hk wrote:
On 4/16/10 5:18 PM, John H wrote:
It is my belief that bungee cords should not be used with boat
covers, unless
the boat cover is of the 'throwaway' variety.

Bungee cords stretch, and they will often allow the cover to sag a
little when
it begins raining or snow. Once the cover sags just a bit, the weight
of more
water or snow will cause it to sag even more. The bungee cord is
helping this
process because it is stretching to accomodate the extra weight.

When I got my new cover, I followed the maker's advice and bought a
tie down kit
to go with it. The kit is only $22.59 Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Carver-Boat-Co.../dp/B0000AYI62

"Constructed Of 1" Black Polypropylene Webbing And Convenient Quick
Release
Buckles."

The kits contain 12 straps, each 8' long.



Those are precisely the tie-downs I am removing from my boat cover as
I transition to bungee cords. I bought some "adjustable" bungees.
Easily adjustable.

It is my *observation* that the non-stretching webs put all the stress
of rain on the cover, cause the cover to sag under the weight of
pooled rainwater, and allow the cover to press so tightly on boat
hardware that the cover gets punctured. Properly fitted bungee cords
that are allowed to stretch a little act as shock absorbers and take
care of the weight of rain water and also wind pressure.

Snow loads do not concern me, because my canvas boat cover spends its
winters in my garage and my Parker sleeps under its shrinkwrap, which,
properly applied, can absorb one hell of a snow load and if applied
properly, has no areas in which rainwater can pool.



Your problem is the cover and its supports, not the tie-downs. A tight
fit will force the rain to drain off. Bungees only encourage more pooling.