2x Ducksback covers - neither fully waterproof!

Tonus · 31 May 2024, 16:36

Hi - I've owned two of these small Ducksback boat covers, a 10-12ft and a 14-16ft for my Sibs/Ribs over the last 4 years.

Is it just me or are they really not very waterproof?! I use some uprights on the transom/bench in the middle and suspend thick dowel between them to make a 'tent' like setup - so I get absolutely no standing pools of water on the cover - it should just run off but it still seems to fill up with 2 or 3 litres of water depending on how much it rains. I don't leave the engine on the boat - and the cover is only touching the dowelling and the tubes of course.

I just went down to my boat and had to tip it out up again… It's only rained moderately over the last few days… it must be hitting the material of the cover, running off and just penetrating it.

I can't help but think I would get on better with a sheet of plastic, or a tarpaulin? Anyone had any experience with these covers letting in loads of water!?

smallribber · 31 May 2024, 16:46

Are those genuine Ducksback. I can’t see the logo. I have had several and they are waterproof for about 4-5 years then the leak

Tonus · 31 May 2024, 16:50

Yes they are - from Duckback at Amazon... I already had them replace the very first one I got because it was leaking and they said that sometimes they have deviations in the material. I can't say that the next one was much better to be honest. They're pretty hardy and well made in every other way 100% but waterproof they ain't!

jeffstevens763@g · 31 May 2024, 17:38

Took mine off this year mildew all over it leaks and not enough air circulation because it’s fitted swapping mine this weekend for a waterproof tarp held up by a frame with open ends.

Tonus · 31 May 2024, 18:27

thanks, yeh I was thinking of a tarp just for the 100% waterproofing... I allow a little bit of airflow too, especially over the Winter.
So are the Ducksback's supposed to be 'breathable' then - to stop mildew etc?

jeffstevens763@g · 31 May 2024, 19:16

Supposed to be but not in my experience and I’ve treated it made no difference

smallribber · 01 June 2024, 05:17

You need airflow what ever cover you use and if you don’t use your boat much uncover it on warm dry days

jeffstevens763@g · 01 June 2024, 07:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Easedalenovice

You need airflow what ever cover you use and if you don’t use your boat much uncover it on warm dry days

A breathable cover should vent enough without uncovering and exposing the boat to uv which is my priority

Peter_C · 01 June 2024, 20:46

Sunbrella is one of the best materials for covers. They can be washed and re-apply a DWR should they no longer shed water.

I just use a tarp and run a line from bow to stern, supported by a pole and my center console, leaving both ends open for venting. Far better when we have really hot days, and less issues with mold.

beerbelly · 03 June 2024, 07:02

i had a ducksback that came with my osprey it was old but worked fine so i decided to splash out on a new one and it was rubbish leaked like a sieve i contacted ducksback who apologized and replaced it said something about a new material supplier the replacement was no better they gave me a refund and told me to keep the cover no arguments . so i spent a bit extra and had sea swan make me a new one and that was brilliant so i bought one for my humber when i got that as well and 4 years on still great

smallribber · 03 June 2024, 07:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by beerbelly

i had a ducksback that came with my osprey it was old but worked fine so i decided to splash out on a new one and it was rubbish leaked like a sieve i contacted ducksback who apologized and replaced it said something about a new material supplier the replacement was no better they gave me a refund and told me to keep the cover no arguments . so i spent a bit extra and had sea swan make me a new one and that was brilliant so i bought one for my humber when i got that as well and 4 years on still great

When was it your had this issue with Ducksback. I bought a couple last year and they have been good.

This is the one I bought for my new Xpro 535 in November 2023 and am pleased with how it is performing so far. It has only been on a couple of months though

beerbelly · 03 June 2024, 18:04

[QUOTE=Easedalenovice;874326]When was it your had this issue with Ducksback. I bought a couple last year and they have been good.

crikey it was 2018 maybe 2019 .

smallribber · 03 June 2024, 20:35

[QUOTE=beerbelly;874351]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Easedalenovice

When was it your had this issue with Ducksback. I bought a couple last year and they have been good.

crikey it was 2018 maybe 2019 .

Thanks