Just Because Its In Storage Doesnt Mean Its Safe
Boat covers should remain on your boat at all times when it is not in use. While it may seem okay to store your boat in a garage or driveway with no cover, it is doing far more harm than good. A cover serves an important purpose for keeping out everything from mold and mildew to small and large animals and debris from spoiling your interior.
What Size Fender Do I Need For My Boat And Other Fender Facts
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A fender is a padded or inflatable cushion, which stops a boat from bumping into another boat, or a mooring or a dock, or anything else.
They work by absorbing shock on impact, which prevents the hull from being damaged. Heres what else you should know.
There are different kinds of fenders
There are many different kinds of fenders, so weve listed some of the more popular ones:
- Cylindrical fender these tend to have an eye on both ends . It hangs down vertically, with a rope, which is secured by a bowline knot through one of the eyes .
- Round fender a soft vinyl fender often used on larger boats that have flared bows, and where the dock is a great distance away. Fishing boats and other commercial vessels often use them.
- Centre rope cylindrical fender this fender can hang down vertically or it can be positioned horizontally. It has a hole in the centre, which is threaded through with a rope.
- Flat fenders are foam buffers typically used on smaller vessels. Simply secure the flat fender to the gunwales, and it will protect your boat from impact.
Using A Cover While Mooring
To utilize our boat covers for mooring we recommend the suction cup tie down kit. These are useful when securing the cover while the boat is in the water. If you have any questions about the use of a particular fit type or material please call 1-888-726-9300, or live chat with one of our Cover Experts.
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How To Make Your Own Boat Cover
Making your own boat cover wont just save you a lot of money. It will also ensure a perfect fit if its done the right way. The steps to make your own cover that are not as hard as you might think.
Measure the Boat: The first step towards making any decent boat cover is to know the exact size of your boat. Start by measuring the stern at its highest point. That could be the stern itself, or along any rails you may have. Write down the measurements on a rough sketch of your boat so that youll be able to refer to it later.
You can now move on to the windshield and measure the width and the height of its peak to the rub rail. After that measure the widest part of the bow and include the height of the rub rail if you have a railing there.
Get a full measurement from the bow rail to the stern rail. Make sure to cover every high point like railings, the windshield, and anything else. This ensures youll get a precise end to end measurement.
Double check all your measurements, just in case. When you record them remember that you dont want a boat cover that fits too tight. Nor do you want a boat cover thats too loose.
One of the best places to get material for making a boat cover is from Sunbrella. Sunbrella sells a wide range of their own boat covers and bimini top. But they also supply the raw material that you can use to make your own 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.
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Windstorm Elite Aluminum V Hull Fishing Boat Covers
The cut-and-sew designs of the WindStorm Elite aluminum v hull fishin boat covers combines detailed craftsmanship with durable solution-dyed Sunbrella or Sunflair fabrics to deliver a boat cover that is waterproof and made to last. The Windstorm Elite boat cover is as beautiful as it is durable, available in 16 vibrant colors. We stand behind this cover 100%, which is why we offer an industry best 10-year warranty.
Measuring Your Boat For A Cover
Step-By-Step
*If you have a swim step, measure just for the length of the step. You will add this length to the centerline length or keep it as a separate measurement for covers that fit the swim step.
Video Guide: How to Measure Your Boat for a Cover
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Boat Cover Accessories & Features
Camco Anti-Pooling Boat Cover Support Pole
This list represents some common traits that are desirable in a boat cover. The more features you can check off while evaluating a prospective boat cover, the better off you will be.
Tip: Prevent debris and pooling water on your boat cover that have costly outcomes with the Camco Anti-Pooling Boat Cover Support Pole, a rugged telescoping pole that hoists your boat cover for better protection.
Tip: Taylor Made One-Piece Fiberglass Boat Cover Support Bows are rugged and simple to cut for a custom fit.
Camco Anti-Pooling Boat Cover Support Pole
- UV and Mildew Resistant A cover with a built-in ultra-violet inhibitor will help protect your cover by not allowing the sun to break down the material. It will also keep the fabric colorful and looking new. By being mildew resistant, any moisture that remains on the cover will not initiate the process of mold production.
- Reinforced Seams and Corners These are important as seams and corners take a lot of abuse, through stretching and pulling. Having multiple layers of fabric in these critical areas will ensure that your cover will not rip or pull apart throughout it’s life.
- Water Resistant and Repellent A boat cover is virtually useless if it does not resist and repel water. Although it may seem like common sense to believe all
Shop Boat Cover Accessories & Tie Downs at Bass Pro Shops
Reality: Boat Covers Should Be Water Tight But Loose Enough To Allow Air To Circulate
Theres a tragic tale described in boating magazine about a guy in the Florida Keys who wrapped his boat up tight to protect it from the wet summer season while he went out of town for six months. When he returned, he found a greenhouse of black mold and mushrooms growing inside his boat, making it a complete loss. The lesson? Yes, keeping water, snow, and ice out is important, but so is letting the cover breathe to prevent locking-in moisture.
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Choosing The Right Size
For many boaters, a heavy duty tarp is all that is required for covering a boat. Reliable, high-quality tarps come in a variety of sizes. This makes it convenient for boaters no matter what size boat you have. You can buy good quality blue tarps for reasonable prices, even on Amazon.com. They range in size from as small as 8 X 10 and some can be as large as 30 x 40. These would be effective in covering smaller boats. In terms of larger boats, it is not difficult to combine tarps to cover a larger area. Compare this to a custom boat cover which may cost you thousands of dollars. This investment is less than $100. You could definitely consider it worth your time and money. They can work as winter covers in many places.
Measuring For A Boat Lift Canopy Cover
When ordering a replacement Boat Lift Canopy Cover, the best way to find what size you need is to check the current canopys tag for sizing and model information. If the tag is not available, you will first need to determine who manufactured your canopy lift frame. Once you have determined who the manufacturer of your frame is, you can begin to measure. Most canopy frames will need to be measured from the inside of the frame. The frames length will be measured in feet and the width in inches. Once you have measured, you will be ready to start searching for your new canopy cover. If you have any questions please feel free to call 1-888-726-9300, live chat with an expert or .
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Select Fit Boat Covers
Westland is committed to providing high quality custom boat covers that fits every budget. Sharkskin & Sunbrella fabrics are all crafted available with the Select Fit name. Westland uses a rope instead of the stretch cord method, so you will rest assured that every boat cover you get from us will seal your boat up tight. Select Fit uses Westlands 40 years of experience to provide a quality products at a lower price.
Reality: To Adequately Protect Your Boat You Need To Buy The Right Cover
Buying a cheap boat cover or using a universal cover may seem like a good idea, but its a costly mistake. It doesnt make sense to risk saving a couple hundred bucks at the expense of ruining a boat worth tens of thousands or more.
The right cover should fit snugly, and be made for the exact year, model, and manufacturer of your boat. If the cover doesnt fit right, water and debris will get inside your boat and potentially ruin it. Also, be sure to use a cover thats made of high-quality fabric which is waterproof, UV resistant, and mold and mildew resistant. These qualities will go a long way in protecting your watercraft, and also determine whether your cover will last for a single season or a decade.
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How Do I Choose The Right Size Boat Anchor
Choosing the right size boat anchor can depend on several things that we will cover in this section.
The conditions you will be in, and the manner in which you use your boat all determine how you should choose the right size boat anchor.
Generally if you have a boat 22′ or less, you have several options, since you aren’t likely to be out in 25-30 mph winds in that size boat – so our 7 lb, 10 lb, or 14 lb could be chosen for boats 22 or less. But it is recommended that you carry the largest anchor you can feasibly fit on your boat.
All The Comforts Of Home
Boats with permanent slips often customize their space, installing dock guards, dock wheels or cushions so that the dock carries the protection, not the boat. Since these forms of padding can be placed right at the point of contact, they wont swing out of the way. Dock cushions can prevent damage when fenders are not lined up precisely. There are so many types of padding configurations that, with a little creativity, you can defend any style of boat from any kind of docking damage.
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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.
Choosing The Right Boat Cover
You have a number of options when you want to cover your boat. You can have a custom tarp designed for you. It can be quite expensive to have this done, often many thousands of dollars. You can also make your own boat cover. There are some handy guides online that explain the process. With only a handful of materials and a minimal investment, you can have a good quality boat cover. In a pinch, even a large tarp will get the job done for you. How you cover your boat is not as important as making sure you do cover your boat.
Whatever you choose has to be large enough to cover the boat with material to spare. You also need a way to properly secure it. Theres no sense trying to cover your boat with a tarp thats not up to the job.
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What Size Boat Do You Have
We like roughly 1″ of diameter for cylindrical fenders or 2″ of diameter for spherical fenders for every four-to-five feet of boat length. This is not a firm recommendation because fender size also depends on location, boat weight and conditions. Boats in unprotected end ties on Lake Erie, San Francisco Bay or other locations with nasty chop or tidal surge will need more protection than a vessel docked in a calm lake. We suggest using proper lines or fender whips to suspend the fenders at the correct height.
We recommend large diameter fenders because they provide the best protection. After all, it is only the width of the fender that separates the boat from the dock. Here are some general sizing recommendations:
Aluminum V Hull Fishing Boat Features:
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Boat Bumpers Everything You Need To Know About Boat Fenders
When it comes to using a boat, there are many places and situations you will find yourself in. Whether it is at the sandbar, a slip at the restaurant, or docking for fuel. You will want to be able to protect your boat from damage when in these situations by using boat bumpers or fenders.
BoatBumpers or Boat Fenders: Boat Bumpers orBoat Fenders are a device used to place a cushion between the boat and anythingit is tied to, in order to protect the boat and what it is tied to. They aremade from either plastic, rubber, or foam.
Here wewill teach you all of the things you need to know about bumpers, the differentkinds, how to use them, and how to pick them!
How To Measure Your Boat For A Covermate Boat Cover
When choosing a Covermate Semi-Custom Boat Cover, its imperative to measure your boat to ensure a proper fit. Dont depend on your boats model number for the correct size. Boat model classifications do not always accurately indicate the boat length. In order to select the proper size cover, you must measure!
Measure the Center-Line Length
The boat’s center-line length is the straight measurement from bow to stern, not including the motor. Please note that measurements should include allowance for excessive bow rail heights, trolling motors, transom platforms, and ladders. Do not measure up and over the windshield.
Measure the Beam Width
The boat’s beam width is the widest distance across the boat. The widest point is generally in the windshield area however, do not measure up and over the windshield. The measurement should reflect a straight and flat line.
Find Your Boat Style in the “Shop By Boat Type” Menu
Choose the boat description which best represents your style of boat.
Next, select the appropriate length and beam. If your length measurement matches the maximum length, it’s recommended that you move up to the next size.
If the correct size cover for your boat is unclear, please call us at:1-888-OVERTON and one of our technicians will be happy to assist you.
Don’t just take our word for it. Watch the video to see our advice and tips in action.
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Using A Boat Cover While Trailering
Covering your boat while trailering is a must for many boaters. The fit and material of a cover are important factors in trailering. The fit must be precise and secure, and the material must be strong. All fits and materials are suitable for storage but a smaller selection is suitable for trailering. All Carver Custom and Styled-to-Fit Covers as well as all Westland Exact Fit, Select Fit Covers and Shortex Custom Fit Covers, with the exception of the Master Duck and Sunburst materials, are trailerable.
Each material offered for trailering will withstand highway wind and debris, when fastened properly, using our boat cover tie-down kit. While some of our materials and fits are only suitable for storage. The Flex Fit series in all materials offered is not trailerable because of the universal fit it gives, but it is a great option for storage. Also, our specialty covers for boats with hard tops and t-tops are not recommended for trailering.
