Best Boat Cover Materials: Choosing The Right Fabric

Boat owners need to consider several factors when choosing the best cover material for their vessel. The type of boat, storage location, and local climate all play a role in determining the most suitable fabric. For instance, boats kept outdoors in sunny climates require covers that offer protection from UV rays, while those in humid environments need materials that prevent mildew. Waterproof fabrics are ideal for areas with frequent rainfall, but they must also be breathable to prevent mould and mildew.

Common materials used for boat covers include vinyl, acrylic, and canvas. Vinyl is cost-effective, simple to use, and provides protection from UV rays, mildew, and water. Acrylic is a durable and moisture-wicking option, but it creates static and burns easily. Canvas, often made from cotton, is strong and waterproof but may be heavier and less desirable for some boat owners.

Waterproof vs water-resistant

When choosing a boat cover, it's important to select the right fabric for your needs. While "waterproof" and "water-resistant" might seem like interchangeable terms, they are not. Waterproof fabrics will always repel water, even if the fabric is old. Water-resistant fabrics, on the other hand, do not inherently repel water but are treated to prevent water from soaking through. Over time, the coating on water-resistant fabrics will wear away, allowing water to leak through. Water-resistant fabrics can also leak when water is allowed to pool on their surface.

Waterproof fabrics are usually made from vinyl, vinyl-coated, or laminated materials. While they offer superior water protection, they come with a trade-off—they aren't breathable. The lack of breathability means that moisture and air can get trapped underneath the cover, leading to the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause serious problems. If you opt for a waterproof fabric, it is important to add boat cover vents for ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. Examples of waterproof fabrics include Stamoid™ 8.3 oz. and Herculite Riviera®.

Water-resistant fabrics, on the other hand, offer breathability. If you decide to go with a water-resistant fabric, ensure that the cover is pitched properly to prevent water from pooling. You may also need to re-treat the cover periodically or after washing with a fabric treatment to restore its water repellency. Examples of breathable, water-resistant fabrics include Sunbrella® Marine Grade, Sattler® Marine Grade, Top Notch® 9, and SureRite™.

There are also fabrics that fall somewhere in between water resistance and waterproof, such as Top Gun®, Top Gun® 1S, and Odyssey®. These fabrics are nearly waterproof but only marginally breathable, so it is important to ensure they are vented to prevent moisture buildup.

In addition to water resistance, other factors to consider when choosing a boat cover fabric include weight, UV resistance, chafe resistance, and colourfastness. The weight of the fabric is important depending on how frequently the cover will be removed and replaced. Lighter-weight fabrics, such as AquaTop Air, are easier to handle and more manageable for cleaning and storage. However, heavier-duty fabrics, such as AquaTop SubZero, are better suited for harsh environments and frequent travel.

UV resistance is crucial if you boat offshore or along the coast, as the sun's rays can be particularly harsh. Fabrics like Sunbrella or Sattler Marine Grade offer superior UV protection. Chafe resistance, on the other hand, may be a higher priority if you sail inland or in an area with four seasons, as your boat will be exposed to less sun and harsh weather. Fabrics like Top Notch 9, Top Gun, and SureRite offer excellent chafe resistance.

Colourfastness is another consideration, especially if you plan on using brightly coloured fabrics. Look for solution-dyed fabrics, where the colour goes to the core of every fibre, making them more resistant to fading when exposed to UV rays. Examples of solution-dyed fabrics include Sunbrella Marine Grade, Sattler Marine Grade, Top Notch 9, and SureRite.

Fabric weight

The weight of the fabric is an important consideration when choosing a boat cover. If you frequently remove and replace your boat cover, a lightweight fabric such as AquaTop Air is a good option as it is easier to handle and more manageable when it comes to cleaning and storage. Lightweight fabrics are also a good choice if you live in a temperate climate.

However, if durability is a priority, a heavier fabric will be more suitable. Heavyweight covers are ideal for harsh environments, frequent travel, and cold climates with heavy snowfall. They tend to be more durable and long-lasting. When it comes to fabric weight, it's important to consider your specific needs and choose a material that offers the right balance of protection, ease of use, and longevity.

The weight of the fabric is often measured in ounces per square yard, and higher-quality boat covers tend to use heavier fabrics. For example, Westland boat covers use 6.5-, 7.5-, and 9.25-ounce materials, while some cheaper options use 3.0- or 4.0-ounce cloth. The higher the weight, the better the protection for your boat.

When deciding on the weight of your boat cover fabric, consider the trade-off between ease of use and durability. Lighter fabrics are easier to handle and store, but they may not last as long as heavier fabrics. On the other hand, heavier fabrics provide superior protection and longevity but may be more cumbersome to use and maintain. Ultimately, the best weight depends on your specific needs and usage patterns.

Fabric coatings

When it comes to choosing the best boat cover fabric, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind, including water resistance, fabric weight, and coatings.

Coated fabrics offer enhanced protection against the elements and can provide additional benefits such as improved durability, UV resistance, and mildew resistance. Here's a closer look at some of the options available:

Coated Polyester Marine Fabric

Coated polyester is a popular choice for boat covers due to its excellent durability and resistance to water, mildew, and UV rays. The coating, often made of acrylic, urethane, or vinyl, enhances the fabric's ability to resist tears, abrasions, and fading caused by sunlight exposure. Coated polyester is also easy to clean and maintain, making it a practical option for boat owners. Additionally, it strikes a good balance between water resistance and breathability, preventing moisture buildup that can lead to mould and mildew issues.

Solution-Dyed Marine Fabric

Solution-dyed fabrics, such as those made from polyester or acrylic, offer superior performance and longevity. The dyeing process involves adding colour to the fibres before they are woven into cloth, resulting in vibrant hues that resist fading and wear and tear. Solution-dyed fabrics also provide enhanced protection against UV rays, water, mould, and mildew. While these fabrics tend to be more expensive, they are well worth considering for their superior performance and long-lasting quality.

Acrylic Marine Fabric

Acrylic marine fabric is another reliable option for boat covers, known for its breathability, durability, and UV resistance. Acrylic fabrics, such as Recacril® and Sunbrella®, resist stretching and sagging, ensuring a snug fit for your boat. They also offer vibrant colours that are fade-resistant, maintaining their appearance for an extended period. Acrylic fabrics are highly sought-after for their durability and ability to resist cracking or hardening over time.

When selecting a boat cover fabric, it's important to consider your specific needs, budget, and the environmental conditions your boat will be exposed to. By choosing a fabric with the right coatings and treatments, you can ensure optimal protection, longevity, and performance for your boat cover.

Fabric breathability

Waterproof fabrics are not breathable, meaning moisture and air can get trapped underneath the cover, leading to mould and mildew. To prevent this, you can add a boat cover vent for ventilation. Alternatively, you can opt for a water-resistant fabric, which is breathable but will need to be retreated after a few years or after washing.

Acrylic marine fabric is highly breathable and offers good resistance to UV rays. It is also known for its vibrant colours and fade resistance. Sunbrella, a popular brand of acrylic fabric, is made from acrylic, meaning it resists moisture and mildew and won't crack or harden over time. Marinex boat cover fabric is another option that is breathable, allowing heat and moisture to dissipate.

Coated polyester fabrics can sometimes cut down on a cover's ability to breathe, but they are still a good option for boat covers due to their durability, water resistance, mildew resistance, and UV resistance.

Fabric colour

When choosing the colour of your boat cover fabric, it is important to consider colorfastness, especially if you are going for a brightly coloured fabric. Colorfastness refers to the fabric's ability to retain its colour without fading when exposed to UV rays. Fabrics that are solution-dyed are ideal in this case, as the colour goes to the core of every fibre, making it resistant to fading. Examples of great solution-dyed fabrics include Sunbrella Marine Grade, Sattler Marine Grade, Top Notch 9, and SureRite.

If you are looking for a cover that will protect your boat from UV rays, it is best to go for darker colours. Dark colours absorb more UV radiation, which can help protect the boat's surface from the sun's harmful rays. However, it is important to note that darker colours can also absorb more heat, which may affect the temperature inside the boat.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a cover that will help keep your boat cool, lighter colours are the way to go. Light colours reflect more UV radiation, reducing the amount of heat absorbed by the cover. This can help maintain a cooler temperature inside the boat. Additionally, light-coloured covers can make it easier to spot your boat from a distance, especially in low-light conditions.

Another factor to consider is the colour's impact on the boat's aesthetic appeal. Darker colours can give a sleek and elegant look to your boat, while lighter colours can make it appear more spacious and inviting. Ultimately, the choice of colour depends on your personal preference and the specific needs of your boat.

Frequently asked questions