A boat is a considerable investment, and one of the best ways to preserve your investment is with a boat cover to protect it from the Sun's UV rays and other weather elements.
Some people see a boat cover as an excellent accessory but don't want to spend the money on a cover because they only see the extra cost; however, there are several reasons why you should have a cover for your boat.
- It helps protect your boat from dust, dirt, leaves, and birds droppings, among other debris
- Protection from water and moisture
- Mildew resistance and mold protection
- It prevents the boat’s interior from fading and cracking caused by the sun’s rays
- Keeps animals and insects out during storage
- To some extent, the cover discourages theft
Here are our picks for the best boat covers you can buy:
- MSC Heavy Duty 600D Waterproof Boat Cover
- Seamander Heavy Duty 600D Waterproof Boat Cover
- Leader Accessories 600D Boat Cover
- Leader Accessories 300D Polyester Trailerable Boat Cover
- AmazonBasics Boat Cover for V-Hull Runabouts and Bass Boats
- Classic Accessories StormPro Boat Cover
- Classic Accessories StormPro Heavy-Duty Center Console T-Top Roof Boat Cover
- iCOVER Trailerable Boat Cover
- Budge B-621-X6 600 Denier Hard/T-Top Boat Cover
- AngLink Waterproof Boat Cover, Heavy Duty 600D Polyester
1. MSC Heavy Duty 600D Waterproof Boat Cover
This heavy-duty boat cover by MSC has solid construction and heavy-duty marine-grade polyester that is durable and highly water-resistant. It is also mildew and UV resistant to protect your center console boat’s interior from cracking and has a double coating for enhanced strength. This center console boat cover can be used for long-term storage, mooring, and trailing.
It has a great fitting thanks to the adjustable straps whose buckles are easy to release. The hem has an elastic cord sewn into the bottom to add to the tight custom fit. When not in use, it comes with a canvas storage bag so you can fold and easily store the cover. You will love that the MSC 600D heavy-duty boat cover does not get dirty quickly and is very easy to clean.
It's available in six colors and sizes.
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2. Seamander Heavy Duty 600D Waterproof Boat Cover
The Seamander 600D Boat cover is one of the best boat covers for everyday use. It is made from 600D marine-grade woven poly-canvas that is durable, highly waterproof, and UV resistant to keep the boat from cracking and fading due to the sun’s rays. The material repels snow, rain, and other elements. Its breathable fabric will prevent the growth of mildew and mold when the boat is stored in a humid area.
The cover is quick and easy to install, and its surface is smooth to prevent scratches on the boat’s exterior. The easy-to-fit strap system and ability to stay on even in strong winds make this a great boat cover for transporting your boat short distances. You can store the boat cover in its mesh bag when not in use.
It’s available in 4 colors and three sizes.
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3. Leader Accessories 600D Boat Cover
The Leader Accessory cover boat is made of ShoreMaster 7.25 oz. 600D marine grade polyester canvas that is urethane coated, making it more durable. It is also water, mildew, and UV resistant to prevent the boat’s interior from molding and cracking. It is ideal for both trailing and storage. It has an elastic cord at the bottom to help ensure a custom fit. The air vents at the back allow moisture to escape.
It is easy to fit thanks to the quick-release buckles and strap system. Your boat’s essential parts will have extra protection from the reinforcements on the back corners, the middle, and the front. It comes with a mesh storage bag to store the cover when unused.
It’s available in 5 colors and three sizes and fits most hull styles.
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4. Leader Accessories 300D Polyester Trailerable Boat Cover
The Leader Accessories 300D Polyester Boat Cover is ideal for trailering and storage. Constructed with 6 oz ShoreGuard 300D polyester, double stitch seaming, and 1-inch poly-web straps, this cover is built to last. Sealing the deal is its urethane coating that protects the body from corrosion and weathering.
This boat cover is sturdy and durable & boasts a clever design. Extra reinforcements protect the body's vulnerable parts while vents in the material allow moisture to escape, so you won’t need to worry about mildew forming.
Using this boat cover is easy thanks to its quick-release buckle and strap system & depending on the model you pick, you’ll have six or seven adjustable straps. Finally, an elastic hem ensures a snug fit.
Leader Accessories 300D Polyester Boat Covers are available in black, gray, or blue, so you can pick a color that best suits your boat’s aesthetics. It is available in five different sizes and fits most hull sizes. A 2-year limited warranty protects your purchase of the Leader Accessories 300D Polyester Boat Cover.
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5. AmazonBasics Boat Cover for V-Hull Runabouts and Bass Boats
The AmazonBasics is a custom-fit boat cover for V-hull runabouts and bass boats. It is made of 100% marine grade polyester canvas, thus durable. The fabric also does not stretch or shrink, ensuring it offers a secure fit for long. You will love that it is waterproof and easy to clean.
Designed for both storage and trailing, this AmazonBasics boat cover has adjustable straps that fit underneath the trailer, thus protecting your boat’s paintwork. It also has vents to allow moisture to escape.
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6. Classic Accessories StormPro Boat Cover
The Classic Accessories StomPro boat cover has been designed to be extra durable. The heavy-duty boat cover won’t shrink or stretch, giving you a snug fit for many years. It is water, mildew, UV, and all-weather resistant. You will love that it can be used on boats with windshields and those without.
The Classic Accessories StormPro boat cover has a support pole that prevents water from pooling on the cover for increased durability. The two air vents at the back will reduce wind pressure and allow moisture to escape preventing mildew and molds.
This trailerable boat cover is easy to fit thanks to the integrated buckles and strap system. The elastic cord at the hem offers a great fit and comes with a storage bag to store the boat cover when not in use.
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7. Classic Accessories StormPro Heavy-Duty Center Console T-Top Roof Boat Cover
Another Classic Accessories boat cover to find its way onto our list is the StormPro Heavy-Duty Center Console T-Top Roof Boat Cover. This may be the perfect option if your boat has a center console with a T-Top roof. Made from durable 600D polyester, this boat cover was built with storage in mind.
The materials used to construct the Classic Accessories StormPro Heavy-Duty Center Console T-Top Roof Boat Cover are free from PVC carcinogenic chemicals, a feature many boaters love. The material's soft feel also means there is no risk of scratching your boat or wrecking its paint job. The cover is waterproof and UV resistant.
Using the Classic Accessories StormPro Heavy-Duty Center Console T-Top Roof Boat Cover is a breeze thanks to its integrated buckle and strap system. Its adjustable straps and built-in cord make for a tight fit, and its quick-release snap straps mean removing the cover will take just a few seconds.
This boat cover is available in four sizes and comes in a charcoal gray color. Classic Accessories stand behind their StormPro Heavy-Duty Center Console T-Top Boat Cover, and its five-year warranty proves this. Store your boat away for the off-season in confidence.
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8. iCOVER Trailerable Boat Cover
The iCOVER Trailerable Boat Cover is great for heavy-duty usage and can be used in mooring, trailering & general boat storage. It is made with durable silver-coated 100% polyester canvas fabric and has a PVC coating & anti-UV finish. The heavy-duty elastic cord is sewn into the hemline to ensure a secure fit.
The cover is suitable for use in all conditions and will protect your boat year-round. The materials used to construct the iCOVER Boat Cover are water and weather-resistant & ensuring the cover won’t tear, fade or crack. Air vents are also featured in the cover’s design.
The built-in elastic cord guarantees a snug fit, and its integrated buckle & adjustable strap system makes the cover easy to install and remove.
Pick from the six available sizes to find one that will best fit your boat. The iCOVER Boat Cover is only available in one color: striking silver. The iCOVER Trailerable Boat Cover is lacking in the warranty department; the offered cover is only valid for 12 months.
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9. Budge B-621-X6 600 Denier Hard/T-Top Boat Cover
The Budge B-621-X6 600 Denier Hard/T-Top Boat Cover is an excellent option if you need a cover to protect your boat during trailering. Made from 600D polyester, this boat cover is solid and sturdy. Its breathable design does an excellent job of preventing the formation of rust, mold, mildew & other moisture-loving annoyances.
The Budge B-621-X6 600 Denier Hard/T-Top Boat Cover has been specially treated to ensure your boat can be towed in any weather conditions—rain, sun, or heavy snowfall. It's 100% waterproof design means it is repellent to water, snow, and bird droppings!
The heavy shock cord hem provides a semi-custom fit. A top and bottom strap system means that this cover is easy to install and take off once your boat has arrived at its destination.
The Budge B-621-X6 600 Denier, Hard/T-Top Boat Cover, is available in gray or blue and comes in five different sizes, so you’re bound to find the right option for your boat. A four-year warranty covers this boat cover.
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10. AngLink Waterproof Boat Cover, Heavy Duty 600D Polyester
The AngLink Waterproof Boat Cover, Heavy Duty 600D Polyester, is perfect for boats that get stored away for the winter. It’s made with 600D polyester, features two-thread stitching throughout its design for extra strength, and is highly waterproof.
This boat cover can easily withstand up to 2,000 Pa of water pressure, so your boat will remain dry even in heavy rains or snowstorms. The boat cover has anti-aging properties, UV resistance features, and a RIPSTOP design to ensure it remains in good condition to protect your boat at all costs.
Eleven adjustable straps & quick-release buckles mean putting the cover on and taking it off as easy as possible while ensuring that the body stays firmly on your boat in all conditions. An elastic hemline makes for a tight fit.
The AngLink Waterproof Boat Cover comes in one size and color: it fits 17-19 ft V-hull boats and is black. If you’re worried about the black color fading, don’t be! The AngLink dyeing process results in a colorfastness rating of six—while competitors usually only score a two or a three. A three-year limited warranty covers the AngLink Waterproof Boat Cover.
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What To Look For When Selecting A Boat Cover
Storage vs. trailer cover
Depending on how you will use it, we have three essential boat covers; storage cover, trailer cover, and mooring cover.
Storage covers are designed to store the boat while it is out of the water, either indoors or outdoors. The fabric can be a lighter material if the boat is stored in a secured place. A water-resistant fabric will be required for a moist area, and a UV-resistant one is recommended if the boat will be outdoors.
Trailer covers are more robust than storage covers. They are designed to withstand strong winds and hostile weather conditions and fit well. They are made from durable fabric with UV coating such as marine polyester to protect the boat from cracking and fading due to the sun’s rays while on the trailer in transit.
Fit: universal vs. custom
Universal-fit boat covers are designed for broad models, while custom-fit covers are designed for a specific boat but cost quite a bit more.
Universal-fit boat covers tend to be oversized and looser fitting. They are usually offered in two-foot increments and are not perfect for trailer use. Most universal covers are inexpensive and available in a variety of colors.
On the other hand, custom-fit boat covers have less fabric and will provide the best fit compared to a universal-fit body. They are built to also function as a trailer cover.
How to measure
For durability and effectiveness, you need to select a boat cover with the right fit by having the right dimensions.
Length/centerline
For the length, measure from the tip of the bow to the center of the transom in a straight line. Include anything protruding past the stem if not a motor or motor mount.
Width
Excluding bumpers and removable items, measure the widest part of the boat. Do not include items such as seats, rails, leaning posts, or windshields for both length and width.
What is the best material for a boat cover?
The fabric of the boat cover should be chosen depending on whether you will be transporting your boat on the road or not. The environment the boat will be stored is also an important consideration.
Waterproof and water-resistant fabric is recommended if the boat will be stored in a humid area, and a highly water-resistant fabric if the boat is to be held outside. A heavy-duty boat cover that fits tightly on the boat and is weather resistant is recommended if the boat is transported along the highway.
Always consider a material that is durable and easy to clean for your convenience.
Durability
Why purchase a boat cover that you’ll need to replace every year? Durability is vital when selecting a boat cover, so always consider the following aspects that indicate its durability:
- Materials used to construct it
- Its denier rating
- Any features that will protect it from wear and tear, such as a rip-proof design, waterproofing components & anti-UV properties.
Boat Cover Support System
The boat cover support system used to support the boat cover is essential. Many boat covers need a support pole to keep them upright and prevent water pooling. If the body you select needs the support of a pole, make sure it comes with it because otherwise, you’ll have to purchase one separately, which means a higher total cost.
Boat Cover Snaps
There are many different kinds of snaps used to help securely attach a cover to your boat. The most common types are glove button fasteners and Fasnap. Keep the type of boat cover snap your boat will require in mind, and make sure to purchase a cover that will be compatible.
Boat Cover Maintenance
For your boat cover to last longer:
- Cover your boat’s sharp edges with cardboard before placing the boat cover over it to protect it from damage
- Only fold the boat cover for storage when it has dried completely
- Always use heavy-duty tie-down straps while trailing your boat. You can use additional straps to keep it from fluttering in the wind
- Prevent water from pooling on the boat cover using bows, straps, or support poles
- Do not let water, snow, or other materials stand on the boat cover if possible
- Brush off loose dirt regularly with a soft brush and rinse with lukewarm water
- Don’t put it in the dryer or washer. Don’t use a scrub brush or bleach.
FAQ:
How much does a boat cover cost?
Boat covers come in all sorts of colors, shapes, and sizes. Naturally, they also come with different price tags. Boat covers can cost as little as $120 and as much as $1,200.
Numerous factors influence the price:
- The brand that manufactured it
- Its waterproofing rating
- Unique features
- Materials used
- How much of those materials were used
Generally speaking, the larger the size, the more materials were used to construct it; thus, the higher the price for larger boat covers.
What color boat cover is best?
Looking at the boat covers on our list, you might be confused about which color is best for a cover. And the truth is that no one color is better than the other. They all have their pros and cons.
White is a wise color option because it reflects light and doesn’t absorb heat but also gets dirty quickly. Darker colors such as black or gray have more UV resistance thanks to the higher amount of dye used to achieve the color and won’t produce glare. But it will absorb heat, vividly display bird droppings & presents the risk of chemical pinking on vinyl seats.
Final Thoughts:
The market offers many boat covers with different features making it challenging to select the best one for you. However, with our top 5 best boat covers above, we hope you now have the information you need to choose one based on your needs. We have considered several features to help make it easier for you.
