FLEX FIT BOAT COVERS INSTALLATION:
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Installation - Please read prior to use of this cover.
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IMPORTANT: When installing for the first time, make sure that your boat is clean and dry.
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Your cover comes with two sets of tie-down straps for securing your cover. The short straps with male/female connectors secure your cover to the trailer. The long straps with male/male connectors go over the top of the cover to improve performance while trailering. The number of straps vary based on cover size.
GENERAL STORAGE / MOORING: Complete steps 1-5
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If you are using a support strap kit to support your boat cover, install it first.
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Cover any stress points with a towel, a pool noodle, or a sponge to avoid stressing or tearing your cover. Protect areas of the cover that would be positioned over any sharp edges such as windshield corners, cleats, trolling motors or other stress points. Remove or securely tie down any detachable accessories.
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Please take a moment to inspect the cover, to make sure it is applied correctly. A “Front” label is sewn to the inside of the cover to assist you with fitting. Place the “Front” label on the bow of your boat (A) and loop the sewn in elastic strap around the tip of your bow.
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Once positioned at the front, pull the cover over your boat. The easiest way is for two people to unfold the cover while draping it over the boat from bow to stern. Ensure the air vents are positioned at the rear. The elastic shock cord in the hem will help keep the cover in place.
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Make sure the hemline of the cover is evenly below the rub rail (C) so that the cover is held snug to the boat hull. Pull any excess fabric to the stern.
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MOORING: Sandbag and suction cup mooring kits are available and sold separately if you’d like extra security while mooring. Additional straps may be needed if boat is stored on a lift or in the water.
SECURE STORAGE AND TRAILER STORAGE: Complete steps 1-5 and continue with 6-7 below.
IMPORTANT: Before tying off the cover, ensure that your boat is rigidly fastened to the trailer.
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Beginning at the bow of your boat, take a short strap (Male/Female connector) and thread it through the sewn in loop on the cover (C) and run the strap down below the trailer frame and loop it back up to connect with itself. (see illustration at right) Snug up the strap but not too tight.
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After attaching the short storage straps, adjust the cover and finish tightening the straps so that your cover is snug and positioned evenly across your boat. For additional security wrap or tuck any leftover strap material through the loops or underneath the cover.
TRAILERING WITH YOUR COVER: Complete steps 1-7 and continue below.
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Beginning at the bow of your boat, take a long trailering strap (Male/Male connector) and clip one end to the female clip sewn on the cover (C).
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Our covers have horizontal positioning guides sewn to the exterior of the cover. Thread the long strap through the guide loop and toss the strap over the boat. (D)
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On the opposite side, thread the strap through the positioning guide loop and clip to the corresponding female connector. Snug up the strap but not too tight.
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Repeat with the other long (Male/Male connector) straps working your way to the back of your boat.
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After attaching ALL the long trailering straps, adjust the cover and finish tightening the straps so that your cover is snug and positioned evenly across your boat. For additional security wrap or tuck any leftover strap material through the loops or underneath the cover.
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If any loose fabric remains, secure it before trailering with extra straps or a bungee.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:
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Never cover a wet or dirty boat! We recommend removing your cover every 30 days. Let your boat dry completely before reinstalling the cover.
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PADDING: Padding and protecting wear points and stress areas is essential to the performance of your cover, especially while trailering. Protect areas of the cover that would be positioned over sharp edges such as windshield corners, cleats, trolling motors or stress points. We suggest the following protection methods: 1) apply duct tape to the inside of the cover where it might meet sharp edges, or 2) tape pieces of foam, sponges, thick cloth, carpet remnant, or a towel over any sharp edges or stress points.
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SUPPORT: Make sure to use some form of support for your boat cover such as support straps or a support pole (sold separately) to prevent water and/or snow from pooling on top of the cover.
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TRAILERING: Max speed for trailerable covers is 65 mph. Secure loose fabric (if any) with additional straps to prevent damage to your cover. After driving for a short distance (1 mile or so) check the cover and adjust or tighten straps as needed. Add additional straps as needed to secure the cover fabric.
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WARNING: Failure to properly tie down the cover and pad stress points could result in considerable damage to your cover and possible damage to the boat.
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HIGH WINDS: If you are in a high wind area be sure to tie down your cover using the straps provided. Do not rely solely on the elasticized bottom of your cover to provide protection from strong winds.
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SEAMS: Your cover is not completely waterproof, it is water repellent. Use plastic to cover any items on your storage racks that can be damaged by water. NOTE: If seam leakage occurs, it can be controlled by applying a seam sealer compound. It is normal for a slight amount of leakage to occur after severe weather. This is not a defect in the cover. Use of a support pole (sold separately) is recommended to prevent water and ice/snow from pooling.
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REMOVAL: Remove all straps and lift the shock cord over the bow rail beginning at the rear of the boat. Fold each side of the cover to the center, and then roll cover from back to front. Removing cover in this manner makes it easier to re-apply the cover later.
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MILDEW: Mildew is easier to prevent than cure. To help avoid mildew, clean your cover regularly to remove pollen/dust accumulation and be sure your cover is completely dry before you store it for any extended period in storage bag provided.
CARE AND CLEANING
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Do not allow water or ice to accumulate on the cover.
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Rinse and dry cover regularly to prevent pollen and dust build-up that can encourage mildew.
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Leaves, twigs and other debris should be brushed off as soon as possible. Other elements such as battery acid, gasoline, or spray mist from trees or shrubs that contain chemicals should be cleaned off immediately.
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Cleaning while dry: Use a soft/medium bristle brush or dry sponge to remove loose dirt and debris from the cover surface.
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Cleaning while wet: Use a sponge or soft brush and hose to remove more persistent dirt/debris accumulations. Use cold or lukewarm water only.
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This cover may be machine washed. Use a commercial washing machine, set washer to “delicate” cycle, and use cold or lukewarm water only.
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If soap is needed, use a diluted solution of mild, non-detergent soap such as Dreft, Lux, Ivory, or Woolite. Do not use detergents.
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Do not pressure wash or dry clean
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Air dry or line dry only.
Need help? Call us at 877-470-3757 M-F 9 AM to 5 PM EST. Our knowledgeable staff is happy to assist.