It is a big undertaking when shopping for a boat cover. There are many questions to be asked to make sure that you are getting a quality product that will last for many boating seasons. A boat cover can do wonders by keeping the boat clean and protected from the elements and pests. It can be overwhelming to gauge the technical options and designs and price. So, to ensure that you receive the best information before deciding on your boat cover, we will provide our answered FAQ's about boat covers. We Got You Covered!
1. What is marine canvas?
Tightly woven fabric sewn together specifically made to protect your boat from the rain, ocean, wind, and the sun.
We use marine canvas for almost every job that we do: boat covers, helm covers, console covers, T-tops, enclosures, etc.
2. What should I look for in a boat cover?
Confirm that the material is water, mildew, and UV resistant; this is to ensure that the cover lasts and, most importantly, that it protects the boat. Waterland Canvas uses Sunbrella fabric, which comes with a warranty and is resistant to water, mildew, and UV.
Ensure that the boat cover will be made to have a snug yet breathable fit. Waterland Canvas uses tent poles and vents when creating our boat covers to provide breathability to the boat.
3. What materials should you look for?
Marine-Grade Sunbrella
- One of the highest quality fabric options, and our go-to material, for marine canvas. Sunbrella has been a trusted material source for Waterland Canvas even before its establishment in 1989.
- UV, fade, mold, and mildew resistant
- Bleach cleanable and breathable
Stamoid
-Another of the highest quality fabric options that provides a smooth surface look rather than the weave sewn Sunbrella
- Water repellent and vinyl coated
- Powerful UV resistance
It is important to know what materials are being used to make your boat cover, as certain fabrics are of low quality and do not last long in the elements, and are also easily prone to ripping and tearing, such as polyester. Polyester is a budget friendly option, but it will likely result in multiple repairs and/or replacements. The two fabrics mentioned above are what we at Waterland Canvas recommend and use the most and result in a products that outlast items made of lower-quality materials.
4. Is it better to buy a cheap boat cover online or on Amazon?
If longevity and efficiency aren't a concern, then absolutely! The stitching is most likely of poor quality and results in fraying in the sun. Waterland Canvas uses Solar-Fix thread which will prevent fraying and will often outlast your canvas.
Another factor to be aware of, the cost efficiency of a cheaper cover online could result in more frequent repairs or full replacements over time. It also may not provide the protection and coverage that is expected of a boat cover.
5. How are covers installed?
There are multiple different options to installing boat covers. Depending on the company you purchase the boat cover from, they will be installed differently. They way Waterland Canvas installs its canvas is customizable. We have options of buckling underneath the boat, attaching costa track under the top, or the cover being tied off at the bottom with lacing cord. We can use stainless steel snaps, sandbags, or go over the T-top. The one thing that separates us from the others is the different amount of customizable options to install a boat cover, allowing the customer the ability to choose which way they find more suitable to their needs and wants.
6. Should you travel with your cover?
We recommend that customers do not travel with their cover on the boat, as the ties and straps keeping the cover on are not designed to deal with such travels. Also, the elements of the road, rocks and debris, could result in a a rip.
7. What is the process of having a boat cover made?
We can not attest to the process in which other companies make their boat covers, but Waterland Canvas has an efficient and reliable system in place. Once one of our estimators meet with you and discuss design, colors/materials, and price, we receive a down deposit and put you on the schedule. When the schedule gets to your place in line, our patterner will go to the boat and make a pattern of the boat cover. The pattern then gets processed and laid out for our sewing crew to begin making. The boat cover is sewn together with the chosen color/material and is then installed the way you want. We can do this same process at our shop if the boat is brought to it- with the boat at the shop, it usually results in a faster wait time and cheaper price.
8. Should I get a cover even if I leave my boat in storage?
It depends on the storage itself. Is it within a garage or storage unit or is it in the open or on a drystack? If it is the former, with the boat already being in storage, there is less of a chance of damage, it is still recommended to help the boat stay clean and free of dust and pests. If it is the latter, then we highly recommend a boat cover for protection.
9. Factory or Custom-Made?
A factory made boat cover will be cheaper, but the materials will resemble that price: cheap and unreliable. Often, we see cheap boat covers that fade after a few months, or begin to fray from the sun, or have multiple rips from the wind and/or hard use. A factory cover will likely not fit as snug as one would expect from a boat cover. As they are not custom-made, there could be areas or instances in which the boat cover rubs against any protrusions or hard corners that could result in a tear.
A custom-made boat cover will be more expensive, but the materials will be of high-quality and last many boating seasons. With it being custom-made, we can account for any protrusions or hard corners and add extensions, add extra padding, and adjust for any gadgets/accessories on the boat, i.e. ski poles, rocket launchers, etc.
10. How do you prevent pooling water?
You want to make sure that your cover has tent poles to create an incline in the middle of the cover so that water is guided off of the boat rather than it pooling in the middle or other areas of the cover.
11. How do you clean a boat cover?
It is important to know what materials your boat cover is made from before attempting to clean it. It is a safe decision to ask the manufacturer for advice. Be especially careful with bleach.
12. Other Questions to Think About:
How will they reinforce the cover where the snaps are located?
Do they reinforce wear points? If so, which ones?
How long do they say the cover will last?
How is the process of putting snaps on the boat? Are the snaps stainless steel?
Will they use binding on the edges for a clean finish? What kind of binding?
Do they reinforce cutouts?
What type of zipper is used? Metal or plastic?
Do they vent their covers?
Whether you go with Waterland Canvas or not, keep in mind these important questions the next time that you are shopping for a new boat cover. Ask the important questions and ensure that you get the best product for yourself and your boat.
We Got You Covered!
