Choosing The Right Boat Cover:Summer 2019

Did you know that nearly 40 percent of all former boat owners cite storage and maintenance costs as the primary reason for giving up on boat ownership? Although there are costs involved with boating, they don’t have to sour your love for one of the most relaxing, adventurous and rewarding leisure activities available today.

Some ways to avoid boating maintenance and storage pitfalls are as easy as thinking ahead. As summer gears up for 2019, now is the perfect time to practice “preventative maintenance” on your boat. One major way to do that is by investing in a quality boat cover whether you’ll be replacing your old one or buying for the first time.

It only makes sense that you’d want to safeguard your investment. A high-quality boat cover will help to uphold your boat’s aesthetic appeal while protecting its mechanical components. It’ll also work to maintain your boat’s value should you desire to sell it in the future to put towards an upgrade.

Choosing a boat cover that’s properly fitted with carefully chosen, climate-relevant fabric can increase the life of your boat by up to 30 percent. Boat covers also prevent scratches, dents and fading. They significantly reduce repair and replacement costs. Squirrels, raccoons, mice and bugs will need to find a different “summer home” besides your boat, too!

What Brand of Boat Cover Should I Purchase?

Despite the myriad of benefits boat covers provide, some boat owners are still reluctant to take the purchasing plunge. The up-front cost and overwhelming options all claiming to be the best can feel paralyzing to beginner and veteran boat owners alike.

At Savvy Boater, we want to make your decision easier by narrowing down your options to just two industry-leading companies. Carver and Westland custom boat cover and semi-custom boat covers are the best in the industry. When it comes to top-quality boat covers at competitive prices, 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 among U.S. boat owners.

Both companies offer excellent customer service, tried-and-true materials, superior manufacturing processes and numerous style choices. Ultimately, your decision will involve personal preference and what your unique needs require in a boat cover.

What’s the right boat cover for you in 2019? Here are some details to keep in mind so you end up with the best option for you.

Carver and Westland Offer Fabrics and Fits to Suit Every Budget

Both Carver and Westland offer boat covers made from top-of-the-line Sunbrella fabric. Sunbrella is a high-end, acrylic-based material providing excellent resistance to UV fading and mildew while maximizing durability and breathability. This fabric is a great choice for tropical regions but works well in all climates.

Other popular fabrics include Carver’s SunDura and ​PolyGuard and Westland’s Sharkskin series, all made from marine-grade polyester. Each fabric has its own advantages including price and performance. Studying our fabric guide will help you find the best option for your individual needs.

Which Fit is Right for You?

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 to use your cover.

Custom boat covers are the most expensive option available but offer the best fit for your boat. Semi-custom boat covers are a great alternative to a custom boat cover. They still allow for hauling when properly tied down and, usually, at a much lower price. Universal boat covers are made to fit the general dimensions of your boat but are less fitted and, therefore, not appropriate for hauling. Universal boat covers are meant for storage purposes only.

1. Custom boat Covers:
• 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 Boat Covers:
• Fits multiple boats of the same style
• Can be used for towing on a trailer when properly secured
• Browse our Shop by Boat Type section to narrow down your semi-custom boat cover options
3. Universal Boat Covers:
• Fits a variety of boats within a size range
• Great economical choice
• Convenient storage option, but not recommended for use when hauling
• Browse our universal cover selection

Generally, the more specific the fit, the more expensive the boat cover will be. The opposite would also be true on the cheaper side. Again, you first need 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 fit you need and the fabric you should choose.

For example, if you plan to tow your boat with the cover on, your best options are a custom or semi-custom fit. However, if you want something to cover your boat while it hibernates through the winter in your garage, then a universal fit in Polyflex will serve you perfectly, saving you money.

Always be sure to measure your boat before investing in a boat cover. Relying on the manufacturer’s specs can be risky since some boats have different features added after market. This simple step will save you the time and heartache of having to return a semi-custom or universal boat cover that doesn’t fit. It’ll also keep you from being stuck with a custom cover you can’t use. You can refer to our buyer's guide for step-by-step instructions on measuring your boat.   

What Types of Boats Do You Provide Boat Covers For?

Perhaps a better question to ask would be, “What watercraft don’t you provide boat covers for?” Whether you're a recreational boater or like to fish, we have a boat cover that’ll work great for you:

• Pontoon boat covers
• V-hull fishing boats
• Jon boats
• Bass boats
• Deck boats
• Aluminum fishing boats
• Cuddy cabin boats
• Deck boats
• Boston Whaler boats
• Cruisers
• Covers for inflatable boats
• Personal watercraft
• Jet boats
• And plenty more boat types

For a full view of the many boat types we provide covers for, you can visit our boat covers page. Suffice it say that our selection is quite extensive!

When you’re ready to select your boat cover, feel free to check out Savvyboater.com for a wide selection of boat covers at great prices.