miles one way (depending on the trip).} I have been very happy with the windshield covers. If I am unable to find suitable covered storage for our R29, which does not fit in the garage the R25 fit in, I will get a custom cover made for it (just lost my covered storage option recently due to retirement and sale by the owners).

 

[J. Thomson]

Thank you for your comments. One other thought that I have had and probably should have included this in my original post is the potential problem with trees. In our neighborhood we have a few trees, including on the main road in and out, that have been allowed to grow over the road and in some cases I think they have thin branches lower than 12 ft. off the road. My thinking is a cover may help with that to avoid potentially scratching the solar panel, radar dome, etc. Only thing I can think to do otherwise is be very careful, go slow and in some cases may need to get my own pruning tools out and do some cutting. Have you had any issues with trees and damage to the top or components on the top when towing?

 

[CaspersCruiser]

Two thoughts:

1) If those trees are low enough that you’re worried what they would do to a solar panel, then those branches would likely damage the cover.

2) I would seek to trim those branches before investing in an expensive cover. It’s very possible that you could hire a professional to trim the branches at less cost of a custom made towing cover.

 

[Catch22]

A well fitting custom cover will provide protection as well as security when towing. I do not tow my tug long distance and store indoors so no cover. That said all my fishing boats have had custom road covers and my tug would also have one if road trips were done.

 

[dalehelman]

Where do you plan on using your boat primarily? We boat primarily on Lake CDA and are looking for other Ranger Tug owners.

 

[J. Thomson]

Dalehelman we live in Boise and for short weekend trips will likely be on Payette Lake. We do, however, plan to get up to Coeur d'Alene and Lake Pend Oreille so will get in touch when we are headed that way. We are hoping to also do at least one San Juan/Gulf Islands/Victoria trip each year schedule permitting. If you would like to PM me your email I will add you to my contacts.
- Jim