September fast approaches, and with it shorter days, busy schedules, and less time on the boat. And whether you’re in denial of the inevitable changing of the seasons, as I am, or you’re already looking forward to cool crisp nights, college football, and pumpkin spice lattes, one fact remains; it’s time to start thinking about properly weatherizing your boat for fall and winter. And choosing the right boat cover is the first and most important step in doing so.

The right boat cover, properly fitted, can increase the life of a boat by up to 30 percent. Furthermore, boat covers prevent scratches, dents, and fading. They significantly reduce repair and replacement costs, and deter bugs and critters such as squirrels, raccoons, and mice from turning your boat into their cozy winter home.

Did You Know? Nearly 40 percent of all former boat owners cite storage and maintenance costs as the primary reason for giving up on boat ownership.

I think we can all agree that boat covers are a worthy investment, yet choosing the right one has proven to be a rather daunting task for many boat owners. There are a multitude of options ranging from the type of material used to the type of fit, a host of factors to consider from storage to climate, and an infinite number of personal preferences.

Let’s start by narrowing the search down to just two companies, Carver and Westland. When it comes to boat covers, they’re the only two names you need to know. While there may be a handful of small niche boat cover shops here and there, Carver and Westland have proven to be the most widely sought after boat cover manufacturers amongst U.S. boat owners. They offer excellent customer service, tried and true materials and processes, and numerous style choices. The difficult task now is simply choosing between the two. However, ultimately the decision will come down to the unique set of circumstances for which you are seeking a boat cover and which company provides that cover for you. Here’s a chart to help you compare some basics:

Carver Boat Covers	Westland Boat Covers
Free tie downs & storage bag with every cover Reinforced, double-stitched seams with no raw edges All products & materials made in USA Excellent customer service & warranties 36 colors & 7 fabrics	Free tie downs with custom covers Free vented support pole with semi-custom covers 2 sewn in vents provide air flow and prevent mildew Reinforced hems & wear points 24 colors & 4 fabrics

Next, there are three basic boat cover options to consider as you shop. The one you choose will depend on where you live and how you plan on using your cover. But we’ll get to that later.

1. Custom Fit:
   • Provides an exact fit for your specific make and model of boat
   • Recommended if you'll be towing your boat on a trailer
   • Less expensive than a tailored cover from a custom shop
   • Our boat cover finders simplify selecting covers patterned for your boat
2. Semi-Custom Fit:
   • Fits multiple boats of the same style
   • Can also be used for towing on a trailer when properly secured
   • Our boat cover finders will often show semi-custom covers for your boat
   • Or browse our boat style guide to find a cover for your style of boat
3. Universal Fit:
   • Fits a variety of boats within a size range
   • Great economical choice
   • Conveneient storage option, but not recommended for use when trailering
   • Browse our universal cover selection

Generally the more specific the fit, the more expensive it will be. So why not just buy the cheaper universal fit? Well, you have to consider the climate you live in and how your boat cover will be used. These two factors will help you determine the type of fabric and fit. For example, as mentioned above, if you plan on towing with the cover on, it might be worth investing in the more expensive custom fit. However, if you’re looking for something to cover your boat while it hibernates through the winter in your garage, then a universal fit will serve perfectly, and save you money.

I also suggest taking a look at our help guide before making any final decisions, it’s full of easy to follow charts and tables to assist you along the way.

Lastly, you should always measure your boat before buying a boat cover. This simple step will save you the time and heart ache of having to return a cover that doesn’t fit. You'll find measuring instructions at the bottom of this infographic: 6 Reasons You Need a Boat Cover

Please leave a comment if you have anything to add about buying boat covers. Or if you have questions, please feel free to ask them here, I would be happy to answer them.

• #Boat Covers