Just like sunscreen is important for protecting your skin from the harsh sun rays, a good marine cover for your boat is essential for protection from a variety of outdoor factors. It will keep your boat in mint condition when it’s at sea, on a trailer, in storage or when moored. Deck boats are the most frequent subjects of theft and damage from harsh weather conditions.
People who don’t invest in a cover often find their crafts damaged by insects and small animals and the interiors worn out. This makes your cruising experience less enjoyable and hurts the boat’s resale value when you decide to upgrade to a newer model. A cover is among the top boat accessories to keep your boat in shape for entertaining your family and friends.
What is the Purpose of Boat Covers?
A sturdy and durable boat cover is a practical investment to protect your boat from external conditions. They’re versatile, so you can easily find a suitable model, whether you own a fishing boat, an inflatable boat or a bowrider type boat. They’re also adjustable so your boat can remain protected while you’re transporting it. These convenient protective accessories offer a variety of advantages, such as discouraging theft, protecting your boat in various weather conditions, and keeping birds and insects at bay.
Discouraging Theft
It can be a pain to constantly transport your boating gear to your deck and back. If you’re one of those people who like to stock their boats with handy accessories, a good cover will protect it from the wandering eyes of strangers. Passers-by can easily snatch your boating accessories and adventure gear off your deck. If you cover your boat, they won’t be able to see what you keep on it. They also won’t be able to see what type of boat you have and what condition it’s in.
Protecting from UV Rays
The sun rays tend to be brutal here in Australia. They break down the pigments in the bodywork of your boat, especially if it contains materials such as fibreglass and vinyl. This leads to discolouration of the surface and peeling of any stickers you might have. UV rays also cause considerable damage to the furniture in your boat.
The surface of the seats will start to fade and crack over time, which will require costly repairs. Covering your boat will prevent any sun damage and keep it looking as good as new. This kind of accessory is treated with a 50+ UV protection factor, which means it will repel the harmful sun rays and prevent them from getting through and damaging your boat.
Protecting from Rain & Snow
Boat covers are waterproof, this means that they prevent any water from entering your boat during rainy days. Although rainwater can’t sink your boat, it causes significant damage to its interior, the seats, and any valuables you have stored.
On the other hand, winter is not so far away. If you live in certain regions where there are snowfalls and you keep your boat outdoors, you will need a cover to protect it from snow, ice, and rain during this long non-boating season. If you don’t cover your boat during the winter, the snow that falls inside will either melt or freeze, causing severe damage on the inside.
Protecting from Animals and Insects
Depending on the area you live in, sometimes small insects, animals and birds tend to settle on your boat or inside it. They often leave dirt behind that requires additional cleaning. By tightly securing a boat cover, you will prevent any of these little intruders from entering your boat.
How to Choose the Right Marine Boat Cover?
When choosing a cover, the two most important factors to consider are its size and material. The modern boat covers come in a wide range of sizes, but you need to take correct measurements of your boat in order to choose the right one. Key features to measure are the boat’s length, height, and bean width. The cover that’s the right size will smoothly fit across the boat and around the hull. These covers have a flat double lock stitching on the seams which ensures a longer life expectancy. When it comes to the fabric, boat covers are usually available in the following options:
- Polyester – people consider this as one of the best options, especially for UV protection.
- Vinyl – these covers are prone to flapping around in high winds, but they perform well for waterproofing purposes.
- Acrylic – this material is lightweight and convenient for day-to-day use, but it’s not the most waterproof option.
- Canvas – this type can withstand tough weather conditions, but it’s significantly more expensive.
The type of material that your cover for boat is made of plays a large role in the level of protection that you want to provide to your boat. You need to make sure that the material has a UV protection factor and is resistant to water, mould and mildew.
These can cause your boat the most damage over time. When setting up the cover, you might consider getting a boat support pole. This handy accessory serves to evenly distribute the weight of the cover and prevent sagging.