Guide To Putting On A Skeeter Boat Cover

Skeeter boat covers are available in a variety of materials and styles, including custom-fit and styled-to-fit options. The type of cover you choose will depend on your specific Skeeter boat model and your intended use. For example, if you plan to trailer your boat, a cover made from a breathable fabric like Sunbrella® or acrylic is recommended to prevent mould and mildew. On the other hand, if you're primarily concerned with water resistance, a polyester or vinyl-coated fabric would be a better choice. When purchasing a Skeeter boat cover, it's important to consider the climate and storage conditions your boat will be exposed to, as well as any additional features or accessories that may require coverage, such as a T-top or outboard motor.

Choose the right material for your cover

When choosing the right material for your Skeeter boat cover, it's important to consider factors such as breathability, UV resistance, water repellency, durability, and warranty. Here are some popular materials used for Skeeter boat covers and their pros and cons:

Sunbrella®

Sunbrella® is a popular choice for Skeeter boat covers due to its high-quality and durability. It is a solution-dyed acrylic fabric that is water-repellent, UV-resistant, and mildew-resistant. Sunbrella® is backed by a 10-year limited fabric warranty and offers a wide variety of color options. However, it may require periodic treatment with a fabric guard to maintain its water repellency.

Aqualon®

Aqualon® is a vinyl-coated polyester fabric that is often used for Skeeter boat covers. It is durable, water-resistant, and mildew-resistant, making it suitable for trailering. However, it is not as breathable as other materials, which can lead to condensation issues during long-term storage. Aqualon® typically comes with a 5-year limited fabric warranty.

Aurora Canvas in Coastguard Marine Acrylic

Aurora Canvas offers covers in Coastguard Marine acrylic material, which is known for its breathability, UV resistance, and mildew resistance. It is available in a variety of colors and is suitable for all situations, including trailering and storage. Aurora Canvas covers are custom-fit and padded to provide extra protection for your Skeeter boat.

Polyester

Polyester covers, such as the ones offered by Westland, are easy to work with and offer good looks and longevity. They are water-resistant, mildew-resistant, and tough enough to handle trailering. However, they may experience some fading over time. Polyester covers usually come with a 5-year manufacturer's warranty.

Other Materials

Other materials used for Skeeter boat covers include Top Gun™, SeaMark®, Stamoid®, and ClimaShield Plus®. Top Gun™ is an acrylic-coated woven polyester fabric that is characterized by its strength, durability, and mildew resistance. SeaMark® is a vinyl-coated acrylic fabric that combines the beauty of Sunbrella® with the durability of vinyl, offering superior seam and tensile strength. Stamoid® is a semi-shiny, waterproof vinyl-coated polyester fabric that is often used for yacht tops. ClimaShield Plus® is a pigmented vinyl-coated polyester fabric that is water-resistant, mildew-resistant, and backed by a 5-year manufacturer's limited warranty.

Ensure a snug fit with a draw rope

A snug-fit cover is essential to protect your Skeeter boat from strong winds and harsh weather conditions. Here are some tips to ensure a snug fit with a draw rope for your Skeeter boat cover:

Choose the Right Cover:

Select a cover that is specifically designed for your Skeeter boat model, make, and year. Custom and semi-custom covers from brands like Westland are tailored to fit the exact specifications of your boat, ensuring a snug fit.

Inspect Reinforcements and Sewn-In Rope:

Before installing the cover, carefully inspect it for reinforcements at key stress points and a heavy-duty draw rope sewn into the hem. These features enhance the durability of the cover and ensure a snug fit.

Consider Outboard Motor Cutouts:

If your Skeeter boat has an outboard motor, ensure the cover has a motor cutout. This will provide a precise fit around the motor, contributing to the overall snug fit of the cover.

Adjust the Draw Rope:

Once the cover is in place, adjust the draw rope accordingly. Tighten or loosen the rope as needed to achieve a snug fit around the contours of your boat.

Secure with Tie-Down Straps:

In addition to the draw rope, utilize the provided tie-down straps to further secure the cover. These straps will help keep the cover in place, especially during storage or transportation.

Check for Proper Ventilation:

While ensuring a snug fit is crucial, it's also important to verify that the cover allows for adequate ventilation. Proper ventilation prevents the buildup of moisture, mould, and mildew, keeping your boat in optimal condition.

By following these steps and making any necessary adjustments, you can ensure that your Skeeter boat cover fits snugly and securely, providing maximum protection for your vessel.

Consider a cover with a tie-down kit

A boat cover tie-down kit is an essential accessory for your Skeeter boat cover. It will protect your boat and extend the life of your cover.

The Carver by Covercraft tie-down kit, for example, includes twelve 12-foot straps made of heavy-duty 1″ black polypropylene webbing. The quick-release buckles are convenient and, unlike bungee cords, these durable tie-downs won't stretch, so they won't tear your cover or damage your boat.

You can also find tie-down kits on Amazon and National Boat Covers, which include twelve 10-foot straps. These are designed to be threaded through loops on your cover and then looped around your trailer, fastening with quick-release buckles.

Check for proper installation

Checking for proper installation is crucial to ensure your Skeeter boat cover is secure and effective. Here are some detailed instructions to verify correct installation:

Step 1: Check the Cover's Position

Firstly, ensure the cover is correctly positioned on your Skeeter boat. Start at the bow, working towards the rear, and confirm that the cover is centred and even on all sides. Pay attention to the tag sewn onto the underside, indicating the "bow", to ensure the cover is oriented correctly.

Step 2: Inspect the Snugness

The snugness, or tightness, of the cover is of utmost importance for a trouble-free boat cover experience. All tie-down loops must be securely fastened, either to the boat or the trailer, using rope, shock cord, or straps. Before tightening these fasteners, ensure the cover is properly supported and padded, especially around sharp edges.

Step 3: Check for Proper Support

Large open areas like cockpits and open bows need extra support to prevent the cover from sagging and allowing water, snow, or ice to accumulate. Utilise support poles, bows, slats, or similar equipment to create a "tenting" effect and eliminate any pockets that could form. This is crucial to avoid water pooling, which can degrade the cover over time.

Step 4: Verify Zippers and Straps

If your Skeeter boat cover has zippers and straps, ensure they are correctly connected and adjusted. For zippers, confirm that they are fully zipped and securely closed. For straps, check that they are threaded through the appropriate loops and buckles, and adjust their length to achieve the desired tightness.

Step 5: Inspect for Water Pooling

After securing and adjusting the cover, take a step back and inspect the overall fit. Ensure there are no areas where water can pool, as this can lead to mildew and premature leakage. If you notice any sagging areas, adjust the cover or utilise support poles to create a runoff angle for water.

Step 6: Double-Check Tie-Downs

Finally, double-check that all tie-downs are securely fastened, especially if you plan to trailer your boat. This will ensure your Skeeter boat cover remains in place during transport and provides optimal protection for your vessel.

Store your cover correctly when not in use

When storing your boat cover, it is important to find a dry, well-ventilated space. This could be a compartment on board the boat, a dock box, or inside a garage or other similar structure. Cover storage bags are also available and provide an easy solution for putting away your boat cover.

It is important to avoid common boat cover storage mistakes. Do not store your cover on the floor, as dirt and debris can cause damage, and water wicked up through the flooring can promote mould and mildew growth. Do not put away your cover while it is still wet or damp, as this will also encourage mould and mildew growth.

Before storing your boat cover, it is important to thoroughly clean the canvas. Start by removing any stains or debris with a soft-bristle brush and ivory dishwashing liquid. If there are stains or mildew on the cover, use ½ cup of bleach to one gallon of water and rinse until all residue is removed. Remember to always be gentle when cleaning to protect the canvas. Never power-wash your cover. After cleaning, retreat your cover with 303 fabric protectant and ensure it is completely dry before storing.

Frequently asked questions