Breathable Boat Covers: Good Or Bad Idea?

Breathable, non-waterproof boat covers are a good option for boat owners who want to protect their vessels from the elements without dealing with the condensation issues that come with waterproof covers. While waterproof covers are essential for repelling water, they can trap moisture underneath, leading to mould and mildew problems. Breathable covers, on the other hand, allow air circulation while still providing protection from rain, snow, and other environmental conditions. They are also effective at preventing UV damage, which can cause the boat's interior and exterior finishes to fade and crack. However, it's important to ensure that a breathable cover is properly pitched to avoid water pooling, and it may need to be re-treated over time to maintain its water resistance.

Breathable covers prevent mould and mildew

Breathable covers are an effective way to prevent mould and mildew. Mould and mildew can cause serious problems for boats, as they can be very difficult to clean and can cause skin irritation and health issues such as headaches, sinusitis, asthma and chronic respiratory problems.

Boat covers that are not breathable can trap moisture underneath, leading to condensation and the growth of mould and mildew. This is a particular problem with waterproof covers, which don't let any air or water through the fabric. To prevent this, some waterproof covers have vents to allow moisture to escape.

However, a breathable cover is a good alternative to a waterproof cover with vents. Breathable covers are made from fabrics that are water-resistant rather than waterproof. Water-resistant fabrics are treated so that water doesn't soak through, but they are not completely impermeable. This means that they allow air through, preventing condensation and the growth of mould and mildew.

Examples of fabrics that are breathable and water-resistant include Sunbrella Marine Grade, Sattler Marine Grade, Top Notch and SureRite.

Non-waterproof covers are usually cheaper

Non-waterproof boat covers are usually cheaper than waterproof alternatives. Waterproof fabrics are typically vinyl, vinyl-coated, or laminated, while non-waterproof fabrics are often acrylic or polyester.

Water-resistant fabrics are treated to prevent water from soaking through, but this coating wears away over time. Water-resistant fabrics can be retreated with a fabric treatment like 303 Fabric Guard or Aqua-Tite to restore water repellency. Waterproof fabrics, on the other hand, will always repel water, even as the material ages.

While waterproof fabrics offer superior water protection, they are not breathable, meaning they do not allow air or moisture to pass through. This can lead to the growth of mould and mildew under the cover. To prevent this, waterproof covers require the addition of boat cover vents for ventilation.

Non-waterproof, water-resistant fabrics are breathable and can be a good choice if you give your cover a good pitch using support poles to prevent water from pooling. This type of cover may be preferable if you want to avoid the additional cost and maintenance of vents.

Ultimately, the decision between a waterproof or non-waterproof cover depends on your specific needs and budget. Waterproof covers offer superior water protection but require additional ventilation, while non-waterproof covers are more affordable and breathable but may require more frequent retreatment to maintain water resistance.

Waterproof covers can be made breathable with vents

Waterproofing is essential for boat covers to protect the boat from rain and water damage. However, waterproof covers can also cause condensation and moisture buildup, leading to mould and mildew issues. This is where breathable covers with vents come in.

While "waterproof" and "water-resistant" might seem like interchangeable terms, they are not. A waterproof cover will repel water completely, while a water-resistant cover will not inherently repel water but rather is treated to prevent water from soaking through. Waterproof fabrics are usually vinyl, vinyl-coated, or laminated, while water-resistant fabrics are typically acrylic, polyester, or other materials.

The problem with waterproof covers is that they trap moisture and condensation, creating an ideal environment for mould and mildew to thrive. This can cause serious damage to the boat's interior and surfaces. On the other hand, water-resistant, breathable covers allow trapped moisture to evaporate quickly, reducing the amount of time the boat is exposed to wet conditions.

To get the best of both worlds, waterproof covers can be made breathable by adding vents. Vents provide much-needed ventilation, allowing air circulation and moisture escape. This prevents condensation buildup and reduces the risk of mould and mildew formation.

When choosing a boat cover, it is essential to consider the fabric's breathability and ventilation. While waterproofing sprays can make a regular boat cover waterproof, it is still crucial to select a cover with vents or breathable fabric to prevent condensation and moisture issues.

Additionally, the weight of the fabric is an important consideration, especially if the cover will be frequently put on and removed. A lighter-weight fabric is more suitable in such cases, while a heavier fabric may be preferred for durability if the cover is mainly for storage.

Waterproof covers protect against rain and flooding

Waterproofing is essential to protect your boat from rain and flooding. While breathable, non-waterproof covers are good for short periods in the rain, they will not offer full protection from flooding.

Waterproof covers, on the other hand, will repel water completely. They are made from materials such as vinyl, vinyl-coated fabrics, or laminated fabrics, which ensure that no water gets through to your boat. Waterproof covers are also often made with multiple layers of high-quality, water-resistant materials, offering protection from even the toughest weather conditions.

For example, the Seal Skin waterproof boat cover is made from incredibly durable and long-lasting marine-quality polyester. It is guaranteed never to shrink, stretch, or warp from the sun's rays. It also has an inner layer of soft fleece lining to protect the paint job on your boat.

Another option is the ClimaGuard car cover, which is made with military-grade, waterproof, and snow-proof materials. It is designed to protect your vehicle and possessions from flooding and extreme weather. It is also compact and lightweight, making it easy to store and set up.

While waterproof covers are essential for protecting your boat from rain and flooding, it is important to ensure that they have vents to allow for proper ventilation. Without vents, condensation can build up inside the boat, leading to mold and mildew due to trapped moisture. Therefore, when choosing a waterproof cover, look for one with vents or opt for a breathable cover material.

Water-resistant covers can be made waterproof with sprays

To apply the spray, hold the can 6 to 8 inches (15.24 to 20.32 centimeters) away from the fabric and apply the spray in a light, even layer, slightly overlapping each stroke. After applying the first coat, wait for it to dry before applying a second coat. Most waterproofing sprays will dry in about 4 hours, but be sure to read the directions on the can as each brand will be different.

In addition to sprays, there are other methods to make water-resistant covers more waterproof. One method is to use seam sealers, which are applied to the seams of the fabric to prevent water from getting inside. Another method is to rub wax onto the fabric. This process involves heating and rubbing natural beeswax into the fabric, then using a hairdryer to heat and smooth out the wax.

It is important to note that even waterproof covers will lose their waterproofing ability over time and will need to be retreated periodically. Additionally, waterproof covers can cause condensation and mould issues due to a lack of ventilation. Therefore, it is recommended to select a cover with vents or choose a breathable cover material.

Frequently asked questions