boat covers buyer guide
About Ski and Wakeboard Boats
There is nothing like a day on the water skiing and boarding. Whether with family or friends, this activity has its own bit of magic. Ski boats are designed to produce the flattest wake possible to aid the skier as they gracefully slalom from side to side. Wakeboard boats are designed to throw up the largest wake so that boarders have ample height for jumps and tricks. Boaters can easily find boat models that are specifically designed for skiing, boarding or both.
Size: 16 – 28 feet
Propelled by: Inboard Engine, Sterndrive Engine, Jet Propulsion
Top Manufacturers
MasterCraft - Tige - Moomba - Malibu - Nautique
How to Measure Your Boat For A Cover
Before purchasing ski and wakeboard boat covers, it's extremely important to measure your boat properly to ensure you have accurate dimensions. Ordering the wrong size ski or wakeboard boat tops can lead to poor performance, premature wear, bagging and sagging, and overall frustration when trying to put it on your boat. But measuring your boat is quick and easy if you follow our helpful instructions!
- Measure the centerline length
Measure from the tip of the bow to the center of the stern in a straight line without measuring up or around obstacles.
- Measure the beam width
Measure your boat side-to-side in a straight line at the widest point (outside to outside), without measuring up or around obstacles.
- Additional tips
- Don't rely on the owner's manual to provide accurate measurements
- Be sure to include the entire length, factoring in the dimensions of any additional features such as a trolling motor, center console, jack plate, aftermarket pulpit, anchor davit or swim step.*
*If you have a swim step, measure for the length of the step only. You can add this length to the centerline length for your boat cover, or keep it separate if you intend to buy a separate swim step cover.
Want to see how to measure your boat? Check out this quick video from SavvyBoater.
Which Fabric Should I Choose?
Ski and wakeboard boat covers are made from a variety of fabrics, including acrylic, polyester, cotton, and mixed blends. You should always choose a fabric that is best suited for the climate where it will be used.
- High Humidity:
Choose a fabric with high breathability and mildew resistance ratings.
- Heavy Rain and/or Snow:
Choose a fabric with a high water repellency rating.
- Hot and/or Dry:
Choose a fabric with high UV/fade resistance and colorfastness ratings.
If you plan to trailer your boat with the cover, choose a fabric with a high durability rating.
|
| Fabric Name |
Breathability
|
Water Repellency
|
Mildew Resistance
|
UV/Fade Resistance
|
Colorfastness
|
Durability
|
Warranty (years)
|
Overall Rating
| |
ACRYLIC FABRICS |
Sunbrella |
5
|
4
|
5
|
5
|
5
|
5
|
10
|
4.83
|
POLYESTER FABRICS |
SunDura |
4 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
7 |
4.67 |
Sharkskin Supreme |
4 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
7 |
4.33 |
Performance Poly-Guard |
5 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
4.50 |
Poly-Flex |
5 |
4 |
5 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
4.17 |
Mossy Oak® Camouflage |
5 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
4.17 |
Sharkskin Plus (acrylic coated polyester) |
3 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
3.67 |
Sharkskin |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3.00 |
COTTON FABRICS |
Double Duck (cotton/poly blend) |
5 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
3.67 |
Boat Duck |
5 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
3.50 |
Rating Scale: 5 = Premium | 4 = Very Good | 3 = Good | 2 = Fair | 1 = Poor