modify existing boat cover to fit tower?

[graphik]

Hey,
I got a monster tower on my boat now and I'd like to not have to put it up and down all the time when the cover goes on. Has anyone taken their cover in and had slots for the tower cut out? I need the draw string of the cover to fit under the lip of the boat (rub rail) and then I guess have 4 channels that close around the tower?

Any advice would be fantastic?

[dangerboone]

I had a friend of mine do it for me a few weeks ago. He cut the slots in the original cover and hemmed it, then sewed velcro on the slots so they could attatch around the tower. It worked out well, but say goodbye to the cover keeping out water after you do this.

[wesgardner]

Hey graphik,

Haven't really worked that out yet as I too use the draw string to pull/keep my cover tight (currently without tower)....I think someone alluded to being able to hook the loose ends of the drawstring together around the legs of the tower, then pulling tight as usual....my tower's in the budget for next season so I'll be working on this concept...havne't really come up with what those hooks will be so stand by....they do make all kinds of small hooks, we used to use some for our "light air" spinnaker sheets, they were made of aluminium and would not shake out...can't recall the manufacturer's name but I'll go have a look and post 'em up...
These are similar - you'd cut your drawtring at each tower leg and then use these to hook it back together -I think they're small enough to slide into the hem of the cover...

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&productId=71907&catalogId=10001&classNum=324&subdeptNum=323&storeNum=2

As far a cutting and re-stitching and adding Velcro, no big deal...any top shop can do it or you can DIY with a decent sewing machine..I've got use of a Sailrite if you want to bring it over to my house .