Need help finding a new cover

[SplashBandicoot]

Hello, I am new to the forum and am hoping for guidance on my cover situation for my 2009 Yamaha 212x.

Currently I have the factory mooring cover which is great except it is not totally waterproof. Rain gets in through the openings for the tower, and it seems like it might be leaking beyond that (possibly due to age and normal wear, though I'm not sure how old it is). No visible tears or holes other than the openings there by design.

My goal is to find a truly waterproof cover as I will be storing the boat outside all year (in the Sacramento area so it will rain but no snow). How do you all deal with the tower?

I am thinking I can collapse the tower and cover it entirely so as not to need any openings in the cover.

Also, I am considering putting a second cover or tarp on the existing one (rather than replacing it outright) but I've seen mixed opinions about "double covers".

I have spent a lot of time searching on this topic and am just feeling a bit overwhelmed and stuck. I would really appreciate any input you all may have.

 

[zipper]

Welcome. Any better pictures of your tower? Is it factory or aftermarket? You could have one made by a canvas shop, but would be pricier than the options I gugled. Leaders RPM may have one. Google Search



Other than that...the cover holes for the tower should be on the outside of the hull/gunnel. Rainwater should drain outside the boat. Any tarps put over the mooring cover/tower should be strapped down tight. You do not want the wind to blow the tarp around. The two covers chaffing on each other will wear a hole somewhere in the mooring cover as the tarp flaps. Also be aware of the grommets on the tarp, they can damage gelcoat. With that said, I use tarps to cover our other boats that are stored outside. I did keep our Yamaha inside one of our barns. You could also shrinkwrap your boat.

 

[SplashBandicoot]

Welcome. Any better pictures of your tower? Is it factory or aftermarket? You could have one made by a canvas shop, but would be pricier than the options I gugled. Leaders RPM may have one. Google Search

View attachment 240718

Other than that...the cover holes for the tower should be on the outside of the hull/gunnel. Rainwater should drain outside the boat. Any tarps put over the mooring cover/tower should be strapped down tight. You do not want the wind to blow the tarp around. The two covers chaffing on each other will wear a hole somewhere in the mooring cover as the tarp flaps. Also be aware of the grommets on the tarp, they can damage gelcoat. With that said, I use tarps to cover our other boats that are stored outside. I did keep our Yamaha inside one of our barns. You could also shrinkwrap your boat.

View attachment 240719

Thank you for the helpful reply, @zipper.

To answer your question about the tower, I think it is original because it has the "212 X" logo on it. I've attached two better pictures of the tower below. I believe the bimini top is aftermarket but I will need to collapse and cover that, or remove it entirely for the winter.

Regarding the tower openings, it seems like the gunnel slopes outward in the front but slightly inward in the back. I tested the water flow with a cup of water and some went to the swim platform and some went toward the seat (photo attached).

In any case, it seems like the cover must not be water proof anymore so I will either go with a new cover, or a very carefully planned tarp. If doing the latter, I will keep in mind the hazards that you mentioned.

On your boats that you use tarps to cover, are you using them as a secondary layer on top of a fitted cover? Or just using tarp(s) alone?

Thanks again.

 

[zipper]

I did verify the tower being factory. Covers are still available for this boat.



I would remove any canvas that would make contact with a tarp. Especially if the tarp is subject to wind. Loose tarps will chaffe fabric on biminis and mooring covers. I have personally experienced this with the bimini cover on our catamaran last year. It was old and has repair patches sewn in and the contact with the tarp wore the fabric enough to see the ss tubing frame below. I will be removing the Bimini cover this year. We have plans on making a new frame and cover in 2026 using captain navy sunbrella, so we were not all torn up about it.