Boat Covers: Key Features For The Best Protection

Boat covers are essential for protecting your prized possession from environmental damage, theft, and unwanted intruders. When choosing a boat cover, it's important to consider the type of material used, the weight of the cover, and the fit. Polyester and acrylic fabrics are often the best choice due to their breathability, UV resistance, and strength. The weight of the cover is measured in ounces per square yard, with heavier covers, such as 6oz, being more durable than lighter ones. A custom or model-specific cover will provide the best protection, fitting your boat like a glove, but these tend to be more expensive. Other features to look out for include sewn-in reinforcement panels in high-stress areas, ventilation to prevent mildew and mould, and dark colours for greater UV resistance.

Fabric weight: Measured in ounces per square yard, with heavier fabrics generally being better quality

The weight of a boat cover is an important consideration when looking to purchase one. The weight of the fabric is measured in ounces per square yard, and generally, the heavier the fabric, the better the quality. For instance, a 6-ounce cover is much better than a 1-ounce cover. The weight of the cover does not instantly indicate its quality, but it is an important factor to consider.

The Denier unit of mass is also used to measure the weight of a cover by the thread (or material) used and can be a good indicator of quality. A higher Denier count indicates a heavier and more durable thread.

When shopping around for a boat cover, it is important to be wary of extremely lightweight covers. These will not last long and will offer poor UV protection. A shipping weight of 3.5 pounds for a cover intended to fit a 19-foot boat is a clear sign that it is not a quality cover.

The ounce figure is a good indicator of how well your boat will be protected. While lighter covers may be easier to handle and store, they will not last long. A heavier, more rugged cover will provide better protection and last longer.

Denier: A unit of mass that measures the weight of a cover by its thread

When choosing a boat cover, it's important to consider the materials used, the fit, and the colour. Materials such as polyester and acrylic are often better long-term solutions as they are more breathable, resistant to sun exposure and high temperatures, and can handle trailering speeds.

Now, when it comes to the weight of the boat cover, the denier is the unit of measurement you should refer to. Denier (abbreviated as D) is a unit of measure for the linear mass density of fibres. It is defined as the mass (in grams) of 9,000 metres of fibre. This unit of measurement is based on a natural reference: a single strand of silk is approximately one denier, and a 9,000-metre strand of silk weighs about one gram.

In practice, measuring 9,000 metres is time-consuming and unrealistic. Instead, a sample of 900 metres is weighed, and the result is multiplied by ten to obtain the denier weight. Fabrics with a smaller denier measurement tend to be thinner and may even be see-through, while fabrics with a higher denier are typically heavier and more durable. For example, a nylon flag typically has a denier of 200, while silk has a denier of 1, and pop-up tents usually have a denier of 600.

When choosing a boat cover, selecting a higher denier fabric will generally indicate a stronger and more durable option. This is particularly important if you plan to use your boat cover outdoors, as a higher denier fabric will be able to withstand most weather conditions. However, keep in mind that a higher denier fabric will also be heavier and thicker, so ensure that it will be suitable for your intended use and hanging location.

Material: Teflon-coated acrylic is the best material, but the most expensive

When it comes to choosing the right material for a boat cover, Teflon-coated acrylic is the best option in terms of quality and performance. However, it is also the most expensive option.

Teflon-coated acrylic is renowned for its exceptional breathability, allowing trapped water vapour to escape while keeping rainwater out. This feature is crucial in preventing mildew and mould buildup, which can damage your boat's interior and electronic components. The material is also highly resistant to fading and discolouration caused by UV radiation and high temperatures. This ensures that your boat's finish remains intact and protects your investment.

The durability and performance of Teflon-coated acrylic make it ideal for outdoor storage, providing superior protection against environmental factors. It is strong enough to withstand trailering speeds and will protect your boat from dirt, dust, bird droppings, and other elements.

While the cost of Teflon-coated acrylic may be a significant investment, it is a worthwhile expense to safeguard your boat. This premium material will provide long-lasting protection and maintain the value of your vessel.

In summary, Teflon-coated acrylic is the optimal choice for a boat cover due to its breathability, fade resistance, and durability. While it comes at a higher price point, the superior protection it offers makes it the best material for those seeking maximum defence against the elements and potential damage.

Colour: Dark colours offer greater UV resistance

When choosing a boat cover, it is important to consider the colour. Dark colours like black, blue, and green offer greater UV resistance and tend to last longer than lighter shades. This is due to the higher amount of dye in the fabric, which increases its resistance to UV degradation and fading. Dark colours are also better at deterring thieves as they hide valuable equipment from sight.

However, it is important to note that dark colours absorb more heat, which can be transmitted to the boat underneath. This may be a consideration in warmer climates or during the summer months. Additionally, the weight of the fabric is also a factor in the cover's ability to resist UV rays. Heavier fabrics, such as those with a higher denier or ounce measurement, are more effective at blocking UV rays and providing protection from the sun.

When selecting a boat cover, it is also worth considering the material. Polyester is a popular choice due to its abrasion, UV, and water resistance, as well as its breathability and reasonable cost. Acrylic is another option and is considered the gold standard of boat cover materials due to its breathability and fade resistance, but it is more expensive.

Cheaper materials like cotton should be avoided as they do not stand up well to the sun and are prone to mildew. Nylon covers are also not recommended as they have poor UV resistance and are very lightweight. Instead, look for covers made with pigment-dyed or solution-dyed fabrics, as the colour goes through the material, increasing its resistance to fading and UV degradation.

In addition to colour and material, other factors to consider when choosing a boat cover include the fit, ventilation, and reinforcement in high-stress areas. A custom or model-specific cover will provide the best protection and fit like a glove, but it will also be more expensive. Reinforced areas around windshields and trolling motors are also important to prevent scratching and damage.

Mildew prevention: Vents in the cover decrease moisture and mildew build-up

A boat cover is essential for protecting your boat from the elements, but it can also trap moisture and cause mildew and mould to build up. This is because the properties that make most fabrics water-resistant tend to reduce breathability. Vents in the cover can help to decrease moisture build-up and prevent mildew from forming.

Boat covers with vents allow air to circulate, eliminating moisture build-up under the restrictive wraps. Vents should be positioned inside the boat cover and over the top of the boat cover support poles. Support poles fit nicely in the moulded receiver cups on the bottom side of these vents. Vents with screw-in installation are available, as well as those that require sewing into the cover.

The number and type of vents will depend on the size and material of your boat cover. For example, the Boat Vent II is designed for heavier-duty applications and thicker materials, while the Boat Vent 3 is better for standard boat pole insertion and has 40% more venting to prevent mould and mildew build-up.

In addition to mildew prevention, cover vents can also be useful when trailering. A cover made with a breathable fabric could still fill with air and fly off when towed at high speeds. Installing an air vent will provide an exit point for the air and help keep the cover securely in place.

Overall, vents are an important feature of a boat cover to prevent mildew and moisture build-up, and to keep the cover secure when trailering.

Frequently asked questions