How to get the right boat cover

A boat is a big investment, and one which every owner wants to take care of. When a boat is in storage or not being used it is a good idea to use a boat cover to protect it from the elements. This article is all about how to ensure you select the right boat cover.

Measuring Up

One of the most crucial steps in finding the right boat cover is to accurately measure the vessel, which is easier said than done. While you might expect to be able to refer to an owner’s manual or sales brochure for accurate measurements, it’s common that boats don’t match up precisely to their documentation. For this reason, it’s always better to measure the boat yourself. It might sound like an arduous task but it’s better than investing in a boat cover which doesn’t fit.

To measure length, go from the point of the bow to the middle of the transom at the back. If your boat is fitted with an outboard motor then do not include this in the measurement. Often boat covers will have openings for outboard motors or will have individual outboard covers included. To measure the width, use the widest point of the boat.
One of the most common errors in measuring up a boat for a boat cover is not measuring in a straight line. Frequently owners will measure up and over windscreens or other parts of the boat, and will end up taking measurements which are much too large, leading to a baggy boat cover. Boat covers are intended to accommodate the boat’s features, so in order to get a correct measurement it may be necessary to hold a tape measure parallel to the boat instead of on it. You can use wooden planks or poles to help ensure that your measurements are accurate.

Material

When deciding on the best material for your boat cover there are a number of things to consider. Choosing the right material is almost as important as getting the right size. Firstly, where do you plan to store the boat? If it’s being stored inside a garage or other protected area then you will not require the same degree of robustness as you will if it is being stored outside. Boats stored outside are exposed to harmful elements such as wind, rain, snow and UV light, and require highly durable materials which are highly durable.

If you are storing your boat indoors then you are probably only considering investing in a boat cover for transportation uses. Boat covers can help to protect a boat when it is being moved between locations. If transportation is the main factor then pay close attention to the material’s tear strength. When you are travelling down the road at high speeds a number of forces can act upon the boat cover and force it to tear.
If you live in a hot, humid climate you need to look for breathable materials that can prevent moisture getting trapped underneath the cover. In a warm climate this will lead to mildew.

Mildew

Mildew is a common problem with boat covers, particularly in warm climates. As well as being tricky to clean and remove, mildew can aggravate allergies and cause respiratory problems. Breathable boat covers can help to prevent mildew growth. Alternatively, a vented support pole can help to bring some much-needed air flow underneath the cover, reducing the build-up of moisture and ultimately mildew. The vented support pole will allow airflow into the cover but will prevent water from entering. The other option is to use air dryers or dehumidifiers to reduce the humidity level in the storage area and reduce condensation.
Cleaning

There are a number of ways to clean boat covers, but if you want your cover to last it’s important to do it right. Boat covers shouldn’t be washed in a washing machine, and you shouldn’t use harsh cleaning chemicals or bleach, as they can undermine the boat cover’s water-repellent finish.
A soft brush should be able to remove dried dirt, and a rinse with lukewarm water should remove stains. It’s important to allow plenty of time for the cover to dry so that mildew does not quickly form inside the cover once it is closed.
Alan Cairns is a writer from Brighton, UK, who writes on a number of subjects including fuel efficiency and outboard motors. Photo by plentyofants.