Best Boat Covers: Top Sellers And What They Offer

A boat cover is an essential piece of equipment for any boat owner. It protects your boat from UV damage, mildew, dirt, dust, and theft. When choosing a boat cover, it's important to consider the size of your boat, the type of boat, and the specific features you need, such as ventilation or adjustable straps. Here are some of the top-rated boat covers on the market:

- AmazonBasics Waterproof Boat Cover: This is a no-frills, affordable option for V-hull runabouts or bass boats. It offers heavy-duty protection and comes in three different sizes.

- iCover Trailerable Heavy-Duty Boat Cover: This cover is available in six different sizes and can be used for V-hull, Tri-hull, Pro-style, fishing, and bass boats. It features air ventilation, an elasticated hem, and a strong buckle and strap securing system.

- Brightent Boat Covers BC1 Covering: This cover is suitable for V-hull, Tri-hull, and runabout boats and comes in three different sizes. It features a high number of straps and tie-downs, an elastic hem, and a storage bag.

- Classic Accessories StormPro Cover: The StormPro range offers covers for almost all small boat types and comes in a variety of sizes. The covers are made from durable 600D StormPro marine canvas, which is designed to protect your boat from all weather conditions.

- MSC Trailerable Boat Cover: MSC offers a range of boat covers, but their standout product is the trailerable boat cover, which is designed for covering and transporting your boat on a trailer. It's made from strong and durable 600D marine-grade polyester fabric and is highly water-resistant and tear-resistant.

- Mancro Boat Cover: This is a 17-19ft waterproof trailerable boat cover that is compatible with bass boats and Bayliner Tri-Hull V-Hull fishing boats. It is heavy-duty and UV-resistant.

- HAHASOLE Heavy Duty 1200D PU Waterproof Boat Cover: This cover is suitable for 20-22ft V-Hull, Runabout, Fishing Boat, and Tri-Hull boats. It is made of marine-grade polyester canvas and comes with a tightening strap.

- Aurora Canvas: Aurora Canvas offers custom-made covers that fit your specific boat and accessories. They are made with quality components and can be adjusted if your electronics setup changes.

- Westland Select Fit Cover: This is a heavy-duty cover that comes in multiple lengths, beam widths, and colours. It is made of tough 100% Vantage polyester and has sewn-in reinforcements in key spots.

- Bass Pro Shops WeatherSafe Trailer Tite Standard-Duty Trailerable Boat Cover: This cover is versatile and fits snugly on a wide range of boats, even those with bulky trolling motors or graphs. It is made of 300-denier polyester and is UV-, mildew-, and water-repellent.

- Stopbyus 6.25 oz Semi-Custom Boat Cover: This cover offers year-round protection from the elements and is suitable for Tournament BASS O/B boats. It has a shock cord sewn into the hem for a tight fit and is made of strong, breathable material.

- Leader Accessories Solution Dyed Waterproof Trailerable Boat Cover: This cover is ideal for sun and rain protection and features long-lasting fabric coloration and air vents to allow moisture to escape. It is double-stitched and includes an elastic cord throughout the bottom hem.

- Marine Concepts Track Cover: This innovative boat protection system allows one person to cover a 50-foot boat in less than a minute. The track system is custom-installed on your dock, and the cover is custom-fit to your boat. It is made from Aqualon Edge fabric, which provides durability, water wicking, and heat reduction.

Boat Cover Materials

When choosing a boat cover, it is important to select the right fabric to ensure optimal protection, durability, and longevity. Here are some key considerations and popular materials for boat covers:

• Water Resistance: A crucial feature of boat cover fabric is its ability to resist water. Look for fabrics with a water-resistant coating or inherently water-repellent properties. Coated polyester, for example, offers excellent water resistance and is easy to clean.
• Fabric Weight: If you frequently remove and replace your boat cover, consider a lightweight fabric such as AquaTop Air. Heavyweight covers, on the other hand, are better suited for harsh environments and frequent travel.
• UV Resistance: The sun's UV rays can be damaging to your boat. Look for fabrics that offer UV resistance, such as acrylic fabrics like Recacril® and Sunbrella®, or coated polyester, which provides additional UV protection.
• Breathability: While waterproof fabrics will keep water out, they may also trap moisture and air underneath the cover, leading to mould and mildew issues. Consider a breathable fabric or one that can be vented, such as Marinex fabric, which is designed for extreme environments.
• Chafe Resistance: Depending on your sailing location, chafe resistance may be a priority. Fabrics like Top Notch 9, Top Gun, and Odyssey offer excellent chafe resistance and are great options for inland sailing or areas with four seasons.
• Colourfastness: If you want your boat cover to maintain its vibrant colour, look for solution-dyed fabrics. These fabrics have colour that goes to the core of each fibre, preventing fading due to UV exposure. Sunbrella Marine Grade and Sattler Marine Grade are excellent options.

Some popular boat cover materials include:

• Coated Polyester: Coated polyester is a durable and popular choice due to its water resistance, mildew resistance, and UV protection. It is easy to clean and resistant to tears, abrasions, and fading.
• Acrylic: Acrylic fabrics offer good durability, UV resistance, and breathability. They are available in a wide range of options and are known for their vibrant colours and fade resistance.
• Solution-Dyed Marine Fabric: This high-performance fabric has colour permeating the fabric, resisting fading and wear and tear. It offers protection against UV rays, water, mould, and mildew.
• Marinex Fabric: Marinex is a high-quality, heavy-duty polyester fabric used for semi-custom and trailerable boat covers. It is designed for outdoor use in extreme environments and offers excellent colour retention, UV protection, water repellency, and mildew resistance.
• Vinyl, Vinyl-Coated, or Laminated Fabric: These fabrics are typically waterproof and will repel water even as they age. However, they are not breathable, so ventilation is necessary to prevent moisture buildup.

Boat Cover Sizes

When purchasing a boat cover, it is crucial to ensure that you have accurate dimensions for your boat. Incorrect sizing can lead to poor cover performance and premature wear and tear. Common issues with a cover that is too large include bagging, sagging, or ballooning while trailering. A cover that is too tight can be frustrating to put on, provide improper coverage, and slip off while trailering or in high wind conditions.

To measure the length of your boat, start from the tip of the bow and measure to the center of the stern. Include any aftermarket extensions or manufacturer options in your measurement, such as a swim platform, bow pulpit, transom bracket, or jack plate. Try to measure in a straight line and avoid measuring up and over windshields, rails, seats, etc.

To determine the width of your boat, measure it at its widest point, excluding bumpers or other removable items. Again, try to measure in a straight line and avoid measuring up and over windshields, rails, seats, and similar objects.

When sizing a boat cover, it is generally better to size it slightly larger than your boat than smaller.

• 16-18.5 ft boat cover: Fits 16 ft, 17 ft, and 18.5 ft boats
• 20-22 ft boat cover: Fits 20 ft to 22 ft boats
• 17-19 ft boat cover: Fits 17 ft to 19 ft boats

Boat Cover Brands

A boat cover is an essential piece of equipment for any boat owner. It protects your boat from UV damage, mildew, dirt, dust, and thieves. A good cover will be waterproof, tear-resistant, and fit your boat snugly.

There are a variety of brands that sell boat covers, and the best one for you will depend on your budget, boat type, and local climate. Here are some of the top boat cover brands and what sets them apart:

Aurora Canvas

Aurora Canvas offers custom-made covers tailored to your specific boat and accessories. Their covers are made from quality components and come in multiple fabric options and colours. They are ideal for trailering as they stay in place and don't scuff the fibreglass. Aurora Canvas will also adjust your cover if you change your boat's electronics setup.

Westland Select Fit Cover

The Westland Select Fit Cover is a heavy-duty option made from 100% Vantage polyester. It comes in multiple lengths, beam widths, and colours, and features sewn-in reinforcements in key spots and adjustable straps. This cover is ideal if you need something more durable than a bargain-priced option but don't want to break the bank.

Bass Pro Shops WeatherSafe Trailer Tite Standard-Duty Trailerable Boat Cover

This cover is versatile and fits snugly on a wide range of boats, even those with bulky accessories like trolling motors. It is made from 300-denier polyester, is UV-, mildew-, and water-repellent, and features adjustable tie-down straps. This is a good option if you're looking for a bargain-priced cover that still offers a tight fit.

Stopbyus 6.25 oz Semi-Custom Boat Cover

The Stopbyus cover offers year-round protection from the elements and is ideal for boaters who need 12-month protection. It is made from 600-denier solution-dyed polyester and features four-ply double-stitched seams, making it both strong and breathable. This cover is more expensive than universal options but is still more affordable than fully custom covers.

MSC Heavy Duty 600D Marine Grade Polyester Canvas Trailerable Waterproof Boat Cover

The MSC Heavy Duty cover is a budget-friendly option that offers a remarkable fit for a non-custom cover. It comes in multiple sizes and colours, and features adjustable straps, quick-release buckles, and reinforced seams. While it's not ideal for trailering, it will protect your boat from the elements when in storage.

Leader Accessories Solution Dyed Waterproof Trailerable Boat Cover

The Leader Accessories cover is a bargain-priced option that offers protection from theft and inclement weather. It features double-stitched seams, an elastic cord throughout the bottom hem, and air vents to prevent moisture buildup. This cover is best suited for short-term storage and mild weather conditions.

VINGLI Heavy Duty Boat Cover

The VINGLI Heavy Duty Boat Cover is ideal for storage, offering waterproof and tear-resistant fabric with reinforcement panels in key wear spots. It features an integrated buckle and adjustable strap tightening system and comes in multiple lengths and widths. While it's not ideal for trailering, it is a good choice for occasional bad weather.

Marine Concepts

Marine Concepts offers a unique track system that allows one person to cover a 50-foot boat in under a minute. Their covers are digitally measured and modelled to create a custom fit for your vessel. They are made from Aqualon Edge fabric, which provides durability, water wicking, and heat reduction. Marine Concepts covers are ideal if you're looking for a quick and easy way to protect your boat.

Boat Cover Types

Boat covers are essential to protect your boat from the elements, keeping it in good condition and hiding valuable equipment from thieves. There are several types of boat covers available, each designed for specific needs and boat types. Here are some of the most common boat cover types:

• Storage Covers: These are designed to fit loosely and are ideal for protecting boats at anchor, docked, or stored on a trailer. They can range from simple tarps to more elaborate framed canopies or mast-up mooring covers for sailboats.
• Trailer Covers: These covers are designed for boats that are transported on trailers. They have a snug fit and reinforcement in high-wear areas to withstand the rigors of travelling at high speeds. Trailer covers are crucial to protect your boat from dirt, debris, and weather conditions during transportation.
• Semi-Custom Covers: Semi-custom covers are designed to fit multiple makes and models of boats with the same hull style. They offer a more forgiving fit to accommodate size variations between different boat brands. Semi-custom covers are a good middle ground between universal covers and fully custom covers.
• Custom Covers: If you have a unique boat or one with a lot of unusual features and accessories, you may need a custom cover. These are made to fit your specific boat and can accommodate any special requirements. Custom covers are typically the most expensive option and may take longer to obtain.
• Universal Boat Covers: Universal boat covers are designed to fit a wide range of boats, regardless of their brand or model. While they may not provide the perfect fit of a custom or semi-custom cover, they are more affordable and readily available.
• Boat Cover Fabrics: The fabric of the boat cover is an important consideration. It should be breathable yet water-repellent, UV-resistant, and mildew-resistant. Synthetic fabrics, such as acrylic-coated polyester, are a good choice as they balance these requirements well. Cotton and polyester blends may not be as durable and may not offer the same level of mildew and UV resistance.

When choosing a boat cover, it's important to consider the type of boat, the climate and weather conditions it will be exposed to, and whether it will be used for storage, trailering, or both. Additionally, colour is a factor to consider, as darker colours typically offer better UV resistance but absorb more heat.

Boat Cover Features

When buying a boat cover, it's important to consider the specific features that will provide the best protection for your boat. Here are some key features to look for:

Fabric Material: Choose a cover made from polyester fabric, as it is highly resistant to UV radiation, mildew, and maintains its structural integrity in high temperatures. Acrylic-coated polyester, such as Hot Shot™, is a good choice as it offers breathability, strength, water repellency, and UV resistance. Avoid cheaper materials like cotton, which don't stand up to the sun and are more prone to mildew.

Reinforcement: Look for sewn-in reinforcement panels in high-stress areas, such as where the cover contacts the windshield or is braced by support poles. Avoid glued reinforcements, as they will break down and fray with prolonged sun exposure. Fuzzy-backed polyurethane reinforcements are ideal for areas around the windshield to prevent scratching.

Fit: A snug fit is crucial for a boat cover to be effective. Custom or model-specific covers provide the best fit, but they can be expensive. Semi-custom covers are a more affordable option and are designed to fit several makes and models with the same hull style. Ensure the cover has a heavy-duty draw rope, not just a stretch cord, to achieve a tight fit.

Color: Dark colors like blue, black, and green offer greater UV resistance due to their higher dye content. However, they also absorb more heat, which can affect the temperature under the cover.

Ventilation: Vents in the cover help to reduce moisture and mildew build-up, keeping your boat dry and preventing mould or mildew.

Mildew Prevention: Mildew can be a significant issue, so ensure the cover has features to prevent it. Look for covers that have sewn-in vents or excess material removed to reduce mildew build-up.

Ease of Use: Consider a cover that is easy to put on and take off, especially if you plan to use it frequently. Some covers have innovative track systems that allow one person to cover a boat quickly and effortlessly.

Protection: The primary purpose of a boat cover is to protect your boat from the elements, including rain, sun, wind, dirt, and dust. Look for covers that offer all-weather protection and shield your boat from environmental damage.

Portability: If you plan to trailer your boat, ensure the cover is portable and can be easily transported with your boat. It should also be able to withstand the rigors of travelling at highway speeds, including wind and debris.

Security: A boat cover can also act as a deterrent to thieves and intruders. A snug-fitting cover with a tight seal will make it more difficult for unwanted visitors to access your boat.

Frequently asked questions