Whether a boat cover will be used on a trailered or stationary boat is a crucial consideration when buying one. The cover for a trailered boat should be well-fitted and sturdy enough to withstand the wind forces generated by highway speeds. The cover will billow if there is any wind underneath it, and this can easily cause damage. Make sure the cover has lots of tie-down straps, is made of a material that won’t break, and has reinforced corners and seams if you’re trailering your boat. The cover for a boat kept at a marina or dock needs to be sturdy enough to endure inclement weather including gales, rain, and snow. It doesn’t have to be as strong or snug-fitting as a boat cover that is being pulled behind a trailer, though.
Six Things You Should Consider Before Purchasing a Boat Cover
Your boat will be better protected when the correct color, fit, and quality materials are used. One of the greatest methods to shield your boat from constant environmental assault is with a high-quality cover. But not all boat covers are equally effective. Here are the top three things to think about before buying.
- Material Is Crucial in the stitching and the cover:
Cheaper cover materials, like cotton, are more prone to mildew and don’t hold up well to the sun over time. Although more expensive, polyester and acrylic textiles are frequently the superior long-term choice. They are sturdy enough to endure trailering speeds, can better withstand the sun’s rays and extreme temperatures, and can breathe. Additionally, polyester straps and thread better withstand UV damage.
- Know the Dimensions of Your Boat:
If you want protection that genuinely fits your boat like a glove, a bespoke or model-specific cover is the only option, but be prepared to spend for the privilege. Numerous producers provide cost-effective substitutes that, with the proper measurements, can nonetheless complete the task at hand. Find a cover that is roughly the same length as your boat. If there is a choice of beam widths, you can further fine-tune the fit by making that decision.
- Remember to consider color:
Before choosing a cover color, give it some thought. Due in part to their higher volume of dye, dark colors like black, blue, and green often last longer than lighter shades and have stronger UV resistance. Trade-off? They heat up more quickly.
- Additional Factors:
To keep the cover securely fastened over the boat, there should be a lot of tie-down straps. These straps ought to be sturdy enough to hold the cover in place during severe gusts or when it is being weighed down by a lot of snow. Purchase a high-quality boat cover with reinforced seams, joints, corners, and other areas that are prone to chafing and damage. Buy a cover that has a lengthy guarantee, as this shows the maker is confident in the robustness of the item.
- Waterproofing:
Not all boat covers that you purchase will be 100 percent waterproof. Some covers are advertised as “water-resistant,” which refers to the fact that they have been coated to stop water from penetrating them, albeit this coating may eventually wear off and leave the cover damp. If you choose a water-resistant cover, make sure to tent the cloth so that water cannot collect on a flat surface and to withdraw the cover once a year or so. No matter how old the fabric gets, waterproof fabrics are designed to repel water. They are typically constructed of vinyl or laminate. Waterproof fabric does not breathe, thus moisture can accumulate underneath the cover and cause mold and mildew to develop on your boat. This is the one drawback. Airflow provided by a boat cover vent can aid in preventing this.
- Usage Proximity:
The ease of use of the boat cover is the final feature you should consider, particularly if you have limited mobility or must put the cover on by yourself. It could be simpler to attach and remove some boat coverings than others. For instance, while some boat covers have elastic hems that simply tighten around the boat after it is on, other covers may have latches that lock into place around the boat, which can be laborious. With elastic, there is a warning that it will probably degrade with time.
The benefits of purchasing a boat cover
There are many factors that make a boat cover a wise investment. A reliable, strong, and weatherproof boat cover will:
- Halts the accumulation of dust and dirt in storage
- Reduces UV damage that may result in the gel coat cracking and fading
- Protects your yacht from potential vandals or thieves.
- Minimizes the entry routes for pests including flies and rats
- Protects your watercraft against precipitation to lessen corrosion
Conclusion:
When you consider the additional costs you can pay because of external situations surrounding the boat, boat coverings are definitely worth the investment (sun, rain, dust, spiders, mice, insects, birds, etc.). Whether kept indoors or outside, boat covers guarantee that your vessel is always secure. Buying a cheap boat cover or using a universal boat cover might be a nice idea, but it would be a costly mistake. It makes no sense to take the possibility of ruining a boat worth tens of thousands of dollars in order to save a few hundred dollars. Use a cover that is waterproof, resistant to UV rays, mold, and mildew, and constructed of high-quality material. The longer you wait to buy a boat cover, the greater the chance of damage and the greater the cost of repair. Consult the manufacturer or an established retailer for guidance if you’re unsure of which boat covers to purchase.
We wish you luck in your search for the ideal boat cover for your vessel. You can check out our website or dealership to see our extensive selection of new and used boats for sale whether you’re looking for boats for sale in Florida or anywhere else in the United States. You can even talk to our sales team about financing possibilities.