Choosing a Boat Cover That Fits Your Boat and Needs
Getting the right fit for your boat cover is important. If you are using the cover while transporting your boat, you’ll need a pretty good fit. This will help assure that the cover for the boat won’t flap or rub in transit, reducing your boat cover’s life and possibly damaging your boat’s finish. If you plan to only use your boat cover while you’re storing your boat, either dry or moored, then getting a precise fit won’t be as important.
Universal, Semi-custom or Custom Boat Covers -
Which is right for you?
There are two major components to getting the right fit for your boat cover:
The general fit will be determined by the type of cover you select. Boat covers are typically broken down into three general types, often referred to as Universal, Semi-custom and custom boat covers.
Universal Boat Coversare designed to fit a wide range of boat styles within a broad size range. This is typically the least expensive option, but the trade off is that the fit will not be snug and the cover won’t be suitable for trailering. If you are only using the boat cover for mooring or storage, a universal boat cover may offer a good solution for you. Example: A universal boat cover might fit V-Hull or Tri-Hull boats from 16 to 18 feet ling and between 80 and 96" wide. >>View our Universal Boat Covers
Semi-Custom Boat Coversare designed to fit a hull and deck style in a specific size (or narrow range.) They will provide a much closer fit than a universal boat cover and will be suitable for trailering if sized correctly and secured. The semi-custom boat cover is a blend between the universal and custom boat covers and is the most popular type of cover on the market. Remember that while these boat covers are made for a specific style and size of boat, the details on models that fit that category may vary, for example the windshields on several similar models may be located somewhat differently. The manufacturer of a semi-custom cover will try and place the windshield pocket or other features unique to that cover, where they are most likely to fit for most common boats in the size range. There is no guarantee that it will be exactly right for your boat. Example: A semi-custom boat cover might fit Tournament Style Bass Boats of 19’ 6" by 90". >> Use our Boat Cover Finder
Custom Boat Coverscan either be custom fabricated for your boat by a canvas shop – often a spendy proposition, or more frequently, they are designed for a specific make, model and year of boat with common options. Typically custom boat covers are available only for the most popular models and configurations. Finding a custom cover for your boat will provide the best fit possible, but you’ll typically pay more for this type of cover. Example: A custom cover might fit a 2005 Crownline 206 LS. >> Use our Boat Cover Finder
Comparing Boat Cover Styles |
|
Universal
Boat Cover |
Semi-Custom
Boat Cover |
Custom
Boat Cover |
| Uses |
|
- Mooring
-
Storage
- Trailering
|
- Mooring
-
Storage
- Trailering
|
| Fit |
Good |
Better |
Best |
| Price |
typically $50-$150 |
typically $100-$300 |
typically $200-$600 |
Know your boat size for the best boat cover fit possible
The second factor in getting the right fit is measuring your boat accurately. If you are looking for a universal or semi-custom cover for your boat, you will need to know the length and beam of your boat. We always recommend actually measuring it, rather than relying on the literature.
 Image Courtesy of Taylor Made Products
To measure the length, measure from the point of the bow to the center of the transom.
To measure the beam width, measure the width at the widest part of your boat.
Note: Measure in a straight line, not up over the windscreen or other fixtures as you will get an incorrect measurement.
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