yep, after having a custom cover rub thru my gel coat.. never trailered another boat with a cover. much easier to vacuum out some dirt than try to repair a problem from a cover.  but i know quite a few who still use their covers for traveling.

I have a custom cover that I got form ShoreMaster Fabric in MN and I don't get any rubbing. I use Poly-Cord hooked to the cover and the trailer frame and I pull my boat at least 2000 mile a season and no rubbing. I had rubbing with the first cover that I had and I only pull it 15 miles before I had to stop and take it off, it was $250.00 cover.

Take a look I know if I need another travel cover this is where I'd buy it, they ship right to you. I payed $500.00 for the cover.

Custom Boat Covers
Each ShoreMaster custom cover is truly a custom fit! Our experienced pattern and design team uses state-of-the-art technology and equipment and measures each and every boat to ensure a snug, well-fitted custom cover tailored exclusively for your boat. With the industry's largest exact-fit custom boat cover pattern library, you won't find a larger selection anywhere!

http://shoremasterfabric.com/index.htm
 

I use the Stretch Poly-Cords from Cabela's they work great.

There are no metal hooks to scratch or gouge, stetches up to 2x original size. It is unaffected by sunlight, oil, most chemicals, saltwater or salt air

Here a link to them

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...d=cat21332&rid=

When I travel - I drive with no cover most of the time unless I know i will be hitting bad weather, but I always cover the boat when parked overnight - to keep the rain/dew off everything and I also believe it helps deter thieves (out-of-site-out-of-mind).

I absolutely run a cover when I trailer my boat. It saves me tons of money on fuel. I do have a great cover that was made for my boat and it cost about $600. Fits tight and only has two straps does have the internal ratchet rope internal and it is fantastic. Wouldn't trailer without it.

David, good point that's one of the reasons I also use a cover too, you'll burn less gas with a good cover then not having a cover on. I get 2 mile more per gallon of gas with the cover going 70 to 72 mph.

I can say I don't see any difference in MPG.  But then again I am pulling with a 6.0L diesel.

I run a cover when i travel any distance, better fuel mileage, keeps prying eyes and hands out of your boat when you stop, keeps the inside cleaner, when your running down the highway in the rain, all the oil and crud flying around doesnt end up in your carpet, less sun damage, you dont risk a stone being kicked up busting a windshield. A good quality form fitting cover.

I also have a ratchet strap cover that fits tight. No issues with rubbing. Also I feel like it keeps the rock chips away from my windshield. I do check the cover every couple hundred miles to make sure it stays tight and nothing is rubbing.

Yup I travel with my cover!! Mine is the rachet strap type!! That thing doesnt move at all!!

Scott

I heard somewhere about it can make a differance in gas mileage.

Can't remember what works best.

I only use my new custom fit cover on long trips.

Aurora Canvas did a super job on my cover.

Rick

Crestliner has the best setup I have seen. They snap on the front and back and a j clip slides under the gunell on the sides zero rubing and super slick to put on and take off

For short hops less than 100 miles no cover.  Longer than that cover.  I have a ratchet and two strap cover.

  I generally tow with no cover unless it's raining or a long trip. To eliminate the issue I had with mine leaving rub marks on my Tundra rails, I just wrap the them with saran wrap before I put the cover on. $2 and 5 minutes work. I do the same with the console winshields.