Towing 2016 242 without cover. Is it safe?

[Pinhacker71]

I’m towing about 175 miles tomorrow at highway speed. Can the wet storage doors open while towing? I usually tow with a cover but I kind of want to try without it. I just don’t want my stuff going everywhere.

 

[Seadeals]

At highway speeds, you will learn very quickly if there is an issue. I have blown the rear center cushion out of my boat at WOT (43 mph) so hitting 65+ can tear anything loose loose. If you want to be sure you don’t have to buy any replacement parts, throw the cover on. Unfortunately I don’t have your model boat so i cant speak from experience.

 

[Bluewater272]

We tow locally without a cover, including a short highway jaunt. The cover on the connext screen got loose once, so we stow that now. 175 miles and I'd probably put the cover on, to keep bugs and dirt out more than anything.

 

[Pinhacker71]

Cover it is then. Kinda what I was leaning towards anyways. Thanks.

 

[Ronnie]

Good call @Pinhacker71 .

Here is some additional food for thought.
1. The least expensive cushion is the rear filler cushion and it’s over a $100 new.
2. You cannot buy individual pieces of the carpet kit, not new anyway. A complete set New is over $500. There is an option to upgrade to hydro turf or seadek for the same or a premium, respectively.
3. If you want to show of your boat/trailer queen off while on the road, consider a large bungee based cargo net with plastic hooks. I have tan one for use as an emergency spare (you never know when your cover will fail or when someone will slash it open) it works great and is inexpensive (under $35) but can be challenging to untangle before use.

 

[tdonoughue]

Now I always trailer with the cover on. Back when I had carpet (ah, the bad old days), I trailered without on the highway (filler cushion stowed). But the carpeting snap on the aft port side came lose. Before I could notice/stop, it flapped around in the wind and destroyed that corner of the carpet and the snap.

So, yes, you can lose cushions. But the wind can also destroy stuff at 65+ mph.

 

[Benny Sibbitt]

I tow locally without a cover, I stow filler cushion, actually I hard use anyway
Recline your captain chairs all the way back and will prevent back seats from lifting up
I am thinking about coming up with some kind of bungee for the bow seats to prevent from lifting up / maybe eye hook on floor and one under seat?

 

[swatski]

I do a 5 mile trek to the river w/o cover if the weather is nice.
If you tow at night, get a lot of bugs. I think @Julian uses painter's tape to protect the tower? I may try that for my next long haul.

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[haknslash]

Yes I'm going to painters tape my tower from now on. Wished it came in black lol. The bugs are a PITA! I may try Saran Wrap instead just to blend it a little better than blue or green painters tape.

98% of the time I tow with my cover on. Yesterday being so nice and going out solo I just didn't want to deal with it at the ramp so I didn't tow with mine on and took it slow on the interstate (60-65 mph tops) during the 45 minute trip to the lake. I would always tow with the cover in if you are doing any sort of lengthy trek. Just too many things on the road that could fly up and ruin your gel coat or windshield to take the chance.

Definitely tow with it on just to be safe and protect your toy.

 

[Matt Phillips]

I generally tow with my cover on...I figure it serves two purposes: keeps expensive stuff from flying out, and keeps prying eyes out. As my dad always said, 'out of sight is out of mind."

That being said, I do tow locally about 15 miles round trip each year when going over to the muscle inspection station and back. In that short distance where about 10 of those miles are at 55, I managed to loose the dog water bowl. It doesn't take much...

 

[Pinhacker71]

Cover on. Great day on lake. Bugs all over tower. Even my 12 yo commented on how nasty it looks. Painters tape next time.

 

[swatski]

I may try Saran Wrap instead

That may be easier/faster than tape, if it does not get shredded and comes off easily.

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[Bill D]

The link below is black tape that appears to be the equivalent of painters tape. @haknslash

ProTapes Colored Crepe Paper Masking Tape, 60 yds Length x 1" Width, Black (Pack of 1) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DVAT4ZS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_A3d-Ab6J1900J