Camco Adjustable Boat Cover Support Kit Review

Let’s Talk About Camco Adjustable Boat Cover Support Kit

As an outdoor gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen countless products designed to make life easier for boat owners. The Camco Adjustable Boat Cover Support Kit promises to prevent water pooling on boat covers, a common problem that leads to premature wear and tear. This kit, manufactured by Camco, boasts adjustability and compatibility with boats up to 22 feet.

I’ve personally dealt with the headache of sagging boat covers and the resulting damage far too many times. I needed a reliable, easy-to-use solution that wouldn’t break the bank, and that’s what led me to the Camco kit.

Upon unboxing, I immediately appreciated the simplicity of the design. The telescoping support pole felt sturdy, and the included strap appeared to be of decent quality; however, the plastic plates felt somewhat light, and I questioned their long-term durability in direct sunlight.

Compared to similar products I’ve used, like the Seamander Boat Cover Support Pole, and the Leader Accessories Adjustable Boat Cover Support System, the Camco kit stood out because of its integrated strap system, which seemed like a more secure solution than relying solely on the pole’s stability. While the Seamander offered a slightly more robust pole, the Camco kit’s price point and included strap system were ultimately more appealing. Initially, I was cautiously optimistic – hoping that this kit would provide a practical and cost-effective solution to a persistent problem.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Camco Adjustable Boat Cover Support Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

My first opportunity to test the Camco Adjustable Boat Cover Support Kit came during a week-long camping trip to Lake Allatoona. I installed it on my 18-foot fishing boat, securing the cover before an expected period of heavy rain. The installation was straightforward, and the adjustable height made it easy to create a taught cover surface.

During the downpour, the Camco support performed admirably, preventing any significant water pooling. The straps kept the cover secured even with moderate wind. However, I did notice that the foam pad on the bottom support plate slid slightly on the boat’s gel coat.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including exposure to intense summer sun and a few unexpected storms, the Camco Adjustable Boat Cover Support Kit has held up relatively well. The telescoping pole continues to adjust smoothly, and the straps remain intact; however, the plastic support plates are showing some signs of UV degradation, with a slight discoloration and a bit of brittleness. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water is crucial to prevent mildew and further UV damage.

While the Camco kit hasn’t completely eliminated water pooling in every scenario (extreme wind can still cause some sagging), it’s a significant improvement over not using any support system at all. It doesn’t outperform the much more expensive, fully custom support systems, but it also comes at a fraction of the cost.

Breaking Down the Features of Camco Adjustable Boat Cover Support Kit

Specifications

• The Camco Adjustable Boat Cover Support Kit features a telescoping pole that adjusts from 30″ to 50″ in 2.5″ increments. This adjustability allows for use with various boat styles and cover designs.
• It includes a 50-foot nylon strap assembly designed to fit boats up to 22 feet long. This strap provides added security and helps distribute the cover’s weight.
• The kit comes with support plates on the top and bottom of the pole, with a foam pad on the bottom plate to prevent sliding. These plates distribute the weight of the cover and provide stability.
• The support pole is black, and the kit is manufactured by Camco. These specifications define the kit’s core function: providing adjustable support for boat covers to prevent water pooling.

Performance & Functionality

The Camco Adjustable Boat Cover Support Kit does a decent job of preventing water from pooling in low spots on a boat cover. The adjustability allows users to customize the support height for optimal cover tension. However, the plastic support plates are a weak point, as they are susceptible to UV damage and may not be durable enough for long-term heavy use.

The kit’s strength lies in its simplicity and ease of use. The adjustable height accommodates different boat styles, making it a versatile option; however, stronger materials for the support plates would significantly improve the product’s overall performance and longevity. It generally meets expectations for a budget-friendly boat cover support system but doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The Camco Adjustable Boat Cover Support Kit features a straightforward, functional design. The telescoping pole is easy to adjust, and the strap system is relatively simple to install; however, the lightweight plastic support plates feel somewhat cheap and detract from the overall build quality. The kit is relatively lightweight, making it easy to store and transport.

The learning curve is minimal, and most boat owners will find the installation process intuitive; however, improved materials could enhance the product’s long-term durability. The design prioritizes function over form, with a focus on ease of use.

Durability & Maintenance

The lifespan of the Camco Adjustable Boat Cover Support Kit will largely depend on the environmental conditions it’s exposed to. Regular exposure to sunlight, rain, and extreme temperatures will accelerate the degradation of the plastic components. Proper maintenance, including regular cleaning and storage in a shaded area when not in use, can extend its lifespan; however, the plastic support plates are likely to be the first components to fail.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with mild soap and water. Repairing the kit may be challenging, as replacement parts are not readily available; however, the telescoping pole is relatively robust and unlikely to require repair.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Camco Adjustable Boat Cover Support Kit doesn’t offer many customization options, as it is designed as a standalone solution. Camco does offer a full line of attachments that can be purchased and used with the telescoping support pole.

The kit is compatible with most standard boat covers, and the 50-foot strap should be sufficient for boats up to 22 feet. Some users may choose to supplement the kit with additional straps or tie-downs for added security in high-wind conditions; however, the core functionality of the kit remains unchanged.

Pros and Cons of Camco Adjustable Boat Cover Support Kit

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Who Should Buy Camco Adjustable Boat Cover Support Kit?

The Camco Adjustable Boat Cover Support Kit is perfect for boat owners on a budget who are looking for a simple and effective solution to prevent water pooling on their boat covers. It’s ideal for casual boaters who primarily use their boats in calmer waters and are willing to perform regular maintenance to extend the product’s lifespan. It’s also a good option for those who need a portable and easy-to-store support system.

Those who should skip this product are boat owners who live in areas with extreme weather conditions or those who require a highly durable and long-lasting support system. Also, if you have a very large boat (over 22 feet), this kit will likely not be sufficient. A higher-end, more robust support system with stronger materials would be a better investment in these scenarios.

A must-have accessory would be a set of non-slip pads or a rubber mat to place under the bottom support plate to prevent sliding on the boat’s gel coat.

Conclusion on Camco Adjustable Boat Cover Support Kit

The Camco Adjustable Boat Cover Support Kit is a decent, budget-friendly option for preventing water pooling on boat covers. While it has some limitations in terms of durability and material quality, its affordability and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for many boat owners. The value proposition is reasonable, considering the price point and the benefits it provides.

I would personally recommend it to boat owners who are looking for an inexpensive and easy-to-install solution. Just be aware of its limitations and be prepared to perform regular maintenance to extend its lifespan. If you’re tired of dealing with sagging boat covers and the resulting water damage, give the Camco Adjustable Boat Cover Support Kit a try – it might just be the solution you’ve been looking for.