Cover alternatives

[tsax6010]

After pricing out material to make my own cover (well, have my lovely wife sew a custom cover) using Sunbrella Marine grade fabric was going to be about $65.

I came across a seller on Amazon making custom covers for grills and reached out to him. He is able to make a custom Sunbrella cover for $85. I also asked for a vinyl liner to be sewn into the top to double make sure no water gets in the blow hole, and also requested that the vertical seams be double lined with fabric to make sure they don't rip on the sharp corners of the smoker taking the cover off. The cover will also be slightly taller than the factory one to allow for a bit of protection from rain filling the drip tray and allow for a sewn in bungee cord to tighten down the cover.

I did see that currently the SI cover is free shipping and looks to be a new design without the logo, but for marine grade Sunbrella, Ohio company, made in the USA - I think this is a good deal. I will post pics when it arrives. They said it should only take 2-3 days to make and ship. The company's website is http://www.northstarproductsinc.com/ in case anyone else is interested.

 

[1stlink]

Sounds like a winner Dana... looking forward to the pics. 

 

[DivotMaker]

Cool, Dana!  I figured someone would eventually find a custom maker! 

 

[tsax6010]

Finally had some time to take some photos of the custom cover. Looks great and seems to be very good quality. I took a photo of the inside as well to show the clear vinyl liner under the top.

 

[gregbooras]

Finally had some time to take some photos of the custom cover. Looks great and seems to be very good quality. I took a photo of the inside as well to show the clear vinyl liner under the top.

Looks great!

Greg

 

[1stlink]

Also Looks like a winner Dana 

Nice pics

 

[DivotMaker]

Wow, that's a nice cover, Dana!  I love the integrated drawstring at the bottom - eliminates the need for my "chin strap" mod!

 

[teleskier]

If you are using sunbrella fabric that is used for boat awnings, there is no need to use a vinyl layer inside for water protection. I had a custom cover made out of it for my duck hunting boat and it is totally waterproof. Just go down to an awning company and have them stitch you up one out of remnants in the color of your choice.

 

[tsax6010]

I asked for the vinyl just because I know from experience that standing water can eventually make its way through Sunbrella Marine fabric if left to sit - and given the flat top of the smoker I did not want anything getting into the blow hole.

And the company sewed it in for nothing 

I have found however with the spring heat the vinyl sticks to the top of the smoker a bit. If it gets too bad I can always cut it out but I would prefer the extra piece of mind given my smoker is completely exposed on the deck.

 

[Limey]

Dana, if you are worried about water getting into the blowhole a synthetic wine cork fits perfectly, is free, and will give your cover a bit of an angle to shed water.