Buying the Right Boat Cover
by Terri, of PoppyCompany.Com
Boat covers come in as many shapes, sizes and designs as the boats they fit. How do you know which cover is right for you? You must first determine why you are covering your boat. What are you trying to protect your boat from? Where your boat will be stored while not is use, and will your boat be trailered, moored or stored with the cover on?
What are you trying to protect your boat from?
If your boat has to sit outside and needs to be protected from the elements (sun, rain, wind, etc…) a cover constructed of quality fabric is important. The fabric must be water resistant, fade resistant, mold and mildew resistant. It also should be constructed in a way to vent trapped in moisture and to be fit well enough to stay on in windy situations. A pooling pole system will keep water from accumulating on you cover and then leaking through the fabric and filling up your boat.
If you are keeping your boat in the garage and need to keep the dust out, an inexpensive cover or bed sheet will do. Will you want your neighbors to see it, probably not.
Will your boat be trailered with the cover on?
A trailered cover should be fitted to your model. A general fit cover will flap in the wind when you trailer it. Flapping will cause wear to your cover and boat. The cover will mar you gelcoat or wear itself out. A cover should also be made of quality fabric so it doesn't fade or the color doesn't rub off or transfer on to your boat. Trailerable vent systems are good and they are designed to pull the air out of the cover to eliminate billowing.
Will your boat be moored in the water or stored outside on a lift?
The way that you store your boat, either on a lift or tethered in the water will affect the way your cover needs to be designed. Again, your cover should be made of quality fade resistant, water resistant but breathable or vented fabric. Your boat will receive tons of sun and weather so your cover should be made to protect it. A fitted cover with a pooling pole system will resist pooling of water. A strapless design will insure it stays on without the hassle of getting wet while trying to secure a strap.
If you take these parameters in consideration when choosing a boat cover, you will be more likely to by happy with it and not buying another one next year.
If you have any questions, contact us. I have years and years of experience with boat covers and Marine Fabrics.