Malibu VLX boat cover

I recently bought a 2003 Malibu VLX. The boat came with a boat cover for use when the tower is folded down. I store the boat on a covered lift and I want a boat cover that I can use with the Titan II tower left up. Because the boat will still be exposed to the late afternoon sun, I want a cover that also covers the swim platform.

I have heard wonderful things about the Rankin boat covers, but I don't think they cover the swim platform. Does anyone have any ideas?

My local Malibu dealer quoted me $1,100 for a custom logo cover that they put on their new boats.

I'm in the same boat, more than liekly you'll have to find someone local. I've been meanign to get some quotes in my area, just haven't gotten aroudn to it. I want a cover like this. To save $$$ I'd go with a cover not made with sunbrella. If it's already on a covered lift you really won't need all the extra protection sunbrella fabric offers IMO.

Adam:

Your boat house setup is similar to my situation. My stern faces south so it is exposed to the sun the most.

I have found some boat covers on the internet that cover the platform for around $700 plus shipping, but they were not sunbrella.

I want to make sure that I buy something that can "breathe" so not to promote mildew.

Bill, that is not my boat house, Here is a picture of mine. My stern faces west/southwest and I live in Houston, my concern is the uninhabital heat of the summers down here. I've been told by the locals to keep wax on the boat with UV inhibitors and that really helps. I can "suck" my boat up into the roof wiht the tower up ( the roof is pitched) but not enough to keep it out of the sun all the time. the afternoon sun is what I'm worried about. I've heard good things abotu sharkskin material, it's usually one below sunbrella.

Bill,

I have a Malibu cover for an 03 VLX With Titan Tower. My VLX has a Skylon tower. (It's a long story) The cover fits the VLX hull VERY WELL and has the rub-rail sinch down strap. It does not extend down to cover the Swim deck, though that seems like it'd be an easy add-on for an upholstery shop.

I'd be interested in selling it so I can get the correct cover.

Don't bother trying to find a single cover that goes from bow to swim step. Get a good cover for the boat and then get the separate swim step cover from Malibu or aftermarket. Much easier to deal with and you won't have to compromise on which boat cover you get.

FWIW, I got talked into the $1000 custom boat cover from my dealer and I don't think it was worth it. Malibu has a new mooring/trailering cover that is half that price and seems to be fine.

may not be feasable or proper but, could you install some type of curtain on the side of your boat house that is exposed to the sun the most, then remove or pull back and tie as necessary for high winds, loading , unloading etc. etc. maybe sunsetter awning material except vertical not angled like an awning.

it's not allowed on my lake per the city authorities.