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Best Boat Cover ⁠— Protect Your Boat on the Move or When Moored

Best Boat Cover ⁠— Protect Your Boat on the Move or When Moored

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Any boat seems to be sturdy and durable when you buy it, but if you do not give it the care it deserves and needs, it’s going to be unusable quite soon. Rust, grime, stains of dirt, water spots, and that’s far from all. Can you fix that? Of course, you can. Sand, polish, and wax, and your boat is as good as new. However, that takes time, and it also quires to spend a considerable amount of money on polishes, waxes, other compounds, and tools.

Waxing protects the boat from all of that, but the wax itself also degenerates slowly when exposed to the sun, water, and wind. You can’t help it when you’re out in the sea, the wax coat is your first line of defense. But if you’re storing or transporting your boat, you can also use a boat cover for extra protection.

Product
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
Props
Best T-Top Boat

Budge

B-620-X6 Boat Cover

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Pros

Breathable. It’s a decent breathable PE cover that can easily prevent condensation. Sewn-in trailering straps. You don’t have to worry about the straps sliding off when in transit. They are actually sewn into the cover. T-Top. The only decent boat cover for a T-Top I’ve seen in a long time. UV treated. Extra UV protection can never hurt.

Cons

Expensive. I get it, T-Top covers are hard to come by, but this is a little over the top.

Bottom Line

If you have a T-Top boat, this boat cover is for you

Props

Length: 16’ - 18’ — 24’ - 26’ Shape: HardTop/T-Top Waterproof: yes Breathable: yes Fabric Density: 600D

RVMasking

Boat Cover ⁠

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Pros

Dense. The boat cover is exceptionally dense, and it's great for any situation where you might need a heavy duty boat cover. Reinforced. Aside from utilizing dense fabrics, the boat cover is additionally reinforced with double stitches and triple protection in the corners. UV treated. An extra layer of UV protection. Motor Cover included. A free extra. What's not to appreciate?

Cons

Vents for breathability. While I'm happy that this boat cover is breathable, that breathability is achieved thanks to the vent, which weaken the cover's integrity.

Bottom Line

Perfect for transportation because it can protect your boat from more than just an occasional bug hitting it at full speed

Props

Length: 17’ - 19’ — 20’ - 22’ Shape: V-Hull Waterproof: yes Breathable: vents Fabric Density: 800D

VORTEX

HEAVY DUTY CONSOLE BOAT COVER

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Pros

Canvas. Canvas is an excellent material for a boat cover because of its natural density. Mooring boat cover. While I’ve been careful to choose only those boat cover that could be used for mooring, this one is better than average. Drawstring. Nothing significant, but it's nice to have.

Cons

Does not look cool. Frankly, I’m struggling to think of any real disadvantage, and this is definitely not it. But it does look very simple.

Bottom Line

If you want a mooring boat cover, this is it

Props

Length: 19’ 7'' - 20'6" Shape: V-Hull Waterproof: yes Breathable: yes Fabric Density: 600D

Best Bang for the Buck

MSC

Boat Cover

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Pros

Canvas. Makes the cover suitable for moored boats. Cheap. Usually, looking for the most affordable option on the market is not the way to go. But if it's cheap and good, why not choose it over the alternatives? Tri-Hull. If you need that, here it is. Carry bag included. Quite thoughtful of the manufacturer, but don’t let this affect your opinion.

Cons

Not quite water resistant. You won’t like it if water pockets on top of the cover. Support pole not included. This boat cover performs best with a support pole, but it’s not included.

Bottom Line

A Tri-Hull compatible boat cover that won’t break your bank

Props

Length: 14'-16’ — 23’ - 24’ Shape: V-Hull; Tri-Hull Waterproof: yes Breathable: yes Fabric Density: 600D

Classic Accessories

StormPro Boat Cover

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Pros

Elastic hem. Makes it easier to secure the boat for travel. Support Pole Included. It’s designed for support pole, and you don’t have to buy it separately. Tri-Hull. Not the best fit, but it’s possible to cover a Tri-Hull boat with this cover.

Cons

Not suitable for mooring. You can still use it that way, but it’s better not.

Bottom Line

As long as it’s not for mooring, I recommend this V-Hull and Tri-Hull compatible boat cover

Props

Length: 12’-14’ — 22’ - 24’ Shape: V-Hull; Tri-Hull Waterproof: yes Breathable: yes Fabric Density: 600D

It is crucial to cover the vessel when in storage, short-term, or long-term. Covering a boat when on the water may also be beneficial. The modern range of covers enables you to choose the best option for any sort of craft. I’ve picked 5 best boat covers and also included the Buyer’s Guide so that you could select the boat cover for yourself if you have special requirements. Do note, I’m not recommending any bimini covers or retractable covers in this review. Every boat cover in this review can be used for mooring, storage, and transportation.

Top 5 Best Boat Coverss in 2019

1
Budge B-620-X6 Boat Cover — Best T-Top Boat Cover

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If you have a hard top boat, this boat cover is the only way to go. It was specially designed to fit T-Top boats, and no typical V-Hull cover is going to cover such a boat unless it’s oversized.

But not this cover. Granted, it’s a little too much for a typical motorboat, but for a T-Top, it’s probably the best option on the market.

I’ve not tried covering bimini top with this boat cover, but it should work, in theory. Don’t take it at face value, though. 

The fabric has a density of 600 deniers. While it’s definitely nothing to write home about, it’s pretty decent, and these days, it’s something of an industry standard anyway.

The cover is made from PE, which is both water resistant and breathable. It’s UV-treated to ensure even better protection of the boat.  As for rain or snow, they no longer are a concern as long as you have put this cover on your boat.

Pros
  • Breathable. It’s a decent breathable PE cover that can easily prevent condensation.
  • Sewn-in trailering straps. You don’t have to worry about the straps sliding off when in transit. They are actually sewn into the cover.
  • T-Top. The only decent boat cover for a T-Top I’ve seen in a long time.
  • UV treated. Extra UV protection can never hurt.
Cons
  • Expensive. I get it, T-Top covers are hard to come by, but this is a little over the top.
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2
RVMasking Boat Cover — Best for Transportation

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If you really want to get a heavy duty boat cover, forget about 600D fabrics. Yes, they are pretty durable, and that’s good, but they aren’t heavy duty, not when other, more dense fabrics are available and actually utilized in boat cover production.

This RVMasking boat cover is made from 800D PE, and that, my dear audience, is a game changer. This is what you call a durable boat cover. It is perfect for transportation because it can protect your boat from more than just an occasional bug hitting it at full speed. Even if you hit a small piece of wood, it’s not going to tear through, while it can be quite stressful for a 600D boat cover.

The cover is UV-protected, reinforced, and waterproofed. The fabric is not very breathable, but it’s compensated for with the built-in vents. Still, I can’t help but think they compromise the cover’s overall strength.

Pros
  • Dense. The boat cover is exceptionally dense, and it's great for any situation where you might need a heavy duty boat cover.
  • Reinforced. Aside from utilizing dense fabrics, the boat cover is additionally reinforced with double stitches and triple protection in the corners.
  • UV treated. An extra layer of UV protection.
  • Motor Cover included. A free extra. What's not to appreciate?
Cons
  • Vents for breathability. While I'm happy that this boat cover is breathable, that breathability is achieved thanks to the vent, which weaken the cover's integrity.
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3
VORTEX HEAVY DUTY CONSOLE BOAT COVER — Best for Mooring

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This Vortex boat cover is perfect for mooring. But it doesn’t mean you can’t use it for storage or transporting the boat because you can.

Since it’s canvas, it offers decent durability even at 600D, and the polyurethane lining adds to the waterproofing. The drawstring allows a better fit, but don’t worry, you can always get a different size if your boat is smaller or larger than this boat cover.

I couldn’t find any mention of UV treatment, but canvas is quite good at shielding things from UV anyway.

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Pros
  • Canvas. Canvas is an excellent material for a boat cover because of its natural density.
  • Mooring boat cover. While I’ve been careful to choose only those boat cover that could be used for mooring, this one is better than average.
  • Drawstring. Nothing significant, but it's nice to have.
Cons
  • Does not look cool. Frankly, I’m struggling to think of any real disadvantage, and this is definitely not it. But it does look very simple.
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4
MSC Boat Cover — Best Bang for the Buck

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It’s essential to buy a decent boat cover. It’s also important to save some money in the process. Is there a way to combine these two things? Yes, you can get this MSC heavy duty boat cover. Not that I would call it really heavy-duty compared to some other products, but it’s not weak, it’s made from canvas, and that’s enough for me.

The thing I like best about this boat cover is that it’s Tri-Hull compatible, as well as V-Hull. The storage bag is just a nice bonus, I wouldn’t say no to free stuff. Still, it’s probably included in the price anyway.

The boat cover performs best with a boat cover support pole system, but the cover does not come with one.

Pros
  • Canvas. Makes the cover suitable for moored boats.
  • Cheap. Usually, looking for the most affordable option on the market is not the way to go. But if it's cheap and good, why not choose it over the alternatives?
  • Tri-Hull. If you need that, here it is.
  • Carry bag included. Quite thoughtful of the manufacturer, but don’t let this affect your opinion.
Cons
  • Not quite water resistant. You won’t like it if water pockets on top of the cover.
  • Support pole not included. This boat cover performs best with a support pole, but it’s not included.
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5
Classic Accessories StormPro Boat Cover — Best Tri-Hull & V-Hull

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This is a nice V-Hull and Tri-Hull compatible boat cover, and, unfortunately, it’s not really good for mooring. You can use it for that purpose, but I can promise any results.  But it’s great for storage and travel thanks to the elastic hem, so there’s that.

Anything I can say about this boat cover has been said at one point or another. It’s Made of polyester, and while it’s waterproof and breathable, it’s not as good as canvas strength-wise.

However, this boat cover has a massive advantage over many. It’s a support pole cover, but unlike other boat covers of this kind, it comes with a support pole included, as it should be.

Play Video
Pros
  • Elastic hem. Makes it easier to secure the boat for travel.
  • Support Pole Included. It’s designed for support pole, and you don’t have to buy it separately.
  • Tri-Hull. Not the best fit, but it’s possible to cover a Tri-Hull boat with this cover.
Cons
  • Not suitable for mooring. You can still use it that way, but it’s better not.
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Buyer’s Guide

When you want to buy a boat cover, it’s vital to sit down and think of what you’re going to need out of your boat cover. You’re not getting that cover just because, right? Surely there must be a reason. Well, you need to have a very clear understanding of what that reason is. What do you need to protect your boat from? Is your boat going to be exposed to harsh elements, such as snow? Is it going to stay on the water much? Those are the questions you should ask yourself. Whatever your answer will be, it is definitely something that you want to take into consideration. You will also want to figure out which size and style you’re going to need. Make sure to remember the exact make and model of your boat for that. That can help you to narrow down your options.

Cover Types

Cockpit Covers

If your boat comes with an open deck and the dashboard is not shielded by anything, you need to use small cockpit covers, especially when the boat is on the water. Many covers explicitly designed to protect the dashboards from the sun and rain exist. They are easy to use and easy to attach to the hull of the boat.

Storage Covers

If we are talking about long-term storage (winter is a good example), the cover should hide the boat entirely. For that, you can use custom-made or generic covers.
Custom Made Covers
Custom-made covers are made for your boat specifically, as the name implies. It’s an excellent option in most cases, but it’s most useful when the hull of your boat has a non-standard shape or structures. A custom-made cover will always match your boat. However, such covers are more expensive than generic covers.

Generic Covers

Generic covers can be obtained easily enough, and for a moderate price, too. They are quite inexpensive and are perfect for boats that have some sort of standardized hull shape. When choosing a generic cover, make sure to measure the boat from the bow to the stern or transom, across the beam, and from the waterline up to its highest point.

Trailer Boat Covers

As the name implies, trailer boat covers are used for transporting boats in trailers. They tend to be quite dense, and they wrap around the boat and everything in it quite snugly. Trailer boat covers often come with a specially sewn cover for the outboard motor, which makes transporting the boat even more convenient.Trailer boat covers are made of durable fabrics resistant to minor damage and scratches. Such materials can reliably protect the boat from dust, water, and dirt. They come in different colors and are usually opaque rather than transparent. For extra safety on the road, you can choose a high-visibility trailer boat cover. Trailer boat covers also may have other features. For example, some of them come with windage suppression valves to ensure the safety of the ship on the move. A transporting cover also fits quite snugly to the hull thanks to all the extra linesAnother advantage of these covers is that they make transporting inflatable boats easy. While it’s not that hard usually, however, trailer boat covers make it possible to transport pre-inflated boats. That’s not crucial, but it’s undoubtedly convenient. You don’t have to use the pump when you finally arrive at the lake, and you can put all your fishing gear inside the boat when you’re still back home. You’re saving yourself some time, and you’re keeping some room in the trunk.

Mooring Covers

These awnings for small boats, boats, and yachts are used for long stops. Their purpose is to protect the vessel. Therefore, the design of the parking awnings is made so that they cover the vessel from above from external influence, and provide sufficient ventilation from the inside. Mooring covers are mainly used to protect moored boats from weather, dust, and dirt. A trailerable or off-shore boat cover can also be used for this purpose, but only if they don’t prevent excess moisture from evaporating.  A mooring cover is typically made as a  “semi-hard top” and out of durable, breathable material that fits snugly around the top of the boat and around the boards. The material can be unbreathable if the cover has water-protected vents. Otherwise, the vapor will condense inside, which will cause dampness and mold growth. Mooring covers also stop water, leaves, and birds from getting inside the boat. Most of them have secure fastenings to hold the cover in place when being transported. The most common material for mooring boat covers is canvas. Processed canvas does not let moisture and sunlight through, is durable enough and does not stretch much.

Heat Shrinking Film

In contrast to boat covers whose dimensions should more or less correspond to the size of the boat,  heat-shrinking films do not require much accuracy. You simply unroll the film over the boat hull and heat it with a heat gun. Under the influence of the heat, the film will shrink and fit the hull snugly. This type of coating protects your boat well, sealing it for all intents and purposes. But no matter how good for boat storage heat shrinking film may be, it’s not without its own drawbacks. One of the possible disadvantages is that shrink film cannot be removed non-destructively. If you want to get inside your boat in winter, you won’t be able to, not without ruining the protection. So yes, you can’t use any shrinking film as a full replacement to an actual boat cover as it’s not reusable. The other disadvantage is that you need a heat gun to use the film. So you have to either buy a  heat gun or hire someone who has one to seal the boat.  

Bimini Tops

A Bimini top is a sunblind attached to the deck or boat hull with metal supports. Some of them are designed with side panels attached to the top with zippers. Those can be referred to as closed bimini tops. Bimini top sizes are different: some only protect the cockpit and the dashboard, others cover the entire deck. The main advantage is the protection of passengers and decks from the sun and rain with the ability to move freely around the vessel.  However, biminis come with a huge disadvantage: they have a lot of windage. The boat is moving at high speed, it’s better to remove that top before it removes itself. You should also do that if a strong wind blows. X-GEAR is a good example of what a bimini top actually is.

Retractable Covers

Retractable covers for boats are very similar to retractable rooftops used in cars. A retractable cover is attached to the windshield and stretches back to the stern of the boat. As a rule, such covers are made for specific models to match the exact outline of the boat. There are many types of such covers. Some are designed to withstand high speed, and strong wind and have very low windage. Other models allow passengers to move on the boat freely, not unlike bimini tops.When choosing a cover, pay the most attention to functionality and durability. A well-designed cover will adequately protect your boat from getting stained and damaged by water, weather, and sun, both in-use and during long-term storage. 

Fabric

The choice of material is crucial when picking a boat cover. I can’t say that some sort of cloth is better than the others. Alas, there is no such thing as the supreme boat cover fabric, that would be just silly. Good, but silly. In the real world, your choice depends on the place where your boat is going to be stored, whether you plan transporting it from place to place,  and other little details. For example, if the boat is stored in a high humidity area, you need a breathable fabric for your boat cover to prevent mold and fungus from growing. If you plan on storing it in the backyard, you need a dense waterproof fabric that will keep rain, fog, and moisture in general away. Surprisingly for many rookie boaters,  dark fabrics increase the resistance of the boat cover to UV radiation and had made the cover last longer. Just like that, the color is essential, just as much as the fabric itself.

Synthetics

Nylon, PE, polypropylene, all those are waterproof and hydrophobic (although nylon does absorb some water). Boat covers made from these fabrics are great for protecting your boat from water, rain, mist, and moisture.

PVC

PVC is although synthetic, but it’s rarely made into woven fabrics, if ever. PVC is completely waterproof and retains heat very well. Too well, in fact. It’s also not heat resistant.

Canvas

Canvas is usually not waterproof, but not when it’s been treated with hydrophobic compounds. Waterproofed canvas makes a terrific mooring fabric.

Oxford

The Oxford blend of nylon and PE is entirely waterproof and breathable. It is probably the most popular boat cover material. 

Composite Materials

There is no requirement for a boat cover to be made from a single type of fabric. They are often used in combination. For instance, PVC can be used side by side with PE and some extra insulation.

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Alex Frost

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Alex Frost
7 years ago

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