Boat Covers: Choosing The Best Protection For Your Vessel

Choosing the right boat cover is essential to protect your boat from the elements. The best boat covers are made from materials that are resistant to abrasion, UV rays, and water, such as polyester or acrylic. The weight of the fabric is also important, as a heavier fabric will provide more protection and longevity. In addition to the material, boat owners should consider the construction of the cover, ensuring that hems and seams are double-stitched and reinforced, and that the cover has adequate ventilation to prevent mildew and mould. While a custom-fitted cover is ideal, there are also semi-custom and universal options available that can provide adequate protection.

Boat cover materials

Water Resistance

One of the primary functions of a boat cover is to protect the boat from water damage. Look for materials that have a water-resistant coating or are inherently water-repellent. This will prevent water from seeping through and causing issues such as mould or rot. Fabrics like coated polyester, acrylic, and solution-dyed marine fabric are known for their excellent water resistance.

Fabric Weight

The weight of the fabric is an important consideration, especially if you plan to frequently remove and replace the cover. Lightweight fabrics, such as AquaTop Air, make handling and storage more manageable. On the other hand, heavyweight covers, like AquaTop SubZero, are ideal for harsh environments, frequent travel, and cold climates with heavy snowfall.

Durability and Protection

The material should be durable enough to withstand the elements and provide adequate protection for your boat. Coated polyester marine fabric, for example, offers excellent durability, tear resistance, and abrasion resistance. Additionally, look for materials that provide UV protection to prevent fading and damage caused by sunlight. Solution-dyed marine fabric is a high-performance option that resists fading, minimises wear and tear, and protects against UV rays.

Breathability

While waterproof fabrics will keep water out, they may also trap moisture and air underneath the cover, leading to mould and mildew issues. Therefore, consider materials that offer breathability while still providing water resistance. Marinex boat cover fabric, for instance, is breathable, allowing heat and moisture to dissipate instead of becoming trapped.

Colourfastness

If you want your boat cover to maintain its vibrant colour without fading, opt for solution-dyed fabrics. The colour permeates each fibre, ensuring that it won't fade quickly when exposed to UV rays. Sunbrella Marine Grade and Sattler Marine Grade are examples of solution-dyed fabrics that offer excellent colourfastness.

Budget

How boat covers are made

Boat covers are made with a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The best boat cover for you will depend on your specific needs and where you are located.

Boat covers need to be a combination of breathable and water-repellent. They should keep rainwater out while allowing trapped water vapour to escape. They also need to be UV- and mildew-resistant, with strong tensile strength and abrasion resistance, especially for trailer covers that have to withstand the rigours of the road.

Coated synthetic fabrics are often considered the ideal compromise, as they meet most of these requirements. Cotton and polyester blends won't last as long as synthetic fabrics, as natural yarns don't have high resistance to mildew and UV light.

For a good yet economical choice, acrylic-coated polyester is a popular option. Two other durable and practical choices are urethane-coated, solution-dyed polyester fabrics such as Ultima, or solution-dyed acrylics like Sunbrella. Both are breathable fabrics that are stain-, UV- and mildew-resistant and shed water well.

If you are looking for a waterproof cover, vinyl, vinyl-coated, or laminated fabrics are good options, but they are not breathable, so you will need to add a boat cover vent to prevent moisture buildup. Water-resistant fabrics can be used, but they need to be pitched to prevent water from pooling, and they may need to be retreated after a few years to restore water repellency.

If you are looking for a custom-made cover, you can choose the weight of the fabric and have it made to fit your boat and accessories perfectly. This option will be more costly but will last for decades.

When selecting a colour, dark colours are surprisingly the best option as the higher amount of dye in the fabric increases its UV resistance and contributes to its longevity. Blue, black, and green will last longer than white, tan, or red.

Breathability in boat covers

Breathability is an important feature of boat covers. When a cover is waterproof, it often loses its breathability, which can cause mould and mildew to grow inside the boat. This is because the trapped moisture is unable to evaporate.

Boat covers made from a polyester/cotton mix are breathable, as well as water-repellent. However, cotton prices have risen, making this option more expensive. Poly-cotton is the cover material with the best breathability, but it requires an external heat source to promote the expulsion of water vapour from inside the boat. In the summer, the sun's heat can do this, but in winter, a non-breathable cover may be preferable, especially for wooden boats.

Breathable boat covers are far superior to non-breathable materials, just as breathable clothing is. However, a non-breathable cover may be preferable if the boat is stored dry.

If breathability is a priority, Sunbrella® Marine Grade, Sattler® Marine Grade, Top Notch® 9 or SureRite™ are recommended fabric options.

Fitted vs custom-fitted covers

When it comes to choosing between a fitted and a custom-fitted boat cover, there are several factors to consider. While both options will protect your boat, there are some key differences in terms of cost, convenience, and level of protection.

Fitted boat covers are designed to accommodate a wide range of boat types and sizes. They are typically more affordable than custom-fitted covers and can be purchased off-the-shelf. These covers are ideal for those who want a cost-effective solution and don't mind a looser fit. Fitted covers are also trailerable, making them a good choice for those who frequently move their boats. However, they may not provide the same level of protection as custom-fitted covers, especially in harsh weather conditions.

Custom-fitted boat covers, on the other hand, are made specifically for an individual boat's make and model. They take into account unique features and accessories, ensuring a snug fit. Custom covers offer superior protection from the elements, theft, and prying eyes. They are also less likely to cause scratches or damage to your boat during trailering. However, they come with a higher price tag, often ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. Additionally, custom covers may not be as readily available as fitted covers, requiring more time and effort to acquire.

The decision between a fitted and a custom-fitted boat cover ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you require maximum protection and can afford the higher cost, a custom-fitted cover is the ideal choice. However, if you're looking for a more economical solution and don't mind a looser fit, a fitted cover will still provide adequate protection for your boat.

To ensure the best protection for your boat, it is advisable to invest in the highest quality cover you can afford. Consider factors such as local climate, the need for trailering, and the level of coverage required. By choosing the right boat cover, you can maintain the longevity and integrity of your boat for years to come.

Covering your boat in under a minute

Choose the Right Cover

The type of cover you choose is essential for effective protection. While a tarp is the cheapest option, it is also the least durable and requires a lot of effort to secure it properly. Shrink-wrap is a more durable option but is single-use and requires professional installation. Fitted boat covers are more expensive, but they last longer and provide better protection. Consider your budget, local climate, and how often you plan to use the cover to make the right choice.

Custom-Made Covers

For the perfect fit, consider investing in a custom-made cover. Companies like Marine Concepts offer a patented track system that allows you to cover a 50-foot boat in less than a minute. They digitally measure and model your boat to create a unique cover. This ensures that your boat is protected from the elements and keeps it clean and secure.

Quick-Release Buckles and Straps

Look for covers that feature quick-release buckles and adjustable straps. These allow for a snug fit and make it easy to secure and remove the cover. The MSC Heavy Duty 600D Marine Grade Polyester Canvas Trailerable Boat Cover is a good example, as it includes straps with quick-release buckles and is available in multiple sizes and colours.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent mildew and mould buildup. Look for covers with built-in vents or consider installing them yourself. This will ensure that moisture doesn't get trapped inside the boat, causing damage to electronics and other components.

Durability and Protection

Choose a cover made from durable materials that can withstand the elements. Polyester is a popular choice due to its abrasion, UV, and water resistance. Acrylic is considered the gold standard for boat cover materials due to its breathability and fade resistance, but it is more expensive. Avoid cotton-poly blends and nylon covers, as they have poor UV resistance and are not built to last.

By choosing the right type of cover, investing in a custom-made option, looking for convenient features, ensuring proper ventilation, and selecting durable and protective materials, you can keep your boat covered and protected in under a minute.

Frequently asked questions