How long do boat covers last? If the boat cover fits snugly and you are cleaning it regularly, it can last up to 5 years.
You don't have to settle for a mass-produced boat cover. You can get an affordable customized cover which is fitted to the specifications of your boat.
It’s a common myth among people that boat covers create condensation. In reality, boat covers are designed in a way as to not cause any form of condensation.
Why should you cover your boat? Waterproof boat covers give you peace of mind by protecting your costly investment. They give you an assurance that your boat is safe from water damage while it’s in storage.
Boat covers are usually made of heavy-duty materials that are quite sturdy and strong. They are able to withstand tough weather conditions such as rain and snow.
Do not let water, snow, or debris sit on the boat cover for a long time. The use of a y-strap support system or support poles will help prevent this and allow water to drain off the cover.
Barry S Strauss once said, “A boat is the hardest thing I know of to put into perspective. It is so much like a human figure, there is something alive about it.”
The electrical wiring and cables in your boat are a perfect treat for rodents, and these creatures can severely damage your vessel. A boat cover that fits well can help keep them out.
How often should you clean your boat cover? A boat cover should be cleaned every 8-10 months or as required using a solution of mild soap and lukewarm water. Rinse the cover thoroughly and allow it to air dry.
Boat covers made of pigment-dyed polyester fabrics are strong and breathable, yet they repel water and stand up to to the suns UV radiation.
“Being on a boat that's moving through the water, it's so clear. Everything falls into place in terms of what's important and what's not.” - James Taylor
What is the role of ventilation ports on boat covers? These vents allow air to flow through them, thereby preventing moisture build-up. While some vents are sewn directly into the fabric, others mount directly to the pole of tented boat covers.
While boat covers are available in several colors, black is usually the most preferred. This is because mold and mildew are less likely to develop under a black cover.
Tie downs and support poles are highly recommended for every boat cover. When a cover is both properly supported and tied down, it provides your boat with the protection you expect.
“Thoughts will change and shift just like the wind and the water when you're on the boat; thoughts are no different than anything else.” - Jeff Bridges
Always tie down the boat cover securely. Use heavy-duty tie-down straps when trailering. Do not use bungee cords that can stretch or scratch as they can ruin the cover and boat.
While a boat cover should be water-repellent, it should also be breathable enough to let any moisture trapped in the craft escape. Using a cover that doesn’t allow for this isn’t advisable as mildew might start to propagate throughout the boat’s interior.
If you’re going with a dyed acrylic fabric for your boat cover, you’re going to want to choose a color that’s pretty dark. Apparently, the darker the shade of the fabric, the more UV protection it affords so this is something to keep in mind when you make your selection.
Before you start towing your boat home, it’s very important to ensure that its cover is fastened securely. Should it come loose while you’re barreling down the highway, it could quite possibly fly off the boat, wrap around someone’s vehicle, and cause a serious accident.
One important consideration when choosing a boat cover is the number of tie-downs built-in. Ideally, there should be enough to keep the cover securely fastened to the boat especially if you tow it at highway speeds.
If your boat is parked outdoors, one thing that you will need to do is to keep it securely covered. Doing this will not only keep the craft’s interior clean, it will also protect the finish from the elements and keep prying eyes away.
If your boat is tied up at the pier, it would be good to consider even partial protection for it. A console cover, in particular, will be very useful as it will keep the sensitive instruments in the deck helm station protected from UV and salt exposure.