Boat Covers

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Most of us have seen that boat at the marina or on a trailer in someone’s yard that, while only a few years old, has faded upholstery, dry, cracked woodwork, moldy gelcoat and smells like a musty locker room. What’s the easiest way to avoid that? A boat cover. Along with protecting your boat against dust, dirt, bird droppings, and damage caused by rain and snow, boat covers also shield expensive electronics against the prying eyes of sticky fingered intruders.

Semi-Custom Boat Covers

West Marine currently offers Taylor Made® Semi-Custom covers for 21 different styles of boats. Examples include covers made for Whaler style inshore fishing boats, bass boats, center console boats, bay boats and other styles of boats. Compared to loose fitting “universal boat covers”, these covers offer a tighter fit, which makes them a far better choice for trailering your boat.

Features of Taylor Made semi-custom covers include sewn in tie-down loops, double-folded hems, an integrated shock-cord and 4-ply seams. All are made of Hot Shot™ fabric, which is 6 ounce, acrylic-coated polyester that offers good breathability, great strength and water, mildew and UV resistance—which makes it a good choice for hot or humid climates. Seams are sewn with Gore® Tenara® thread, which will not stain, mold, mildew or discolor and will outlast the material it is sewn into.

Carver Universal Fit Flex-Fit™ PRO Boat Covers

In addition to Taylor Made semi-custom boat covers, West Marine also offers a limited selection of 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. They also feature a durable, water-repellent, mildew-resistant finish.

Is the color you choose important?

You’ll probably be surprised, but darker colors are best. Dark colors require more dye which increases a fabric’s UV resistance and contributes to a longer life. Blue, black and green last longer than white, tan or red. The only downside to darker colors is that they absorb more heat and transmit that to whatever is underneath them.

How do you measure your boat for a cover?

First, you’ll need to know your hull style. If you’re unsure, look for a boat pictured on westmarine.com that matches yours as closely as possible. Next, use a tape measure and measure the beam width (the widest distance across the boat in a flat line). You’ll do the same thing to measure the centerline length (the overall length of the boat measured in a flat line between the farthest points forward and aft that you want to have covered). Finally, allow for options like bow pulpits and swim platforms; however, don’t measure over them. You should always measure in a flat, straight line. Covers are offered in one-foot length increments, so you’ll need to round off to the next foot if in between.

Boat Cover Care

One of the most important things you can do for your cover is getting the correct size. If it’s too small, the fabric and seams will be overly stressed and wear out prematurely. If it’s too big, rainwater will collect in the low spots and cause sagging, plus wind will get in, under or around and fill the cover with air, possibly snagging or tearing it on sharp objects. This could also become a safety hazard if your cover is being used while trailering your boat at highway speeds since it will flap wildly, which could reduce your visibility and distract others.

Securely tying down your cover to your boat or trailer using every tiedown loop will help prolong the life of your boat cover. Rope, shock cord or straps may be used. Remember to support and pad your cover at high stress areas and anywhere hooks or buckles might scratch your boat’s finish.

Another way to prolong the life of your cover is to wash it with mild soap or detergent regularly. First shake out the dust, then use a garden hose or air compressor to remove any leftover dirt. After washing, hang it on a line to dry. Refrain from using bleach, harsh chemicals, scrub brushes or putting it in a washer or dryer.