Acrylic Vs Poylester Boat Covers
Heres what to know:
- Polyester is stronger than acrylic when it is brand new.
- Polyester loses that strength faster
- You may need to add chafe resistant patches to an acrylic cover
- If you have a short-term need, definitely pick polyester and evaluate where youre at in 5 years.
- If you want a boat cover that will last longer, no matter the environment go with acrylic
Classic Accessories Stormpro Heavy
- Material: High-grade polyester
- Features: Elastic hem, support pole
The first choice for center console style boats should be the Classic Accessories StormPro Heavy-Duty Center Console Boat Cover. The certified heavy-duty 600D fabric of this boat cover is designed to withstand long-term use and highway travel.
The classic high-strength fabric provides durability and water resistance. It is also absolutely free of PVC carcinogenic chemicals.
This boat cover is fully equipped with an integrated buckle and strap system for easy fitting and trailering, regardless of the size of your center console boat.
Its adjustable straps conveniently snap into quick-release buckles on the cover. The tough, elastic cord sewn into the hem gives this boat cover a tight, custom fit.
The Classic Accessories StormPro Heavy-Duty Center Console Boat Cover includes a stuff-sack storage bag. It also has a support pole included that helps prevent water from pooling and preserves the cover for longer.
Seamander Trailerable Runabout Boat Cover
- Material: Polycanvas, double PU back coating
- Features: Interlocking double-stitched seams, integrated strap system
Seamander is committed to delivering solutions to the needs of every boat owner. Their line of boat covers, including this Seamander Trailerable Runabout Boat Cover, is specifically designed for serious boat owners who want to protect their investment.
It is made with 600D marine grade woven fabric, making it the safest for everyday use. It also provides all-weather protection in the most challenging marine environments.
The reinforced interlocking double-stitched seams and industrial-strength shock cord ensure a tight and secure fit around your boat.
You can easily pack it away when youre off to an adventure, too, as it includes a mesh and anti-moisture storage bag. You can be sure that the Seamander Trailerable Runabout Boat Cover will give you the boat protection you can trust.
Don’t Miss: Oklahoma Boat Requirements
Using A Cover For Mooring Or For Storage
If you are looking for a boat cover for storage, cotton is a great way to go. For a lot of people, a 50/50 Poly Cotton blend is even better because it is actually a little bit stronger than the plain cotton cover.
This is definitely useful in situations that have a lot of wind, or if you just think youre going to need a bit more durability based on whatever climate youre in.
Ideally, you will be able to find a boat cover that has some kind of cord or rope sewn into the perimeter of the cover. Trying to get a boat cover placed correctly when a rope is working against you isnt easy, especially if you are in a tight spot when it comes to one of the sides of your boat.
If you have a self-adjusting cord, youre going to find that it will take the shape of the boat much easier, in turn, making your life a lot easier.
If youre leaving your boat covered for a long period of time, you need to make sure that you provide proper support for your boat cover.
If not, you are asking for pooling of water, snow, and any other materials that could easily damage your boat, your boat cover, or it could simply render your cover useless and allow your boat to be damaged from the elements.
These kinds of situations can become disasters, so if you are leaving your boat for a long time, make sure it is in the proper condition to hold up to the test of the elements.
Uv & Water Resistant Fabric
Sharkskin®& Sunbrella® are UV resistant, water resistant, and maintain structural integrity in high temperatures.
Fend off harsh marine elements, wear and tear during transportation, and the suns rays with quality fabric. As always, Weve Gotcha Covered.
Westlands boat covers are proudly handsewn with Sharkskin® and Sunbrella® marine fabrics. Make sure you select your boat, make and model in our Cover Wizard to ensure you will get that tight fit in an instant.
Read Also: Mold Cleaner For Boats
Carver Universal Fit Flex
In addition to semi-custom and custom boat covers by Taylor Made Products, West Marine now offers Carver Universal Fit Flex-Fit PRO Boat Covers. These economically-priced boat covers are an excellent choice for mooring, trailering, or storage. They are made of Carver’s solution-dyed, Poly-Flex II, 5.3-ounce material with a 3/4-ounce urethane coating. These covers also feature a durable, water-repellent, mildew-resistant finish. Carver’s Flex-Fit Pro Covers are the only domestically-produced universal boat covers cut and sewn in the USA.
What Does 7 Oz 10 Oz Etc Mean
Generally speaking, these weights do actually refer to the weight of the fabric that you are using. Many fabrics are weighed on a scale in pieces of 1 square yard measurements.
Whatever weight you get from that fabric is the weight per square yard. So therefore, a 6 oz. fabric would be quite thin and would be much more light as an entire cover than a 10 oz. or an 11 oz. piece of fabric would be.
The numbers are small, but they scale up quite significantly when you think about the weight of an entire boat cover.
Don’t Miss: What My Boat Worth
How To Put On A Boat Cover
Installing the cover is easy as you may think. Our advice is to follow the manual of the manufacturer. Some of them have a specific recommendation they will help you. But here are some quick tips:
- Start with placing the tag in the bow.
- Roll the cover down
- Put all necessary straps, bags, and support
Boat Shade Tops : Understanding The Different Type Of Covers
Did you just purchase a boat? Are you looking to upgrade your watercraft? If so, its helpful to know the different types of boat shade tops and covers. From bimini tops to enclosure curtains, awnings, dodgers and standard covers, there are plenty of options!
Heres a quick list of some of the boat covers and shade tops available:
The list above, in no way exhaustive, may seem daunting. When it comes to making a decision about the type of boat cover or shade structure you need or want, its important to consider personal taste, style, and preference. There are a variety of resources to pull information from, including the Industrial Fabrics Association International boat shade top marine fabrics division dedicated to informing consumers.
Its helpful to have a basic understanding about the textile the covers are made from. Boat shade tops are made from specialty fabrics that include but are not limited to:
- Vinyl
Don’t Miss: Does Sunscreen Have Gluten
Breathability In Boat Covers
The ability to breathe is probably one of the most underrated characteristics of a boat cover. If your cover doesnt breathe properly, youll have mildew and mold problems throughout your boat. Moisture will build up on a daily basis as, the interior of the cover sweats and this can damage your boats critical components such as electronics and wiring. Choosing a cover that can breathe is a big deal. Its also a big conundrum, because generally speaking the better breathability a cover has, the less water-resistant it is.
The solution? Good water resistance combined with proper ventilation. Consider shrink-wrap as an example. This stuff can seal up a boat tight, and its probably the ultimate at water resistance. But its also the ultimate for trapping moisture in So, what does any reputable shrink wrap installer do after wrapping a boat? They puncture that plastic sheathing and install vents.
The best boat covers are going to have ventilation built in, period. Thats why we sew two vents into all of our covers, which is something few competitors take the time and effort to do. If you decide to buy a different cover and it doesnt breathe well or have any vents its worthwhile to take the time to install them yourself. They may not look as neat as factory-sewn vents and it may take some extra effort, but if your cover traps moisture in your boat it could end up doing more harm than good.
What Measurements Do You Need
To buy the right cover from West Marine, match up your boat as closely as possible to the hull style pictures in our catalog or on our web site. Next, take a tape measure to determine the beam width, the widest distance across the boat in a flat line. Repeat the same process to determine the centerline length, the overall length of the boat measured in a flat line between the farthest points forward and aft you want to have covered. Allow for options like bow pulpits, swim platforms, etc., but dont measure over themkeep a flat, straight line. Covers are offered in one-foot length increments
Support your cover to keep water, leaves and other debris from collapsing it. Shown is an adjustable support pole.
Don’t Miss: What Is My Pontoon Boat Worth
Selecting The Right Boat Cover
Every day, most boats endure a cycle of temperature and humidity changes, from cool and damp nights to hot, dry bright sun. This expansion and contraction, wet-dry daily cycling, occurring even on days with the best boating weather, takes a toll on gelcoat and wood brightwork. Add salt air, pollution, dirt, rodents, bird droppings, the occasional hailstorm and who knows what else, and your expensive, prized possession is under siege. Thats why a good boat cover is so important. A modest investment in a cover prevents faded and oxidized gelcoat, bleached and cracked wood, mildew and mold. It hides valuable equipment from theft, because whats out of sight is out of mind.
What Is A Boat Cover
A boat cover is some clothing/sheet, which protects your boat from rain, dust, wind and many other factors, which can damage your vessel. You can use one while storing your watercraft in the winter or between sailing sessions. Having a boat cover is a secondary part of the essential items for the vessel such as , but they are still necessary to have a good time.
Also Check: How To Clean Vinyl Boat Seats Of Mildew
How Boat Covers Are Made
The second factor you need to examine is how the cover is put together. This is an area in which Westland enjoys a distinct advantage. Westland has over 40 years of experience manufacturing boat covers. Do you think our covers are hand-sewn in North America or glued together in China? Hint: our covers arent mass-produced in China, thats for sure!
Hand-sewing makes for the best boat covers, but there are other construction details to look for too, if you want the very best. Hems and seams will last longer if theyre double-stitched and/or reinforced. Wear points like areas where the cover goes over a windshield frame should also be reinforced. Draw cords should be made of rope, not elastic, which may cinch down tighter for a season or two but inevitably loses elasticity and strength with time. And loops or rings used for tying down the cover should be strong webbing thats securely stitched. Look out for covers with grommet attachment points, as these are merely holes punched into the material that may be reinforced, but commonly lead to ripping and tearing. Metal grommets will also cause damage to the exterior of the boat.
What To Look For When Buying A Marine Upholstery Fabric
Now that were done with our cabin product reviews, the next thing you want to consider is to decide which among the ten products you should choose. I do understand that all of them seem pretty attractive as they all have their own list of really cool features and designs. However, it is best to use several criteria so that you wont be overwhelmed with the choices.
If you have decided to buy upholstery for jon boat seats, here are some factors you want to consider first:
- Material
The first thing that you may want to take into consideration when buying marine fabric for boats is its material. There are various materials that marine upholstery can be made of. However, the most common ones are vinyl, acrylic, and mesh.
Personally, I prefer vinyl since it is durable, flexible, and long-lasting. Vinyl also happens to be the most common type that you can find in the market. You may also try other fabric, but I personally suggest marine vinyl upholstery fabric. It is for this reason why all of the products that I have listed are made of vinyl fabric.
- Grade
The next thing to look out for is the grade of the material. As a general rule, there are commercial-grade, marine-grade, and lightweight materials. Commercial-grade materials are around 1/8 inches thick and feel like foam while marine-grade materials are specially used for boats.
- Water Resistance
- Weatherproof
Don’t Miss: Removing Stains From Boat Seats
Best Boat Cover Material Plus Our Top 5 Covers
- Post author:Drew S.
Traveling to new waters is always a great adventure, especially when you have your own boat to ride the waves.
Needless to say, a boat is a big investment that deserves to be protected in any way that seems fit. Therefore, taking extra steps to cover for uncertainties should be a top priority when it comes to your boat.
There are many different materials used to make boat covers. The best boat cover material includes any of the following:
The right material you choose depends on the climate your boat will be in. We have compiled a list of the top 5 boat covers that are excellent for protecting most recreation boats in any weather condition.
Our top 5 boat covers:
No matter what type of boat cruisers, yachts, or sailboats for freshwater or the sea each needs protection from the harsh temperature cycles from above, not just from the water surface.
The effects of the hot, dry sun and sudden humidity changes can have possible lasting damage if your boat is not protected.
Aside from that, the best boat cover material must secure other valuable boat equipment from theft.
What Type Of Cover Do You Want
Storage vs. trailering: Storage covers are designed to fit loosely and are best used for protecting boats at anchor, at the dock or when stored on the trailer. They range from a simple blue tarp to a framed canopy or a mast-up mooring cover for a sailboat. Trailer covers, on the other hand, must have a snug fit and reinforcement in high-wear areas to withstand the rigors of traveling at highway speeds.
Recommended Reading: Best Propeller For My Boat
Rope Vs Stretch Cords
Stretch cords seem like an easy way to get the best value on your boat cover, however this material wears down over time and will only cause you more problems in the long run.
Its best to find a boat company that uses a heavy duty draw rope instead of a stretch cord. The rope system could also have an assembly that allows it to do its job even though it is less flexible than a stretch cord.
You want to make sure that the entirety of the load gets distributed easily so that there are not damage points anywhere on your boat cover.
Exact Fit Boat Covers
Westland has over 100 years of combined experience in the marine fabric industry. We only give the Exact Fit® name after our custom boat covers are measured, tucked, darted and approved by our pattern craftsmen. Our experience tells us the tighter the fit, the more protected your investment will be from the elements and during transportation. Westland proudly awards our Exact Fit® name to all of our Sharkskin and Sunbrella fabrics, which are patterned for over 150 boat manufacturers from our sister company Great Lakes Boat Top.
Don’t Miss: Boat Registration Information Is Available For Boats Registered In Texas
What Kind Of Cover Do You Use For Pontoon Seats
Pontoon Seat Covers are made to fit each individual seat. They are a great convenience for people that use the boat often and eliminates the hassle of a full cover. Pontoon Seat Covers can be made with the boat cover fabric of your choice. These covers will protect your vinyl uphostery, but your carpet will be exposed.
It’s The Features That Set This Cover Apart
Sunbrella is solution dyed which means the color is placed into the fibers as it is extruded. Sun, wind and rain will never diminish the color intensity. Furthermore, Sunbrella is made from acrylic, so unlike many other fibers it resists moisture/mildew and won’t harden or crack over time.
The fabric is marine grade 9.25 oz. material made of 100% solution dyed acrylic yarns. The solution dyed process provides excellent fade and weather resistance. Sunbrella boat covers are sure to protect your investment for many years to come.
Read Also: How Much Is A Freedom Boat Club Membership
Otterex Canvas Vinyl Upholstery Fabric
While most of the upholstery fabrics are 54 inches wide, this one takes it up a notch at 61 inches. This is great for other purposes other than a boat chair such as a sun shield or big wall covering. I personally used this for my interior wall covering due to its big size. Also, youll probably like the texture it gives. Instead of having a leather-like texture, it is similar to the texture of an art canvas. It is actually one of the best choices you can make for your boat interior.
Just like all the other vinyl upholstery fabric products in this list, this one is also 100% waterproof and is resistant to mold and mildew growth. One thing that youll find interesting is that they sell the fabric by the yard. A single order will be equal to 1 yard of the fabric.
Therefore, if you decide to order 3 pieces, you will actually be ordering 3 yards of the fabric. It can actually save you quite a bit of money than buying a 54-inch wide fabric per roll.
- The color is a bit too bright and can fade too fast
- Not resistant to UV rays
