Tahoe Boat Cover: Tips For Easy Installation

Protecting your boat with a cover is essential, whether you're storing it or trailering it. Tahoe boat covers and bimini tops are custom-fit to the wide range of models and styles that Tahoe manufactures, even those with ski towers. Before covering your boat, ensure it is clean and completely dry. If you don't have indoor storage available, make sure the cover is installed correctly and snug around the bottom to keep out the elements. Check for cracks or damage, and leave doors and storage compartments open to maximize airflow. During storage, carefully support the boat's hull to avoid damage or misalignment.

Ensure the boat is clean and dry

Ensuring your boat is clean and dry is an essential step in preparing your boat for storage and maintaining its long-term durability. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your boat is clean and dry before putting on a Tahoe boat cover:

Step 1: Prepare the Boat for Cleaning

Before you begin cleaning, it's advisable to remove all emergency equipment, such as life jackets and PFDs, and set them aside. Also, remove the mooring and anchor lines from the hatches and allow them to air dry, preferably in the sun. This step will help you inspect and ensure that your emergency equipment is in good condition.

Step 2: Rinse and Scrub the Boat

Use freshwater to rinse your boat thoroughly. Then, use a soft-bristle brush and a mild soap or boat wash with anti-microbial properties to scrub the boat's surfaces, including vinyl seats and carpeted areas. Be sure to give special attention to areas that are more prone to grime and debris buildup, such as the seams of the boat.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry the Boat

After scrubbing, rinse the boat thoroughly to remove any remaining soap residue. Pay attention to the boat's hull, ensuring it is free of soap residue. Once rinsed, dry the hull with a chamois or soft cloth. Allow the boat to air dry for as long as possible. If you have foam-covered rails, be aware that they will retain moisture longer, so give them extra drying time.

Step 4: Prevent Rust and Corrosion

While the boat is drying, you can apply WD-40 to metal parts to prevent rust and corrosion. Wipe down these areas with a cloth, ensuring that any remaining moisture is removed from small cracks and crevices.

Step 5: Address Moisture and Humidity

Even after the boat appears dry, the environment's humidity can still introduce moisture to your boat, especially if it is covered or stored in a confined area. To mitigate this, use a fan to ensure proper ventilation and air circulation. Place a fan in the cockpit of the boat, and if the boat is covered, leave a small space open between the tarp and the boat to ensure air exchange. Keep all hatches, consoles, coolers, and doors open to promote airflow throughout the boat.

Additionally, consider using humidity pods or moisture-control packs, especially in areas with less air circulation. These steps will help prevent the growth of mold and mildew, protecting your boat's interior and maintaining its overall condition.

Install the cover properly

To install a Tahoe boat cover properly, follow these steps:

Firstly, ensure your boat is clean and completely dry before covering. Check for any cracks or damage, and if your boat has a ski tower, you can still install a Tahoe cover, but be mindful of any sharp edges. Pad these areas or tape them over with a piece of material to avoid tearing the cover.

Now, place the cover over the front of the boat and slowly pull it over until it is completely covered. If your cover has loops and tie-down straps, thread the buckle-end of the strap through the loop from back to front, pulling through about 12 inches, and tie off with a simple knot to secure the strap. Then, guide the opposite end of the strap around the trailer from back to front. Next, thread the strap through the top slot in the quick-release buckle, pulling the end towards you, and continue threading it over the center bar of the buckle and into the bottom slot. The strap is now adjustable. Install all straps on the cover before tightening.

Once all the straps are installed, be sure the cover is centered on the boat, then tighten all straps securely so the cover is taut. Leave about 12 inches of webbing for adjustability and trim off any excess with scissors. Lightly singe the cut edge of the webbing using a lighter to fuse the yarns and prevent the webbing from unravelling.

When transporting the boat, the cover must be fastened securely to eliminate "wind flap". Cinch up all straps tightly to keep the wind from tearing the cover off when you drive.

Check for cracks or damage

Before putting on a boat cover, it is important to check for cracks or damage. This is a crucial step in boat ownership and will ensure the boat remains safe and seaworthy.

Begin by looking for visible signs of damage, such as cracks, splits, or gouges in the hull. Pay close attention to the rivets that secure the parts of the hull together. If any rivets are loose or missing, it is likely that the hull has sustained damage.

Next, check for signs of corrosion or rust on any metal parts of the hull. Corrosion weakens the metal and can eventually cause it to fail. Look for any areas where paint has been worn away, as this can also indicate corrosion or other damage. Finally, look for cracks in the fiberglass or other composite materials of the hull. These cracks can worsen over time and lead to significant damage if left unattended.

It is also important to be wary of tunnel vision when it comes to tears or holes in your cover. If you notice one, there may be more, or it could indicate a larger problem, such as the thread breaking down. Inspect your entire cover before committing to a repair plan and keep in mind that you may need to replace the cover if the damage is too extensive.

Once you have identified the areas that need repairing, investigate how the holes may have occurred. If chafing is the cause, you will need to reinforce your repair and/or cover the spot on your boat, such as a sharp corner, with a cap, abrasion tape, or another buffer to prevent further damage.

To repair a tear or hole in your boat cover, you will need the following materials: replacement fabric, double-sided tape or fabric glue, and marine thread. You will also need a sewing machine to make the necessary repairs.

First, measure the size of the patch you will need by adding 2 inches to all sides of the torn area. Cut the patch into a square or rectangle to keep it simple and hem the patch by lining the tape or glue around the edge and folding over the edges. Repeat this process for a second patch of the same size.

Next, add more tape or glue around the hem of both patches, then stick the first patch down over the damaged area, aligning it with the existing cover seams or edges for a more pleasing look. Flip over the cover and stick the second patch to the opposite side, in the same orientation and spot as the first patch.

Finally, with your sewing machine, start in one corner and drop the needle by hand to begin. Do a pass or two of reversing to lock the initial stitch, then sew along the edge to the next corner. Pivot the fabric 90 degrees on the needle and continue sewing to the next corner. Repeat for the third side, then stop and reorient for the final side. Do a reverse pass to finish and remove the needle. Untwist the fabric and move back to the starting corner, sewing along the final side and doing some reversing to lock your final stitch.

By regularly inspecting your boat cover for cracks or damage, and promptly repairing any issues, you can ensure your boat remains in top condition and extend the life of your cover.

Maximise airflow

To maximise airflow when putting on a Tahoe boat cover, you should leave the doors and storage compartments open. This will help to keep the boat well-ventilated and reduce the risk of mould or mildew forming.

It's also important to ensure your boat is clean and completely dry before covering it. If you're storing your boat outdoors, make sure the cover is installed properly and snug around the bottom to keep the elements out.

To further protect your boat from the elements, you should check for any cracks or damage before covering and storing it. Additionally, support the boat's hull carefully to avoid any damage or misalignment during storage.

Investing in a quality boat cover is essential for maintaining your boat and protecting it from finish-destroying agents. Look for covers with air vents to prevent wind lofting and allow for proper air circulation.

Support the boat's hull

Supporting the hull of your boat is crucial to prevent water from pooling and sagging, which can weigh the cover down and cause water to enter your boat. There are various boat cover support systems available that can help you achieve this. Here are some options and important considerations to keep in mind:

Choose the Right Support System:

• Pole and Strap Kits: These kits are available for different boat sizes and types. They include poles and straps to create a frame for your boat cover. However, the poles are often made of thin aluminium or plastic and can bend easily. Additionally, these kits usually don't provide enough straps, leading to large areas where the cover can sag.
• Bow and Socket Support: This system uses flexible bows made of wood or fibreglass that fit into sockets screwed into the boat gunwales or mounted to rails with clamps. Ensure you use enough bows to eliminate sagging between them and tighten the cover securely.
• Suspension System: If your boat has a ski tower, you can use a suspension system to hang your boat cover. This system is easy to use and keeps the rig with the cover.
• PVC Tubing Frame: You can create a custom frame using white 3/4" PVC tubing, elbows, and T-junctions from any hardware store. This option offers endless customisation possibilities but may require some trial and error.
• Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT): EMT can be used for a fully custom frame with the help of special clamps like Kover Klamps. This option provides a rigid and strong frame but requires special tools like a tubing bender and cutter.
• Wooden Frame: A classic option, wooden frames can be beautifully constructed and are long-lasting and strong. However, carpentry and engineering skills are necessary to ensure smooth contact points between the frame and cover to avoid abrasion. Wooden frames are also heavy and bulky to store.

Ensure Proper Installation and Maintenance:

Regardless of the support system you choose, proper installation and maintenance are crucial. Here are some tips:

• If you opt for a pole support system, place the pole in the middle of the boat and connect it to the bow. Wrap the straps around the bow and hook them to the rear transom.
• For strap suspension systems, feed the lines through a pulley and pull them tight to remove any sagging or folding in the cover. Secure the line by locking it at the pylon, ensuring the cover is high enough above the boat.
• Regularly check your cover and support system. Tighten straps and lines periodically to prevent sagging over time.
• For long-term storage, consider a support system designed for this purpose, such as the iCOVER or Budge BA-39 systems.
• For additional stability, look for support poles with wide bases and foam to prevent sliding and scuff marks.
• Marine-grade support systems may be more expensive but are built to last and reduce the risk of rust and corrosion.

Frequently asked questions