Selecting the Right Boat Cover Material

Depending upon the weather conditions in your locale, the right boat cover material can make the difference between a cover that protects your boat for years and one that quickly deteriorates. In selecting a cover material, year-round weather conditions are a crucial consideration. Boats stored in the sun will need a boat cover material with good UV protection. Boats stored in humid areas will need a cover made from a breathable, mildew-resistant fabric. Primary considerations for boats that sit under snow or are exposed to heavy rainfall will be the material’s strength, weight and resistance to penetrating water. Boats stored in protected areas and that are seldom if ever trailered will not require the same protective cover as weather-exposed or trailered boats.

While no material will meet every need in all weather conditions or in all scenarios of care and use, the table below will allow you to compare the popular boat cover materials we carry with their corresponding attributes.

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We carry the four main boat cover materials on the market

Poly/Cotton Boat Covers (Double Duck)

A poly/cotton blend canvas cover will suffice if your boat is stored in a covered facility out of adverse weather conditions. Providing good breathability, most of these covers are treated to inhibit mold and mildew and offer some protection against UV damage, though not to the extent of fully synthetic Polyester covers.

Polyester Boat Covers
The most popular boat cover materials, polyester and polyester blends offer options for various weather conditions.

Acrylic-Coated Polyester Boat Covers (Sharkskin Plus) – The most popular material for semi-custom covers due to their high general durability and modest price, acrylic-coated polyester covers provide increased UV resistance and water repellency.

Polyester Boat Covers (Performance Polyguard) - One hundred percent polyester, these covers won’t stretch or shrink, and provide good water resistance with a moderate level of breathability. Strong and durable, they are fairly resistant to UV damage and rain.

Acrylic Boat Covers (Sunbrella) – A special weave of acrylic fibers allows the fabric to be not only water-resistant but breathable, while producing above average strength.

	Boat Cover Basics Selecting the Right Material Getting the Right Fit	Care and Maintenance Preventing Mildew Growth
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