Seasonal Care: Choosing the Best Boat Cover For Winter

Table of Content

Do you need a Boat Cover in winter?

Types of Boat Covers

Materials used in making Boat Covers

Essential Features of Winter Boat Covers

How to Measure Your Boat for the Perfect Cover

How to store your boat with a cover

Winter is here! Your boat can feel the chill, too. What your boat needs this season is a quality boat cover that can protect it from the harsh winter elements. It also saves you from costly repairs your boat might incur if damaged. This simple practice can extend your boat's life. Let’s talk about how you can pick the best boat cover for winter and ensure your boat is ready for the next season.

Do you need a Boat Cover in winter?

Leaving your boat exposed during winter is like leaving your favorite leather sofa out in the rain—it’s going to take a beating. Snow, ice, rain, and fluctuating temperatures can wreak havoc on your boat’s exterior and interior. Here’s why a boat cover is non-negotiable:

1. Protection from Environmental Elements:

Winter brings a mix of harsh conditions, including snow, rain, frost, and ice. These elements can be incredibly damaging to an uncovered boat.

• Moisture Damage: When discussing winter elements, moisture poses the greatest threat to a boat. Snow and ice may melt, infiltrate the boat, and then refreeze. This may lead to fissures in fiberglass or harm to furnishings and electronic devices. Maintaining contact with moisture may result in mold, mildew, and wood rot, which can all be expensive to repair.
• Debris Accumulation: Without a cover, dirt, trash, and fallen leaves can gather inside your boat, blocking drainage systems. This can further lead to stains that are difficult to remove.

A waterproof and breathable boat coveracts as a barrier, keeping your boat dry, clean, and free from damage throughout the winter.

2. Preserves Paint and Finish:

• It's a common misunderstanding that UV radiation drops throughout the winter. The sun's rays can still damage your boat's paint and finish, even though they might not feel as strong.
• UV Exposure: Over time, UV rays cause the paint and protective coatings of your boat to deteriorate, fading and cracking. Snow and ice can exacerbate this damage by adding moisture and salt to the combination. 
• Finish Protection: A high-quality cover with UV protection will keep your boat's brilliant color and polished finish intact. This helps preserve your boat's market value and aesthetic appeal.

3. Keeps Pests Controlled:

In the winter, insects seeking a warm, protected location to nest are drawn to boats that aren't covered. If rodents, birds, or insects settle on your yacht, they can do major damage.

• Rodent Damage: Mice and rats have a tendency to gnaw through insulation, upholstery, and wiring, leaving behind a costly mess that needs to be fixed.

• Bird Droppings and Nests: Birds might build nests in outdoor areas, and their droppings have the potential to contaminate and harm surfaces.
• Insect infestations might result in extra cleanup work since spiders and other insects can spin webs or leave behind residue.

A secure, snug-fitting cover ensures that pests stay out, saving you from dealing with unwanted tenants.

4. Saves You Money:

• Although a good boat cover may appear to be a one-time expense, it is truly an investment that yields benefits by preventing costly repairs and maintenance.
• Avoid structural damage: By utilizing a cover, you can successfully safeguard your boat's deck, hull, and interior from damage caused by winter weather.
• Reduced Cleaning and Upkeep: With your boat covered, you can hit the water faster as you'll spend less time in the spring on cleaning and repairs.
• Prolonged Longevity: By protecting your boat in the off-season and enhancing its total lifespan, a cover guarantees that you maximize your investment.

Types of Boat Covers

When shopping for aboat cover, you’ll encounter several types. Each serves a unique purpose, and the best one for you depends on your boat and storage conditions.

Custom-Fit Boat Covers
Custom-fit boat coversare the gold standard in boat protection. These covers are specifically designed for your boat's make and model, ensuring a precise fit that offers maximum coverage and protection.

Features:

• Exact measurements tailored to your boat.
• Snug fit with no gaps, reducing the chances of water pooling or wind damage.
• Reinforced areas for high-stress points, such as corners or railings.

Best For:

• Boat owners who prioritize top-tier protection.
• Boats are stored outdoors in harsh winter climates with heavy snow, rain, or high winds.

Pros:

• These are tailor-made for your specific boat model, ensuring a snug fit. They provide maximum protection and won’t shift or loosen during harsh weather.

Cons:

• They can be pricey and may require a longer wait time to get made.

Semi-Custom Boat Covers

Semi-custom boat coversare designed to fit a range of boats with similar shapes and sizes. They are a good mix of cost-effectiveness and functionality. This makes them a popular choice for many boat owners.

Features:

• Made to fit multiple boat models within a specific category (e.g., bass boats, pontoons, or bowriders).
• Often include adjustable boat cover straps or elastic hems for a tighter fit.

Best For:

• Boat owners are looking for a reasonably priced cover with decent protection.
• Boats are stored in mild to moderate winter conditions.

Pros:

• Designed to fit a range of similar boat styles and sizes, semi-custom covers are more affordable than custom options.

Cons:

• They might not fit as perfectly, leaving some areas exposed or vulnerable to pooling water.

Universal Boat Covers
Universal covers are very affordable and widely available. These covers are designed to fit a broad range of boats, regardless of their size or type.

Features:

• One-size-fits-all approach with adjustable straps or drawstrings.
• Lightweight and easy to install.

Best For:

• Temporary or short-term use.
• Boats are stored indoors or in covered areas where weather exposure is minimal.

Pros:

• These are the most affordable and widely available options. They work well for short-term or mild winters.

Cons:

• The one-size-fits-all approach often results in loose-fitting covers that may not withstand heavy snow or wind.

Shrink Wrap

Shrink wrap is a professional solution that provides unmatched protection for boats during winter storage. A specialized plastic film is heat-sealed over the boat, creating a tight, waterproof barrier.

Features:

• Completely seals the boat, leaving no areas exposed to moisture or debris.
• Can include vents to prevent condensation buildup.

Best For:

• Boat owners in regions with extremely harsh winters.
• Long-term winter storage.

Pros:

• This is a temporary, professional solution that offers unmatched protection during winter. It completely seals your boat, preventing any moisture or debris from getting inside.

Cons:

• Shrink wrapping can be expensive, and it’s a single-use option—not the most eco-friendly choice.

Materials used in making Boat Covers

The material of your boat cover is a game-changer. It determines how durable, waterproof, and breathable the cover will be. Here are the most common materials:

1. Polyester

• Benefits: Durable, lightweight, and resistant to UV rays and mildew.
• Ideal for: Boats stored outdoors in regions with mild winters.

2. Canvas

• Benefits: Heavy-duty and breathable, which helps prevent mold and mildew.
• Ideal for: Boats stored in areas with heavy snowfall.

3. Vinyl-Coated Fabric

• Benefits: Waterproof and highly resistant to abrasions and UV rays.
• Ideal for: Boats stored near water or in areas prone to heavy rain.

4. Polyethylene

• Benefits: It is inexpensive and great for short-term use.
• Ideal for: Temporary storage or covering smaller boats.

Essential Features of Winter Boat Covers

Let’s take a look at some features you should look for while shopping for yourboat cover. 

Waterproofing

When you are shopping for a winter boat cover, find one with waterproofing. This feature can protect your boat from the effects of snow, sleet, rain, and ice. Remember, if moisture enters any part of your boat, it can cause corrosion, mold, mildew, and upholstery damage. Thus, to keep your boat safe from all the abovementioned factors, use a high-quality boat cover.

What to Look For:

• A high-quality waterproof coating such as polyurethane or PVC backing.
• Double-stitched or heat-sealed seams to prevent leaks.
• Covers with a water-resistance rating, often measured in millimeters (e.g., 1,000mm or higher is ideal).

Breathability

The next feature to look for when selecting a good boat cover is breathability. Vapors can get trapped inside the boat cover, causing condensation and creating perfect conditions for mold and mildew to grow. One way to prevent this problem is to use a permeable cover that lowers the chance of mold and mildew by keeping moisture from becoming trapped underneath.

What to Look For:

• Covers are made from breathable materials like canvas or polyester using microporous technology.
• Built-in ventilation systems, such as vents or mesh panels, allow airflow without compromising waterproofing.
• A balance between breathability and durability, as overly porous materials might sacrifice waterproofing.

UV Protection

Contrary to popular belief, UV radiation can still harm your boat in the winter, particularly in areas with sunny days and reflective snow. Long-term exposure can cause the cover and the boat's exterior to fade, crack, and corrode.

What to Look For:

• Covers with UV-resistant coatings or treatments to block harmful rays.
• Materials such as acrylic-coated polyester, which are naturally UV-resistant.
• Dark-colored covers, which absorb UV rays, or reflective covers designed to deflect sunlight.

Reinforced Seams

Seams are often the weakest point of anyboat cover. Without reinforcement, seams can tear under the stress of snow accumulation or high winds. Choosing a cover with reinforced seams ensures durability and extends the life of the cover.

What to Look For:

• Double-stitched or taped seams for added strength.
• Heat-sealed seams, which create a waterproof bond.
• Reinforcement in high-stress areas such as corners, edges, or around attachments like cleats or railings.

Elastic Hem and Straps
A snug fit is critical for preventing the cover from blowing off in high winds or sagging under the weight of snow. Elastic hems and adjustable straps help keep the cover securely in place, ensuring full protection for your boat.

Material Durability: Tough Enough for Winter

The boat cover's resistance to severe winter weather depends on its material. The ideal material balances UV resistance, breathability, waterproofing, and overall strength.

What to Look For:

• Robust materials such as canvas, vinyl-coated textiles, or marine-grade polyester.

• Denier-based strength and tear resistance (e.g., 600D is great for winter). 
• Resistance to cold cracking to keep the material from breaking easily in extremely cold temperatures

Built-In Ventilation: Fighting Condensation

Integrated ventilation systems are a game-changer for winter boat covers. They allow air to circulate under the cover while keeping water and debris out.

What to Look For:

• Vents are positioned on both ends of the cover for cross-ventilation.
• Adjustable or sealable vents to adapt to changing weather conditions

Warranty

A solid warranty is a sign that the manufacturer stands by their product. It also gives you peace of mind, knowing you’re covered if the cover fails prematurely.

What to Look For:

• Warranties that cover material defects, seam failures, or UV damage.
• Longer warranty periods (e.g., 3-5 years) indicate higher quality.

How to Measure Your Boat for the Perfect Cover

Getting the right boat cover size is important. Too small, and it won’t cover your boat; too large, and it’ll flap in the wind, potentially causing damage. Follow these steps to measure your boat:

Always refer to the manufacturer’s sizing chart to find the best fit.

How to store your boat with a cover

Wear and tear can happen to your boat even when not in use. That is why storing your boat properly matters a lot. Here are some tips to make the most out of winter storage:

1. Indoor Storage: If you have access to a garage or storage facility, use it! Indoor storage adds an extra layer of protection.
2. Outdoor Storage: If outdoor storage is your only option, place your boat in a shaded, sheltered area. Use supports to prevent water from pooling on the cover.
3. Add Ventilation: Many boat covers have built-in vents, but you can also use vented poles to improve airflow.
4. Check Regularly: Once it’s covered, don’t forget about your boat! Inspect it periodically to ensure the cover is secure and snow buildup-free.

Conclusion

When you decide to buy a cover, consider it a minor investment in your boat's future. With a quality boat cover secured, you'll be set to take to the water once the ice thaws, free from concerns about winter's effects. Ultimately, your boat warrants top-notch maintenance, even while it’s out of the water.