Essential Guide to Purchasing Weighted Boat Covers

The Importance of Weighted Boat Covers

Owning a boat is a big responsibility. Not only do you have to properly maintain your vessel, but you also need to protect it from the elements when not in use. This is where weighted boat covers come in handy. Weighted boat covers are an essential accessory for any boat owner looking to shield their prized possession from sun, rain, snow and more.

How Do Weighted Boat Covers Work?

Weighted boat covers contain built-in weights, typically along the hem or edge of the fabric. This extra weight helps keep the cover securely in place even on windy days. The weights stop the fabric from billowing or blowing away, preventing damage to your boat from weather exposure. Quality covers often have between 0.38-1 pound of weight per foot of fabric.

The weights are designed not to shift around. So once you position the cover in place, you can rest assured that the weights will keep it there without needing constant adjustments. The covers fasten to the boat itself via straps, ties, buckles or snaps to guarantee complete protection.

Benefits of Using a Weighted Boat Cover

Utilizing a weighted boat cover provides numerous advantages:

• Prevents sun damage to gelcoat and interior
• Minimizes weathering from rain, snow and wind
• Deters birds from nesting on your boat
• Keeps leaves and other debris off the boat
• Protects against theft and vandalism
• Extends the life of canvas tops and interiors

Regular use of a fitted weighted cover will help maintain your boat's showroom shine season after season. You'll also avoid dealing with stubborn stains or finding bird droppings each time you take your boat out.

Choosing the Right Weighted Boat Cover

With so many options on the market, selecting an appropriately weighted boat cover may feel overwhelming initially. But if you keep the following criteria in mind, you'll easily find the perfect cover for your needs:

• Material - Quality fabrics like polyester or acrylic withstand weathering without degrading.
• Size/Fit - Measure your exact boat dimensions for a custom-like fit.
• Color - Lighter colors reflect sunlight to reduce interior fading.
• Fasteners - Look for secure yet easy fastening straps or snaps.
• Reinforced corners - These maintain shape and prevent tearing.
• Breathability - Let condensation escape to keep boat dry.
• Water resistance - Repel rain, snow and morning dew.
• UV resistance - Block the sun's rays from damaging surfaces.

Also consider factors like trailering needs, your local climate, how often your boat gets used, and where you typically dock or store your boat.

Caring for Your Weighted Boat Cover

With the proper care, a quality weighted boat cover should last upwards of 5 years. Follow these tips to maintain its protective abilities:

• Inspect straps/hardware periodically and replace if damaged or worn.
• Check and reinforce stitching if loose threads appear.
• Use a fabric guard spray to refresh water resistance.
• Hand wash gently with mild soap if dirty using fresh water.
• Allow to fully air dry before reinstalling.
• Never machine wash or use detergents.
• Store offseason in a dry place away from rodents.
• Avoid pooling water which can stretch the fabric over time.

With proper precautions, your weighted boat cover will safeguard your investment through all types of weather fronts. Just remember to never trailer your boat with the covering still on which can severely damage the material.

Finding the Best Weighted Boat Cover

After learning about the immense benefits weighted boat covers offer, you probably want to get one of your own. But the selection process can get complicated quickly given the number of materials, custom options and accessories available.

As you research the weighted boat covers on the market, keep an eye out for models made of 420 denier nylon or polyester ripstop fabrics. These heavy-duty materials are naturally water resistant and come with UV inhibitors to prevent sun damage over time. Also look for stitched hems, reinforced corners and strap systems that make securing a breeze.

Custom boat covers allow you to input your exact specifications so you get a perfect tight fit for your vessel. But less expensive generic shapes and sizes work well too if you take accurate measurements. Don't forget to factor in poles, accessories and the highest points along with length/beam width.

Optional accessories like pole, motor covers and storage bags help shield all aspects of your boat and simplify offseason storage. Consider useful add-ons to enhance the protection your new weighted cover offers.

Top Weighted Boat Cover Brands

Industry leaders that consistently produce high quality weighted boat covers include:

• Taylor Made - Offers customized fits and durable marine grade fabrics like acrylic canvas and colorfast polyester.
• ADCO - Features non-scratch padded linings and trailering systems with integrated tie-downs.
• Westland - Employs triple vented materials for breathability and stainless steel hardware.

You can rely on big names like these to engineer weighted boat covers able to handle rugged marine environments. They utilize heavy-duty, fade-resistant and waterproof fabrics that withstand years of exposure to the elements.

Protecting Your Investment

Shielding your boat from the effects of sun, wind and rain will pay off tremendously in the long run. Consistently utilizing a fitted weighted cover preserves the hull, interior upholstery, canvas and electronics season after season.

Don't wait until you discover damaged gelcoat, torn canvas or faded seats to pick up a protective cover. Utilize a cover purpose-built to guard your boat from the outdoor elements it encounters. Your future self will thank you when your vessel continues looking showroom ready trip after trip even after many years out on the water!

FAQs

What is the ideal fabric for a weighted boat cover?

The best weighted boat cover fabrics are heavy-duty 420 denier nylon or polyester ripstop. These materials are naturally water resistant while also offering UV protection against sun damage.

How much do quality weighted boat covers cost?

Expect to spend $200-500 for a custom-fit weighted boat cover made of strong marine-grade materials with reinforced stitching. Higher-end covers with more accessories cost over $500.

Should I get a custom cover or a generic shape?

Custom covers provide an exact tight fit for your boat’s unique specifications. But less pricey generic shapes can also work well if properly measured for length, width, and height.

How do I clean and care for my weighted boat cover?

Hand wash gently using mild soap and fresh water if dirty, allow to fully air dry, and apply fabric guard spray to renew water resistance. Never machine wash, use detergents or store while wet.