Choosing The Right Denier For Your Boat Cover

When choosing a boat cover, it's important to consider the weight and material of the cover. Denier is a unit of measurement that reflects the thickness and durability of the fabric. The higher the denier number, the thicker and more heavy-duty the fabric. For example, a 600D cover is thicker and more durable than a 300D or 150D cover. The weight of the cover is also important, as it indicates the quality of the cover. Fabric weight is typically measured in ounces per square yard, with heavier weights offering better protection. When deciding on a boat cover, it's essential to consider the climate and intended use to determine the most suitable material and weight.

Denier and weight

When choosing a boat cover, it's important to consider the weight and denier of the fabric. These two factors will impact the durability and effectiveness of the cover in protecting your boat.

Denier

Denier is a unit of measurement that reflects the thickness and heaviness of the fabric's weave. The higher the denier, the thicker and more heavy-duty the fabric will be. For boat covers, you will commonly see fabric deniers ranging from 150D to 1200D. A higher denier fabric will be more durable and better able to withstand UV rays, abrasion, and water. However, it is important to note that the denier does not always indicate the quality of the cover, as other factors such as material type and construction also play a role.

Weight

The weight of a boat cover is typically measured in ounces per square yard. While weight does not directly indicate the quality of the cover, a heavier cover will generally provide better protection for your boat. For example, a 6oz cover will offer more protection than a 1oz cover. However, it is important to consider the intended use of the cover, as a heavier cover may be more difficult to handle and store.

When deciding between a higher denier or a higher weight, it is important to consider the specific needs of your boat and the conditions it will be exposed to. A higher denier cover will provide better protection against UV rays, abrasion, and water, while a heavier cover may be more suitable for protecting against cutting or tearing from falling objects or heavy snowfall. Ultimately, the ideal boat cover will depend on various factors, including climate, storage conditions, and budget.

Custom vs. semi-custom

A boat cover is essential to protect your investment from harsh UV rays, corrosive salt water, moisture, physical damage, and rodents.

Custom boat covers are designed for a specific boat model and have an exact fit. They are customized to the boat's dimensions and can accommodate protruding accessories. They are also reinforced at high-stress points and can support these points. Custom covers are ideal for boats with unique configurations that cannot be covered by a generic cover. They are more expensive than generic covers.

Semi-custom boat covers, also known as seal-fit boat covers, are a balance between custom and generic covers. They are designed for a range of boats within the same class, catering to different types of boats with the same hull shape. While they are not designed for a specific model, year, or make, they do account for general vessel size, style, and unique features. Semi-custom covers are more affordable than custom covers but more expensive than generic covers. They are ideal for boats with listed hull shapes and no protruding custom accessories.

The decision between custom and semi-custom boat covers depends on your boat storage needs, finances, and type of boat. If you are on a budget, a generic cover is a good option. However, if finances are not a concern, a custom cover is recommended for its pragmatic design and reliable coverage. Additionally, if your boat has a unique configuration, a custom cover will be necessary to ensure proper shielding.

Fabric types

The type of material used for a boat cover is a good indicator of its quality. The best material for a boat cover is Teflon-coated acrylic, which offers the best protection from the elements. However, it is very expensive. The cheapest option is pigment-coated polyester, which is suitable for boats stored indoors but will not last long outdoors. Urethane-coated polyester is a mid to high-end option that is breathable, water-repellent, and mildew-repellent, without the high price tag of acrylic.

When shopping for boat covers, you will often see fabric types denoted by a number followed by the letter "D" (e.g., 150D, 300D, 600D). The "D" refers to denier, a unit of mass that measures the weight of the cover by the thread or material used. A higher denier value indicates a thicker, heavier, and more durable fabric. For boat covers, you will typically find fabric options ranging from 150D to 1200D.

In addition to denier, the ounce weight of the fabric is another important consideration. This is typically measured in ounces per square yard, and while it doesn't directly indicate the quality, a higher weight generally correlates with better protection. For example, a 6oz fabric will provide better protection than a 1oz fabric.

When choosing a boat cover fabric, it's also essential to consider the specific attributes and strengths of different materials. Acrylic boat fabrics, such as Sunbrella, Tempotest, Recacril, Outdura, Dickson, and Sundowner, are top-line choices known for their longevity, breathability, UV resistance, and colourfastness. However, they tend to be more expensive and have weaker abrasion resistance.

Polyester boat fabrics can be grouped into three categories: coated polyesters, vinyl-coated polyesters, and solution-dyed polyesters. Coated polyesters, such as Aqualon, Harbor Time, and Top Gun, are commonly used for store-bought and online boat covers. They offer good strength, abrasion resistance, and UV resistance, but may have issues with de-lamination, colour transfer, and low breathability. Vinyl-coated polyesters, including Herculite Riviera and Stamoid, are popular among high-end boaters due to their ease of cleaning, toughness, and long-lasting nature. However, they are not breathable and can be stiff in cold weather. Solution-dyed polyesters, such as Top Notch and Surlast, are a newer generation of polyesters known for their toughness, abrasion resistance, breathability, and water resistance. While they don't quite match the longevity of acrylics, they are more affordable.

Branded fabrics

When it comes to branded fabrics for boat covers, Sunbrella® is a well-known and reputable option. Sunbrella® acrylic fabric is known for its durability and resistance to water, sun, salt, and wind. It is solution-dyed, which means that colours are locked into the acrylic fibres, preventing fading and washout. Sunbrella® fabric is also breathable and comes with a 10-year limited warranty.

Another option is Sur Last™ Marine Polyester, a solution-dyed polyester with a thin urethane coating. It is waterproof, colourfast, and easy to work with. Sur Last™ is also non-abrasive and requires no serging or hot knifing. This fabric was specifically developed for boaters and is suitable for boat covers, outdoor furniture, umbrellas, and more.

Recacril® is another popular branded fabric for boat covers. Recacril® fabrics resist stretching and sagging, offering good durability and resistance to UV rays. They are also known for their vibrant colours and ability to maintain their appearance over extended periods.

Other branded fabrics to consider include Nassimi Seaquest Upholstery, Stamoid® Marine Fabric, and Sunbrella® Horizon® Marine Vinyl. These fabrics offer features such as mildew resistance, UV protection, and durability, making them suitable options for boat covers and marine applications.

Material composition

When it comes to the material composition of boat covers, there are several factors to consider, including denier, weight, type of material, and special coatings or treatments.

Denier

Denier is a measure of the thickness and heaviness of the fabric's weave. It is often represented as a number followed by a "D" (e.g., 600D). A higher denier value indicates a thicker and more heavy-duty fabric. Common denier values for boat covers range from 150D to 600D, with higher values denoting greater durability and a higher price tag.

Weight

The weight of a boat cover is typically measured in ounces per square yard. While weight alone does not determine quality, a heavier cover generally offers better protection. For instance, a 6oz cover is considered superior to a 1oz cover.

Type of Material

The type of material used for a boat cover plays a significant role in its performance and longevity. Here are some commonly used materials:

• Teflon-Coated Acrylic: This is regarded as the best material for boat covers due to its exceptional durability and resistance to fading. However, it is also the most expensive option.
• Solution-Dyed Polyester: This material is often treated with a PU (polyurethane) coating to make it waterproof. It is known for its breathability, mildew resistance, and ability to retain colour.
• Pigment-Coated Polyester: This affordable option is suitable for boats stored indoors but may not withstand prolonged outdoor exposure.
• Urethane-Coated Polyester: This mid-to-high-end material strikes a balance between quality and price. It is breathable, water-repellent, and mildew-resistant.
• Vinyl: Vinyl is the heaviest Bimini material available and is easy to handle, fold, and clean. Its slick surface allows for convenient wipe-downs with a damp cloth.

Coatings and Treatments

Some boat cover materials are treated with special coatings or finishes to enhance their performance:

• Solution Dying: This process involves permeating the yarn with colour before weaving, resulting in superior colour fastness and resistance to fading.
• PU Coating (Polyurethane): This coating is applied to make the cover waterproof.
• Teflon Extreme Finishing: This treatment provides double protection against water and oil stains.
• Hi-Clean Treatment: It creates an impenetrable barrier, enhancing the fabric's resistance to stains.

Frequently asked questions