Boat Cover

Protecting Your Investment

When it comes to preserving the lifespan and aesthetics of your prized boat integrity, investing in a high-quality boat cover becomes paramount. Boat covers are designed especially for protecting your boat from diverse weather conditions, harmful UV rays, dust and debris when not in use. Your boat is a significant investment, and thus, it becomes imperative to understand the different types of covers, the best materials, and how to secure them appropriately.

Boat covers are generally categorized into three types: the mooring cover, storage cover, and trailing cover. The 'Mooring Cover' is designed to protect the boat while it is anchored or docked on the water. These covers provide full boat protection from bow to stern, safeguarding the entirety of the boat including the dashboard, seats, and engine.

A 'Storage Boat Cover' is utilized while the boat is kept on dry land, usually during off-season periods. These covers are considerably larger to provide comprehensive boat protection, and often have straps to secure it. Then there's the 'Trailing Cover', expressly designed to protect your boat when on the move—be it on a trailer or when being towed. This type of cover is often secured tightly to prevent the wind from causing damage while the boat is in transit.

Voyaging onward, discussing the top materials to look for while purchasing a boat cover, durability and resistance are primary factors to consider. Polyester is a popular choice due to its strong resistance to UV rays, mildew, and shrinkage. The colorfast quality of this fabric ensures that it does not fade easily.

Acrylic fabric is another excellent option. This canvas-like material is water-resistant, durable, and provides excellent UV protection. Unlike polyester, acrylic allows for better airflow which minimizes condensation and the subsequent chance of mildew formation.

For a budget-friendly yet efficient choice, you could opt for Poly-cotton blends. While not as resilient as other fabric choices, poly-cotton offers satisfactory UV-protection whilst giving your boat cover a more natural, fabric-like feel.

Now that we’re acquainted with the materials, let's navigate to the best methods of securing your boat cover. Interestingly, the securing technique is often dictated by the type of cover you opt for.

Mooring covers should be tied down to the boat using the eyelets found around the base of the cover. The strings or straps should be attached to parts of the boat that won’t move. Also, ensure that the cover is tight to prevent sagging or billowing, which could let in water or debris.

If you're securing a storage cover, it's best to use support poles in concurrence with straps to prevent puddles from forming atop the cover. Trailing covers are secured tightly with a strap system to tackle wind resistance while on the move.

Besides materials and securing methods, you'll want to note some additional features. Look for covers with vents to allow moisture escape, reducing mildew risk. A cover with reinforced corners provides added strength where most needed, and a liner can protect windshields from scratches.

Next, we'll wade through some ideal places to purchase a boat cover. Online retailers offer a variety of options based on the boat's type, size, and the cover's material. Websites like Amazon, Overtons, and Wayfair have a wide assortment of covers meeting diverse requirements.

You could also explore physical stores, such as West Marine or Bass Pro Shops that specialize in boating accessories. Their experienced staff can provide valuable insight into selecting the perfect cover.

Always remember, giving the boat owner the knowledge they need to move forward with having everything they need for storing their boat, is vital in our discussion.

While price is an important factor to consider, avoid low-quality covers that may not offer reliable protection. Remember, a boat cover is a one-time investment that directly contributes to your boat's longevity.

Furthermore, consider custom-made covers if you can't find a perfect fit for your vessel, or if you crave a sense of exclusivity. Custom covers cater specifically to your boat's design and dimensions, providing the best fit and effective protection.

Remember, it's imperative to measure your boat accurately for the perfect fit. An improperly fitted cover can result in pooling water, strained seams or torn fabric. Always refer to the manufacturer's sizing guide before making a purchase.

Ensuring regular maintenance of your boat cover will increase its durability. Cleaning it periodically - with mild soap and warm water for most fabrics - helps keep the cover in prime condition.

It’s equally vital to inspect your cover for any damage and perform necessary repairs promptly to prevent it from worsening. Depending on the scale of the damage, you could use patches, adhesives, or even professional help to get it back to shape.

Many customers also opt for having a back-up cover. This can be a life-saver during unexpected damages or while your primary cover is being repaired or cleaned.

Investing in boat cover accessories such as support poles, cinching cords, straps, and a boat cover vent can make securing the cover and further boat protection much easier and efficient.

As a responsible boat owner, protecting your asset is as crucial as enjoying it. Conduct a little research, harness adequate knowledge, and find a boat cover that caters perfectly to your requirements.

A discussion about boat covers would not be complete without showing some of the other ideas we have on this site that would shade your boat. The links keep you on this site for more information about any of these shade and cover options. An inexpensive canopy is certainly better than nothing. If you choose to go this rout here is a page that is worth the read, it's all about how to make that canopy last a lot longer. outdoor shade canopy

Also inexpensive are the full line of instant garages by Shelter Logic. They come in all different sizes, one for just the boat or a larger one for the boat and other toys.

If nothing else throw a tarp over the boat, we have you covered there also.

The Versa Tube line of products make a nice easy shade solution for your boat.

There are many freestanding awning or carport kits available online, or at stores like Home Depot. Installation is fairly easy but the price is getting up there. More information about this type of cover here.

Aluminum awnings or carports are another option, they can be freestanding like this one or attached to the side of your home. This page will take you to some of the installation photos taken as we were installing this cover near Roosevelt Lake in Arizona.

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