Boat Covers - Don't Forget a Big Umbrella

Protection and Prevention

Sailors take a lot of pride in the vessel they take onto the water in. Everyone enjoys seeing their boat looking at it’s best, but keeping it that way can be an uphill struggle! Maintenance and cleaning are not a patch on feeling the wind in your face and the sun on your back. However, owning a boat is not all easy sailing! There is maintenance to be carried out and chores to be done.

Protecting your boat, with a boat cover, should be seen to be as essential to it, as the mast and sails. Whether you choose to have a boat cover custom made or buy one off the shelf, it is, undoubtedly, money well invested. Minimize maintenance, prevent potential problems arising, and reduce cleaning time. Whilst also protecting one of your most precious assets. Your boat!

Canvas Boat Covers

Cotton boat covers tend to be less expensive. However, if the budget is a bit tight, these are the favourable option. Although it should be noted, less expensive canvas types do have a tendency to shrink. However, they are suitable for moderate weather conditions, even though they don’t fair as well in wet climates. Cotton does lets the air circulate, good for keeping mildew under control. But it is not waterproof.

This is why most cotton boat covers, come with a two or three year warranty from the manufacturer. The best of both worlds can be found with a polyester and cotton blend boat cover. Usually manufactured 50/50 and 60/40. Canvas boat covers will tend to be more expensive. Some covers might also have the added protection of a urathane, or acrylic coating.

Polyester Boat Covers

On the other hand, a polyester boat cover usually has a minimum three year warranty. With anything up to seven years being given by some of the top brand manufacturers. Polyester is much stronger than canvas, and it won’t stain, rot or attract mildew problems. The downside? Polyester and high humidity levels do not get along. However, polyester still tends to be favoured for producing custom boat covers.

Other Things to Consider

Which boat cover you need will depend on many factors. Your particular boat, the climate and for many, the cost. Ironically, water is your boats own worst enemy, and keeping your boat dry is the primary purpose of a boat cover. Another things you need to consider is the fit. In fact, it should be number one on the list! It doesn’t matter what it’s made of, if it doesn’t fit, it may well be as useful as a chocolate fireguard! Gaps also allow dust and dirt to get into the places they shouldn’t, and even small animals might be able to get in. Then all sorts of damage can happen.

Boats can be extremely individual in design. Maybe they have been customised or were hand built to certain specifications. In these instances, a custom boat cover will be the best option. Finding a suitable and practical cover doesn’t have to be a problem, even when looking for a discount boat cover. The most important thing is to understand the differences between them.