Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

Ok, so I can't get a covered storage in my area so I'm going to leave the toon in the back yard covered up. Any good recommendations on a cover for the winter? I'd like to get another one so the playpen cover doesn't get destroyed, plus the playpen one doesn't cover the entire back and front, I'd like to keep all water/snow out or off as possible. Or have you all just used a big ass tarp? $30 for a tarp or $300 for a decent cover....is it worth it? Anyone used/bought those from Cabela's, Overtons these have a 5-6 year warranty? Are most of these tall enough to fit over the playpen cover with the poles up?

Before we got our shed I put factory cover on and then used a 20X30 heavy plastic tarp. It covered the whole boat including motor. I have a canvas motor cover as well. By having it also over the motor it allowed air under and kep midew down ro a minimum. I bought mine at Tractor Supply and ater 3 winters it is still in good shape. One thing I did was use foam pipe wrap over all sharp things to protect factory cover. I covered the windshield edges, bimini brackets ect. Also bought a bunch of tarp clips to add places for rope. I wove rope under trailer to connect both sides and was able to really snug it down.

Being in Illinois you might want to do what we have to do. Shrink wrap it

A Overton's $300 cover wont hack it.
Infact, no cover can handle it.
There is not enough 'angle' to shed off the snow.

It will just pile up until it collapses it.

Shrink wrap should be able to handle the weight.
Otherwise, yes, a big ole tarp is the trick.
By forming a high angle 'T-PEE' the snow will shed off onto the ground.
Also, the tarp has to be pulled tight, or the wind will destroy the thing in short order... Dont ask me how i know..

Something like what LakeRunner did over here....
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3141

This year i am going to basically build TALL saw horses that run the inside length of the toon kinda like LR did above.
Set em in there on the floor, and strap the tarp tightly over it.
Im hoping with the steep angle due to the TALL saw horse(s) running down the middle, the snow will just slide right off.

Atleast, this is what i have found out in Colorado....

I did the shrink wrap last year...it did a good job and covered the boat all the way down to the toons. $200.00 for a 20 footerhere in KY

I shrink wrap as well. I know many people on the forum have made A frames (for tarping) however and could post photos if you want to go that route. I saw some really cool PVC set ups.

If you can not find indoor storage, Then I would shrink wrap it. Check your local Fair Grounds. Many offer indoor winter storage for Boats and RV'S. That is where I store mine.