Boat Cover Installation: A Step-By-Step Guide

Protecting your boat with a cover is one of the easiest ways to keep it safe when it's not in use. Whether you have a trailerable cover or a non-trailerable storage cover, the process of putting it on your boat is simple. It's important to know how to do it properly to avoid any damage to your boat and to ensure your cover lasts a long time.

Identify sharp points and edges to avoid puncturing the cover

When covering your boat, it is important to identify any sharp points and edges that could potentially puncture the cover. These sharp edges can cut through the cover material and cause damage. They can be found on various parts of the boat, such as the windshield, cleats, and rails. To protect your boat cover, you should cover these sharp points with an extra cloth or a foam pad. This will create a barrier between the cover and the sharp edges, reducing the risk of punctures and tears.

Before placing the cover, carefully inspect the boat for any protrusions or sharp edges. Pay close attention to areas such as the windshield, rails, and any metal fixtures. If you identify any sharp points, cover them with a suitable protective material. Foam padding or old towels can be used to cover these areas effectively. This simple step will help prevent damage to your boat cover and ensure its longevity.

It is also important to consider the movement of the cover in high winds. The flapping of the cover against sharp edges or protrusions can accelerate wear and tear. To mitigate this, ensure that the cover is securely tied down and fitted properly to your boat. A cover support system can also be used to keep the cover taut and prevent it from flapping.

By taking the time to identify and protect against sharp points and edges, you can avoid punctures and extend the lifespan of your boat cover. This will ultimately help maintain the condition of your boat and ensure it remains well-protected from the elements.

Locate the front tag and secure this end first

Before you begin to secure your boat cover, you must first locate the sewn-in ID tag that says "front". This is usually a printed label, but it may also be sewn-in. This is the end of the cover that you will secure first. It is important to identify this end before you begin to ensure you are working with the correct side of the cover. Once you have located the front tag, you can start the process of securing the cover.

Begin by stretching the cover towards the rear of the boat and over the sides, ensuring that it is centered and even on all sides. This will ensure a proper fit and help to avoid any sagging areas, which can collect standing water and snow, ultimately reducing the lifespan of your cover. It is important to work from front to back to avoid any creases or folds in the cover, which could cause damage over time.

Once you have the cover in the correct position, you can then locate and separate all of the tie-down straps or ropes. These will be used to secure the cover to your boat. The number of straps or ropes will vary depending on the size and type of your boat cover, so it is important to refer to the instructions provided with your specific cover for more detailed information.

After you have located and separated the tie-down straps or ropes, you can begin the process of securing them to your boat. Refer to the instructions provided with your boat cover for specific details on how to secure the straps or ropes, as the method may vary depending on the type of cover you have.

Stretch the cover over the boat, ensuring it's centred and even

Now that you've located the sewn-in ID tag that says "front", it's time to stretch the cover over the boat, ensuring it's centred and even. This is an important step to protect your boat from damage.

Start by pulling the cover towards the rear of the boat and then over the sides, making sure it's centred and even on all sides. Take your time with this step to avoid any bunching or wrinkles. It's important that the cover is smooth and taut for optimal protection.

If you're working with a partner, communicate clearly to ensure the cover is pulled evenly on both sides. If you're solo, consider using stakes or weights to secure the cover in place as you stretch it out. Remember to be mindful of any sharp edges or corners that could damage the cover.

Once the cover is stretched over the boat and centred, you can move on to securing it in place with tie-down straps or ropes, depending on the type of cover you have. Ensure that you have enough straps or ropes before proceeding.

Before fully securing the cover, take a moment to step back and inspect your work. Ensure that the cover is smooth and taut, without any wrinkles or bunching. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure an even and secure fit.

Locate and separate all tie-down straps or ropes

Before you begin to locate and separate the tie-down straps or ropes, you should have already identified the "front" of the cover and secured it at the front end of the boat. The cover should then be stretched towards the rear and over the sides, ensuring it is centred and even on all sides. Now you are ready to locate and separate all the tie-down straps or ropes.

Some boat covers will use tie-down straps, while others will use ropes. If your cover uses ropes, you will need to separate them by length. The longest ropes will be used to thread through the middle loops, and the shorter ropes will be used to secure the cover around the trailer frame. The exact process will vary depending on the type of cover you have, so be sure to refer to the instructions provided with your boat cover.

If your cover uses tie-down straps, separate them by length. Some covers will require straps over the entire cover, while others will only require straps from the perimeter hem. Thread the longest straps through the middle loops and secure the ends to the buckles. Then, take the shorter straps and loop them around the trailer frame, threading the other end through the loop and up to the female buckle on the cover. Leave the straps loose until all are in place, then go back and tighten them.

Thread the straps through loops and buckles, adjusting for tightness

Threading the straps through loops and buckles is a crucial step in ensuring your boat cover is securely fastened. Here's a detailed guide on how to do this effectively:

First, identify the longest straps among your tie-down straps. These long straps will be threaded through the middle loops, so separate them accordingly. Once you've identified the longest straps, thread them through the middle loops, and then secure the ends of these straps to the corresponding buckles. This step forms the initial anchoring point for your boat cover.

Now, move on to the shorter straps. Take one of the shorter straps and create a loop at one end by threading the end through the loop itself. This looped end will go around the trailer frame. Simultaneously, thread the other end of the same strap through the loop you just created and then guide it up to the female buckle on the cover. Insert this end of the strap into the buckle, ensuring it passes through smoothly. It's important to leave this strap loose for now, as you'll need to adjust the tightness later. Repeat this process for all the remaining shorter straps, threading them through their respective loops and buckles.

Once all the straps are in place, you can adjust the tightness. Start by pulling each strap taut, ensuring there's an even tension across all straps. This step ensures the cover is snugly fitted to your boat. After tightening, double-check that each strap is securely fastened within its corresponding buckle.

By following these steps, you'll have effectively threaded the straps through the loops and buckles, ensuring a secure and well-fitted boat cover. This process is essential for protecting your boat from the elements when it's not in use.

Frequently asked questions