Putting your money on a boat isn’t cheap. To ensure you get value for your money, buying a few add-ons like the best boat cover material will go a long way.
Choosing a boat cover material that suits your aesthetic while safeguarding your vessel is essential. As a boat owner, you cannot afford to skimp on the material used to make your boat cover. The cover protects your vessel from dust, UV radiation, mold, and mildew, reducing the boat’s shelf life if left exposed.
The best boat cover materials are MSC Heavy Duty, iCOVER, and Anglink waterproof. Polyester-made coverings will last a long time because of it’s outstanding breathability, long practical life, resistance to wear, UV rays, and water, as well as its low cost.
The material is the most important thing to consider when purchasing a boat cover. The finest quality for the finished product, from design to manufacture, is ensured by selecting the best material. If you choose a boat cover made of mediocre materials, you will incur huge repair costs for your boat.
Boat covers range from affordable to extremely high-end, and all you need to do is find one in your price range. We have detailed analyses of the best material for boat covers on this page and a thorough buying guide to ensure you have all the information you require with just one click.
7 Boat Covers with the Best Material
While you may now know the best boat cover materials, choosing the ideal cover is not easy due to the myriad options available. Infact, some malicious sellers may often lie about what their covers offer, which is very disappointing.
Luckily, following our experience with many boat covers, some good while others bad, here are the best boat covers that we can vouch for:
1. MSC Heavy Duty 600D Boat Cover
The MSC Heavy Duty boat cover’s added durability and waterproofing are to thank for ranking this cover as the best among its competitors. This vessel cover has proven exceptionally robust even in the worst weather conditions and resists mold growth and UV damage.
It’s made of marine quality polyester, and the 600D has a double PU coating. The polyester used in manufacture gives the required quality if you want to keep your boat appearing and performing excellently for a lifetime.
The material on the MSC Boat Cover is certified not to change its fitting with regular use. The cover contains an elastic string woven throughout the bottom hem for a secure and customized fitting. The cover also features adjustable straps that have quick-release buckles.
Due to the wide range of colors and sizes available, you can select the ideal one to complement your boat and style preferences. You don’t need to break the aesthetics of your boat.
2. iCOVER 12-foot Jon boat cover
The iCOVER jon boat cover is produced using the finest marine-grade polyester, high-quality fabrics, and double-stitched construction. The cover features a polyurethane coat that improves the vessel’s UV resistance and waterproofness.
The strengthened panels in the bow and stern of the cover are a nice feature that extends its durability and longevity.
Because of iCOVER's excellent aerodynamic fit, towing your boat won't give you any problems. The provided tie-down straps round off the set, and the embedded buckle and strap adjusting mechanism guarantees the preservation of this snug fit.
3. Classic Accessories StormPro Heavy-Duty Boat Cover
The Classic Accessories StormPro is a one-size-fits-all cover. The cover is made from a 600D marine canvas that is 100% polyester, durable, and sturdy. All StormPro covers are built to safeguard your boat from all weather conditions, repelling rain and moisture while ensuring sun sustainability.
The cover has a robust elastic hem fitted with an elastic string for a close, personalized fit. Together with the elastic hem, the StromPro's effective strapping system, consisting of a fast-release buckle that is kept over tight and secure, completes the style.
Another fantastic feature is the holding pole attachment, which may position strategically to prevent water from collecting.
4. Amazon Basics Boat Cover for V-Hull Runabouts and Bass Boats
The AmazonBasics boat cover for V-Hull Runabouts is made for bass boats and V-hull runabouts, as the name suggests. Since the cover is made completely of polyester, it is highly durable, and the fit also lasts longer because the cloth does not stretch or shrink.
The structure of this boat cover facilitates trailering while safeguarding the boat when it is being kept or moved.
The AmazonBasics is impermeable and has simple cleanup, and all you need is a little warm water. Additionally, it is extremely lightweight as it only weighs 10 pounds. What makes this AmazonBasics boat cover so fantastic is the constant fit that doesn't sag with time. You can rest assured that your boat is protected well in harsh weather conditions.
5. AngLink Waterproof Boat Cover
The AngLink boat cover ticks all boxes for the perfect boat cover for boats stored outdoors. It is waterproof, delivers high UV protection, and comes with risk-free insurance.
Due to its incredibly strong fabric and polyester canvas, this marine-grade cover offers boats more than adequate resilience and protection. Wind, rain, snow, dust, and UV rays are resistant.
The manufacturers of the AngLink boat cover went a step forward when creating this boat cover because they incorporated anti-UV and anti-aging characteristics, ensuring the boat stays new all the time.
The set comes with 11 high-density, reversible straps, which adds to the product's extensive list of wonderful advantages. Strong winds won't be able to blow the cover away thanks to the boat’s locking device, which is simple to fasten to the windproof buckles.
Additionally, AngLink included a 3-year company warranty.
6. RVMasking Waterproof Boat Cover
If you’re looking for the best and simple boat covers, look no further than the RVMasking boat cover. This vessel cover is made from a high-grade, waterproof coating, improved polyester fabric, a remarkable 4000mm water resistance, and an anti-UV composite.
Because of the material's sturdy, substantial feel, your boat will be secure.
Because the cover is made from premium plastic, 11 high-density ribbons, and buckles, it stands out among all its counterparts. These qualities help the cover live longer and avoid aging, assuring it will be a dependable buddy for many years.
Ventilation devices are also placed on each side of the tail to avoid water vapor accumulation beneath the cover,
7. GOODSMANN Trailerable Marine Grade Boat Cover
When you only require a great, inexpensive basic cover, the GOODSMANN Trailerable boat cover is a fantastic option. This cover offers excellent defense in moderate circumstances thanks to its construction and materials.
It comprises marine-grade waterproof polyester with a 150-denier PU covering and has everything one needs to safeguard their boat. Additional reinforcement panels are added to the stressed areas at the bow and stern, and these panels are necessary to fasten a cover with straps.
The cover's heavy-duty cord, stitched into the hemline, gives a snug fit when coupled with the rope and stretch ties supplied and fastens to the built-in D-rings in the hem.
Factors To Consider When Buying a Boat Cover Material
When buying a boat cover, the material is the most significant factor to consider before making the purchase. Choosing the best material assures the highest level for the finished product from design to manufacturing.
Here are a few factors to consider when buying the best boat cover material:
Color
While color is purely a preference, certain colors come with perks. For instance, dark colors like black and blue frequently survive longer than lighter colors, and they also have superior UV protection due to their higher dye content.
Although the darker hues are preferred, they become warmer more rapidly.
Storage Area
Before selecting the most suitable material, determine if you will keep your boat inside or outdoors. If you keep your boat outside, remember that the blazing, dry sun's rays and unexpected fluctuations in humidity could permanently ruin your boat if you don't protect it from the weather.
Boats kept outside require covers that are waterproof, tightly fit, and can withstand UV rays.
If you keep your vessel inside, your boat cover does not have to be as robust as one created specifically for outdoor storage. Infact, for boats stored indoors, boat covers are primarily used to protect the boat from dust. In this case, getting a light boat material will suffice.
Breathability
The ability of a boat cover to breathe is an undervalued aspect that is very significant. If the breathability of the boat is poor, it makes the underside of the cover sweat, which creates room for the moisture to build up over time, endangering wiring and electronics. Also, mildew and mold will grow on your water vessel if your cover doesn't breathe well.
Installation Ease
After a long day in the water, the last thing you want is to embark on a tedious task of putting the boat cover on the vessel. Ensure the cover you settle on is easy to put on and remove on the boat. Avoid the unnecessary hassle and bassle of having to spend hours putting on the boat cover.
To know that the vessel cover you’ve chosen is almost perfect, you do not need a team to install it. Just one person and the boat is covered.
Fit
How snugly a boat cover sits is a critical consideration. While it may run you back a few extra bucks, a custom cover is your best bet for guaranteed secured protection. However, you can still get a cheaper alternative with the make-specific boat covers or get a one size fits all type.
Whichever option you choose, ensure the cover fits perfectly and no parts are exposed. If the cover fitting is off, you’ll have patches with cracks and dirt, which isn’t visually pleasing.
Materials Commonly Used to Create Boat Covers
Now that you already know what to look out for when choosing a boat cover, here are the best boat cover materials:
Polyester
Polyester is by far the best material used to make boat covers. If you’re in the market for a vessel cover, your priority should be polyester-made covers before exploring other options.
Thanks to polyester's resistance to abrasion, UV rays, and water, excellent breathability, long practical life, and inexpensive price, you can be guaranteed the cover will serve you a long time.
Acrylic
The only ship cover material widely viewed as preferable to polyester is acrylic. Acrylic is breathable and stain-resistant; however, it's also among the most expensive materials.
Acrylic is perfect for making boat covering because it is sturdy, moisture-wicking, mold- and mildew-resistant, and soft. However, without treatment, acrylic easily burns, produces static electricity, and isn't particularly abrasion-resistant. Additionally, over time, cheap acrylic is vulnerable to ugly pilling.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a simple, practical, cost-effective material used to make boat covers. The material typically comes in two variants that are simple to use due to their straightforward design.
Laminate Marine Vinyl
This special kind of vinyl is laminated instead of just coated or brushed. Laminated marine vinyl offers a sealed protective layer against UV rays, cuts and tears, mold and mildew, and water.
Coated Marine Vinyl
While built to be UV, water mold, and mildew resistant, the layer of protection may not last as the laminated option. It still comes close, though.
Polyvinyl Composite
Due to polyvinyl composite’s strength and resilience to UV rays, mold, mildew, and water, this material is another fantastic choice for boat coverings.
Canvas
Canvas is an organic substance with a cotton core, and its dense thread renders it waterproof. Canvas is widely used in boat covers since it is a durable cloth that resists tearing and ripping easily. Although canvas makes the perfect material for boat covers, many people don’t like this material due to its weight and texture.
How to Maintain Your Boat Covers
Proper maintenance of your boat cover is just as vital as protecting your boat. If your vessel cover is not maintained in good shape, it will not be able to protect your boat from harsh weather conditions.
Here are some maintenance tips for your boat cover:
Clean Your Boat Cover
Your boat cover's lifespan will be considerably increased by regular washing. Using a soft bristle brush, gently scrub off the dirt with a soap and water solution. Once you’re done, rinse the soap with a hose pipe and leave the cover to dry before returning it to the boat.
Use Fabric Guard to Restore the Cover's Water-Repellency
Water repellency on a boat cover is very important because it makes it impossible for water to get to the boat, hindering mold growth.
However, if your boat cover is constantly exposed to weather elements and cleaning agents, its capacity to resist water may deteriorate over time. When the water resistance diminishes, apply some fabric guard to assist the cover's water resistance return.
Utilize and Store Your Boat Properly
Only use your boat cover for what it was destined for. Use only equipment specifically designed to resist snow loads and winter conditions if it was manufactured for outside winter storage.
Do not place your boat cover in the shadow or under a tree since this promotes mold growth. Check your cover for cleanliness and dryness. Avoid rolling up your canvas and leaving it on the ground because it could invite mice.
Address Repairs Immediately You Notice Them
Make careful to have your boat cover fixed as soon as you find any holes, tears, rotten seams, missing snaps, or other problems. You may spend less money by maintaining your boat cover and fixing minor problems as soon as they arise than waiting till problems escalate.
Keep Your Boat Cover Dy Always
Before rolling up and placing your cover in your storage bag, ensure it is always DRY and devoid of any moist debris or particles. Before storing the cover, make sure it's completely dry to avoid the growth of mold and mildew.