Where To Buy Boat Covers

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.

Should You Cover Wet Boat

Not only will the rain damage a boats interior, but leaving it without a cover exposes it to the suns harmful rays. A boat left without a cover while not in use, will lose value very rapidly. Even when you have a cover thats in poor condition, its better than no cover at all, until you can get a new cover.

What Is A Boat Cockpit Cover

Boat cockpit covers extend from your boats windshield all the way to the back, or aft area, of the boat. A good cockpit cover snaps down tight to the sides of your boat. It protects your drivers station, onboard electronics, seating, and the largest area of your boat from wind, rain, and other brutal elements.

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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.

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.

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Why Do I Need A Boat Cover

If you want to protect your investment and keep your boat looking great, you need a boat cover. Here are 5 good reasons why you should invest in a boat cover from Anaconda.

1: A boat cover will protect your runabout from scratches and dents caused by falling leaves and branches in high winds.

2: Protect your boat from fading by blocking out harsh sun rays that can cause boat materials to perish.

3: Keep your boat pest-free by deterring cats, possums or other critters from climbing in and making themselves at home.

4: Deter theft. You are less likely to be a victim of theft if your boat and boat accessories are hidden from sight and secured under a boat cover.

5: Save on storage costs. By using a boat cover, your runabout won’t need to be garaged indoors for extended periods.

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.

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How Can I Be Sure Of Product Quality

At Anaconda, we partner with major brands who specialise in marine and boating equipment. You will find familiar names such as Honda, Evinrude, Jarvis Walker, Shimano, Lowrance, Garmin, GME and Oceansouth, so you can have confidence in your purchase. We also offer a comprehensive returns and exchanges policy in line with Australian consumer law to ensure you are completely satisfied with your purchase. Our reputation is built on your satisfaction, and we leave nothing to chance in providing highest quality outdoor equipment and accessories.

Msc Heavy Duty Canvas Boat Cover

To meet the needs of various sized vessels, MSC is offering 6 different sizes of boat cover starting from 14 to 24 feet long, and between 68 inches up to 102 inches beamwidth. However, the size specs given by the manufacturer might not be the exact match for your boat.

The boat cover is made of marine-grade 600D polyester canvas with double PU coating for higher durability. The fabric is also mildew and UV resistant that will not shrink or stretch even after continuous use.

The cover has adjustable straps and quick-release buckles so that you can fit the cover quickly and remove without much effort. Its all about time efficiency. When the cover is not in use, it can be stored easily in the storage bag that comes with it.

The entire bottom has elastic hemming so that the cover can have a tight fit which is almost like a custom fit. The boat cover is suitable for long-term storage, mooring, and traveling. It has a 2-year warranty.

Pros

• Adjustable straps and quick release buckle
• UV and mildew resistant fabric

Cons

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Which Fabric To Choose

Fabric properties: Boat cover fabrics need to be the right combination of breathability and water repellency – to keep rain water out, yet allow trapped water vapor to escape. They also need to be UV- and mildew-resistant. Tensile strength and abrasion resistance is especially important in trailer covers as they withstand the rigors of the road. Few materials perfectly meet all the requirements, but coated synthetic fabrics come pretty close to the ideal compromise. Cotton and polyester blends won’t last as long as synthetic fabrics, as natural yarns simply don’t have high resistance against mildew and UV light. Pigment dyed polyester fabrics have a good strength to weight ratio and are an excellent choice because it is strong and breathable, yet it repels water and stands up to UV radiation. A good yet economical choice when choosing a synthetic fabric is Hot Shot , an acrylic coated polyester. Two other popular, durable and practical choices are urethane coated, solution dyed polyester fabrics such as Ultima or solution-dyed acrylics like Sunbrella , both of which are breathable, stain-, UV- and mildew-resistant and shed water well.

Pyle Pcvhp440 Boat Storage Cover

This list is not short of excellent pontoon boat covers with elastic cords, especially after seeing this model. With this product, it provides top-notch quality and a 2-year warranty at a fairly sufficient price point.

Starting with its design, this cover is compatible with relatively any pontoon boat with 17 to 20-ft. lengths and 96-in. widths. I find its size to be more than enough to allow extra room for the watercraft to act as an extra storage facility during travels.

While other boat covers have conventional storage bags, this brand takes it one step further. The included bag is made of high quality polyester fabric designed to withstand harsh weather from hot summers to freezing winters. Im even amused by how the massive boat cover perfectly fits inside this carry-on container.

As mentioned earlier, this fabric has an elastic cord sewn at the hem. This component provides a tight yet custom fit for optimal compatibility.

Its locks and straps are also marvels that I can only describe as a see it to believe it experience. The straps snap with a satisfying click to signify that theyre securely locked in place. Furthermore, one press will release these components for easy removal.

• Locks and straps are easy to secure and release

• No instructions included in the package

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Transhield Pontoon Boat Cover

The last item on this list is not to be belittled as it is still an excellent contender to beat the competition, thanks to its noteworthy characteristics and features.

Starting off its list of traits is its all-weather resistant construction. I subjected the fabric to different weather conditions, including rain, sun, and snow. All experiments returned with positive results. So, this durable polyethylene material does not joke about its hard-wearing traits.

This kit also comes with multiple underbelly sewn-in straps. With these components, they offer a tight and secure fit to pontoons from 18 to 26 ft. in length. Also, the range it covers is slightly better than others as some models can only cater to lengths of about 21 to 24 ft. or 18 to 21 ft.

As for its breathability, it is nothing short of impressive. The soft interior wicks away moisture while enabling proficient pass-through for water vapor. This translates to the reliable prevention of mold and mildew growth. Kindly note that my pontoon remained dry after a heavy downpour, which is a good sign.

I did find that the water pooled at the center. Still, removing the stagnant water is easy and doesnt take too much of my time.

• Waters pools at the center after a downpour

North East Harbor 96 Pontoon Cover

Sufficiently waterproof, this product excels in keeping pontoon boats dry. Made with a durable 600D polyester material, its build quality excels and beats many competing models.

Aside from being completely waterproof, this pontoon boat cover has been sunray treated for optimal longevity. With this trait, it holds well against long-term exposure to the suns harsh UV rays.

However, the color faded from a cool gray to a questionable lavender from continuous UV exposure. Despite this change in appearance, it continued to be an excellent performer in whisking water and sunlight away.

Furthermore, the accessories that come with the pack make this kit a great choice for trailering. The straps held well onto the cover and watercraft. These components are also easy to tie down as they did not require too much of my valuable time to lock them in place.

As for its compatibility, its fairly adequate, considering that this cover can fit relatively all pontoons with lengths from 17 to 19 ft. Further, the fabric is quite breathable as mold and mildew did not grow in my boat after a heavy downpour.

• The color began fading after continuous sunlight exposure
• Material feels thin

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Vortex Blue 1922 Pontoon Boat Cover

Yet another product that exudes astounding quality and value for pontoon boat owners is this product from Vortex. Touted as the Blue pontoon cover, this boat-covering fabric is made of a heavy duty 600D waterproof fabric. It works as advertised as water from heavy rains did not penetrate the material.

Before proceeding, I would like to point out that this boat cover is a good shield for pontoons against harsh UV rays. But, I noticed that its color faded over time. It was a dark blue color upon purchase. Now, its light purple. However, this color fade does not seem to adversely affect its wonderful UV and waterproof performance.

I would also like to applaud this covers versatility. Aside from providing sufficient coverage during storage and trailering, its also a pontoon snap on mooring cover. In other words, I can leave my boat at the dock with this cover protecting the watercrafts deck.

The marine grade polyester canvas construction also keeps moisture out, reducing the risks of mildew growth. It even has a polyurethane coating, and is about two times thicker than many similar products.

• The color fades from long exposure to harsh sunlight

Will Snow Hurt A Boat

Snow adds weight, pushing the boat deeper and deeper into the water until you get the picture. Another cold weather danger to boats stored in the water is bursting hoses. If water remains in a hose, it can freeze. True, in most regions boats in the water are less susceptible to freeze damage than those on land.

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Custom Covers For The Best Fit

A custom cover made just for the year, make and model of your boat, and designed to cover its individual accessories, will fit like a custom-tailored suit. It costs the most, but is the easiest to put on and remove, is the best for trailering and will last the longest. There are thousands of patterns available: for example, a cover is available for a 1996 Bayliner 1850 Capri SS with a transom-mounted swim platform and 6″ to 18″ bow rails.

If you own a one-of-a-kind boat or your boat has a lot of unusual options, you may need to have direct measurements taken by a custom canvas shop. They can build to your specifics, but this kind of cover will be the most costly, and may take substantially longer to receive.

Icover Pb6303 Pontoon Boat Cover

I have seen and used many pontoon boat covers with snaps over the years, but only a few can stand up to this products waterproof ability. Made with 300D PU marine grade polyester, this boat covers fabric does more than a good job in repelling water.

I left my boat outside when heavy rains started pouring. The heavy moisture pooled into the covers center area, which should be a relatively normal occurrence because of the heavy downpour. But, my surprise came when I opened the cover to see that the watercrafts internals were bone dry.

Aside from being waterproof, the 300D material is also tear and UV resistant. It grazed against some branches and twigs during travel, and the fabric remained relatively scratch-free.

Cleaning is also a breeze, seeing that all I needed was to brush debris off the fabric. A quick hosing is also necessary to maintain this material, albeit I dont have to do it often.

Theres also a heavy duty elastic cord sewn around this products hemline. With it, this cover provides a secure and snug fit on my pontoon boat. Installation is also quite easy and can be done with minimal effort. But, make sure to search for the tag that says FRONT. Otherwise, covering the boat with the fabric reversed can promote issues.

Once installed properly, this cover is quite roomy. The space it produces is large enough to allow room to make my boat into a temporary storage facility.

• Comes with large storage bag, tie-down straps

• Plastic buckles can be more durable

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Topnotch Solution Dyed Fabric

Top Notch is a 100% solution dyed polyester fabric with a fluorocarbon finish. TopNotch fabric is made to be durable, abrasion resistant, UV resistant, breathable, water repellant and reversible. Our Top notch fabric is most commonly used for marine tops, trailer covers, awnings, gazebos, canopies, patio furniture and anywhere else where you are looking for a reversible and breathable fabric.

Icover Trailerable Boat Cover

If you are looking for a boat cover that can be used not only for storage but for mooring and traveling, the iCover towable cover is one you should consider. It is made of marine-grade fabric with PU coating. The light gray is rated 300D, and the dark gray is rated 600D. Both options are durable and waterproof, UV and mildew-resistant as well as tear-resistant.

The cover is vented on both sides to allow air circulation which is useful for preventing mold growth. To avoid water pooling on the cover, the manufacturer offers a support pole which will be an additional purchase.

To have a secure and tight-fitting, the cover has a heavy-duty elastic cord sewn around the hemline. It also has adjustable straps and buckles for easy installation and quick release.

At this point, the manufacturer doesnt offer any warranty on the cover which some might consider as a drawback.

Pros

• Durable marine grade 600D fabric
• Rear air vents on both sides
• Suitable for mooring as well as trailering

Cons

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What To Look For When Buying Pontoon Boat Cover

Buying fitted pontoon boat covers requires that you search for reliable models offered by reliable brands. Make the mistake of purchasing the wrong cover, and you will be left with a large piece of fabric sitting in your home.

Take a look at these essential factors before selecting your pontoon boat cover.

• Type of Fabric

Most pontoon boat covers come in one of two fabrics: nylon or polyester. The latter material is generally resistant to UV radiation. Plus, it offers excellent resistance against other exterior hazards that may damage the boats structural integrity.

On the other hand, nylon promotes excellent security against abrasion. Further, it has a high compressive and tensile strength, making it a good choice for snap on pontoon boat covers. Nylon is also lightweight, which makes for easy machining and handling.

Both options are great materials for pontoon boat covers. But, at the end of the day, your ultimate decision should depend on specific needs. Nylon is tougher than polyester but also softer. As for polyester, its quick to dry and has more pilling resistance.

Its also possible to purchase canvas pontoon boat covers on the market. Despite its rip resistant characteristics, the market tends to favor nylon and polyester more than canvas. One of the reasons for this dominance is because canvas is usually a water resistant material, which means its not waterproof.

• Type of Seal

• Type of Line

• Mold and Mildew Prevention

What Type Of Cover Should You Choose

Universal Fit: Perfectly fine for storage or a short trailer trip, universal fit covers offer an inexpensive way to protect your boat. Like the name implies, these covers are designed to fit a wide array of boats with assorted accessories. Sizes are grouped in boat lengths in ranges of two or three feet. These covers are not intended for longer trips at highway speeds. Youll find these covers are available in only one color, usually gray.

We stock universal fit covers in different weight fabrics and sizes for V-hull cuddy cabin, bow rider and center console boats, bay boats, day cruiser boats, deck boats, jet boats, tri-hull boats, pontoon boats, fish and ski boats, aluminum and tournament bass boats, paddle boats and even inflatable boats or tenders. Each cover includes a storage bag and tiedown straps .

Semi-Custom: Next in price and complexity are semi-custom covers with tighter, better fitting, yet still liberal sizes designed for different makes and models of boats with a similar hull style. An example would be covers made for Whaler style inshore fishing boats. These covers fit smaller, center console boats with console heights up to 48, bow rails 6-18 and side rails up to 10, plus bound-in outboard motor hoods are included.

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