Spring is approaching; winter has just about given up.  But let’s not be fooled, as they say  ” It ain’t over till it’s over!”.

But when it is over and it is time to get those covers off here are some tips to remember.

#1:  Make sure your cover is dry when you remove it.  First thing to do is untie the cover and loosen the draw rope. This will help get air up under the cover and dry out any dampness left from the morning dew.

Covers dry out best on the boat. This will prevent mildew from forming when the cover is stored.  This is one of the most important steps to prolonging the life of your cover.

#2: While the cover is still on, look it over and note any areas that will need to be repaired.  If you find that repairs are need mark them and note where they are. This will help our staff locate any spots that might be easy to spot while the cover is on but real hard to find when it’s laying in a heap on our floor. Use a crayon or marker to mark the area that needs attention.

#3: To remove the cover, make sure all ropes under the hull are loose. As you go make sure you don’t get the cover snagged on brackets, hooks, snaps, or any other hidden snags. Work the cover up on one side of the boat. DO NOT PULL THE COVER!  Lift it up on to the gunwale; after the cover is on the gunwale lift it over the top of the boat. When you have the cover over to the opposite side of the boat let it drop on to the ground.

#4 : After the cover is on the ground spread it out and check it over again for any damage.

To roll up the cover spread it out and get it as flat as possible.  Fold in the bow end a few feet, then fold in the stern end a few feet. This should allow the cover to lie out a little flatter. Then fold in the sides to the middle, then the opposite side to the middle.  You should have the cover folded into a long narrow band about 2’-3’ wide depending on how large a cover it is.  Then either roll or fold the cover from one end or the other. Remember which end you rolled to so you know which end to start with next fall.

If your cover needs attention, now is the time to get it taken care of. Don’t leave it in your shed until next October, that’s just dumb!

One of the leading causes of cover deterioration is improper storage conditions.

Do not leave your cover sitting on a concrete floor, put a moisture barrier between under your cover if a concrete floor is your only option. A large plastic storage tote or a plastic trash can make great storage containers.

Moisture and mice are the two leading causes to damage while stored. A plastic container will prevent both.

We offer a repair and storage services if you are in need of either or both.  Also if you have added any equipment that would require modifications such as the addition of a radar unit, spot light or if you  have decided that a zipper access is what you need, then this is a good time to get these taken care of.

Bring in your cover when you are ready. Covers do not have to be rolled or folded but they do need to be dry. We do not have adequate facilities to dry covers that are wet.

We offer a pickup and delivery service. Just give us ample notice when your cover is off and we will schedule it to be picked up.  The cover does not have to be rolled or folded but it must be dry. Please make sure that it will be stored in some fashion that we can get to it and that it will not be wet.

We will spread out each cover and check for damage. After the work is completed your cover will be re-rolled and tied for storage.

If your cover will be spending the summer with us then it will go up into our warehouse. When you are ready for it in the fall just give us a call a few days before you intend to pick it up. We will have it on our loading dock when you arrive.

Storage Service:

15’ – 25’     $55.00

26’ – up  $75.00                2pc. Cover     90.00

Re-roll Only:

15’ – 25’     $30.00

26’ – up  $35.000                2pc. Cover     $65.00

Repair Service

15’-20’=$99.90          26’-30’=$139.90              36’-40’=$179.90

21’-25’=$119.90        31’-35’=$159.90               41’-up=$199.90

Repair service includes inspection, normal repairs* and re-rolling of your cover.

Damage arising from normal use of the cover. Add-ons, alterations, etc. are extra.

*Covers brought in for repair prior to July 1st will receive a discount

Pick up/ Return Service:

In area: $65.00**

Out of Area: $75.00 & up**

FCP will pick up your cover and return is accordingly.

Cover must be completely dry. FCP is NOT responsible for damp covers.

**Call for verification. Some areas will require shipping via UPS/FedEx.

We do not recommend using any cleaning agents on the winter cover. Use a soft bristled brush to take off any dirt, pollen,etc. FCP does NOT clean the cover.

Services are provided from April 1^st thru December 23^rd.

These services are also available thru any FCP dealer.

Effective 01/01/2012

Length of boat is determined by the Manufactures LOA.

415 St. Mary Street~Burlington, NJ 08016

Fax: 609-239-2728 www.fishercanvas.com

info@fishercanvas.com

We are a small custom boat cover company located in the historic city of Burlington, NJ. Fisher Canvas Products, Inc. was founded by Fred Fisher in 1991. Fred came up in the boat cover business since he was 10 years old working for his father, Harold Fisher. When the senior Mr. Fisher passed away in August of 1988 Fred and his brother continued to operate the business their father started, Harold F. Fisher & Sons. In the spring of 1991 Fred Decided it was time to strike out on his own and he formed Fisher Canvas Products, Inc. in July of that year.

The main stay of the business is and has been Custom Boat Covers for boats. These covers where first made by Fred’s dad in the early 1960′s. Since that time little has changed except the boats. “We still use cotton fabric, why? Because nothing has come along that can out perform it for durability and longevity.” Fred’s dad knew, and it has only been proven time and time again, that cotton canvas can out last the more costly synthetics over the life of the cover. “We have customers bringing covers in for repair that are 10 to 15 years old.” Not that all covers will get that kind of life, but with proper care and a little common sense it is possible to get 8-10 years service out of one of our covers.

What is a Fisher Boat Cover?
A Fisher Boat Cover is designed for protection of a boat over the winter season. They are designed to fit low on the hull. All covers are made of 10 oz cotton canvas treated with Duaffin. What is Duaffin? It is paraffin based water proofing and mildew inhibiting finish that is applied to the material in a plant in Ohio.

All Covers have a draw rope in the hem and tie down loops sewn into the hem as well to help hold the cover in place over the long winter. Vents are standard in all Fisher Boat Covers.

Do I need to construct a frame? How is the cover supported?
It depends on the type of boat you have. Boats with radar arches do need to have a frame constructed to support under the boat cover. We can give you a guide on what you can do if you need somewhere to start. We recommend using PVC.

For most boats under 35′ and without radar arch’s, we will install sleeves on the outside of the boat cover for you to slide 2×4′s into (The 2×4′s should lay on their side). There are 3 sleeves: 1 in the bow and 2 in the transom. You will want each 2×4 to stick out of the sleeve 6″-1′ at each end so it is easiest to guide the 2×4 in and out of the sleeve.

Plain 2×4 lumber will do just fine. You do not need to get pressure treated wood. The length of the 2×4′s are determined according to the boat.

How does the cover attach to my boat?
There are pairs of heavy duty webbing loops sewn into the bottom of the cover spaced approx. every 4′-5′. Tie off the right side loop to the corresponding left loop. Each pair ties off individually (don’t lace them up). There is also a drawstring sewn into the bottom of the cover that you pull and tie off in the bow. This is for added secureness. We also install grommets in the bow in which you do lace up.

Will someone come out and measure my boat?
It depends on whether or not we have a pattern for your boat. If we have made a cover for a boat like yours before, we will pull out the pattern that we have drawn and use that. If we haven’t made a cover for a boat like yours, we will come out and measure your boat. If your boat is out of our area and we need measurements, we can send you a diagram and instructions and you can take the measurements.

We currently maintain a file of over 3200 patterns and are adding to that daily!

Is the cover guaranteed?
Fisher Boat Covers are guaranteed to fit your boat when they are installed and supported properly. We guarantee the cover to be free of defects in workmanship and materials when you receive it and install it on your boat.

A Fisher Boat Cover is not guaranteed to last any length of time. The average life a boat cover is 8-10 seasons, with proper care. Proper care means that when the cover comes off of the boat, it must be completely dry and stored in a cool dry place. The cover is mildew resistant, but if it is balled up while it is damp, eventually mildew will set in and cause those areas of the cover to become brittle.

The cover should also have some sun exposure while it is on the boat. This will allow for proper drying. If rips or damage occurs to the cover, it should be repaired as soon as practical.

Interested?
If you are interested in getting a Fisher Boat Cover for your boat just drop us a line. Our e-mail address is info@fishercanvas.com. Please include the length, make, model and year of your boat. If you can, please include a picture of your boat. And when including a picture please make sure it is no larger the 50K in size.

What else do we do?
Along with the boat covers we make a variety of custom made products for home and industry. If you have a need or are looking to source out a job or product that requires canvas or vinyl material please drop us a line. We have the talent and the equipment ready to be put to work filling your needs.