Caring for Your Pontoon Boat Cover

It is also important that you tie your pontoon boat cover down, If you are just storing your boat under cover, you can probably get away with tying it down securely with ropes, but if you plan to trailer it, tie-down straps are essential. These straps are easy to use and provide a quick and secure way to keep your cover in place. A set of 12 straps provides ample options to connect your cover to your trailer. Because you will never know when a strong gust of wind or a heavy rain fall will occur, the tie-down straps need to be secure whenever you cover your pontoon boat. This is particularly important to use tie down straps to secure your cover before trailering your boat. Loose fabric can snap and vibrate as you travel down the road, wearing on our cover or even damaging your finish. An unsecured cover can also lead to a ticket or accident should your cover come loose in transit.

Pontoon Boat Cover Support Poles

Pontoon boats are praised for their roomy decks. But this same spacious deck means you’ll need to provide additional support for your cover. Left unsupported, the expanse of cover over your deck will tend to sag a little and collect debris and water. A cover over an 8’ X 20’ deck can hold a lot of water and at 8 pounds per gallon, the weight adds up quickly and can pull covers loose or even bend or break fixtures. Fortunately there is an easy solution; adjustable support poles. The support poles will tent the cover to allow water and debris to slide off harmlessly. Smaller pontoon boats with decks under 15 feet long typically require 2 supports. Carver recommends 3 poles for pontoon boats 16 to 22 feet, and 4 poles for boats over 22 feet. Carver has strategically located reinforced support pads in their pontoon covers to accommodate these support poles. These pads will protect your pontoon boat cover and will show you likely places to place a support. They also install the socket portion of a snap in each pad to allow you to use the snap ended support pole for easier installation. Be sure to pick up the tie downs and support poles you will need. Many times you can save by buying them as a complete package along with the cover.

Cleaning and Storage

Regular cleaning of your pontoon boat cover will extend the life of the cover keep it functioning for years. Monthly cleaning of the cover is recommended, and is very easy to do. With the pontoon cover on the boat, hose it off and let it air dry. It is that easy! If the pontoon boat cover has accumulated debris, brush off the loose dirt, hose it down, put about ¼ cup mild soap (never detergent or cleaning agents like bleach) in a gallon of water and use a mop or soft bristle brush to clean. Then hose it down and let it air dry.

If you have more stubborn stains, consult the manufacturer on a recommended approach to cleaning. Allow the cover to air dry thoroughly before folding and storing. If you fold or store it wet, you are likely to have the cover mold. A note of Caution: Never put your pontoon boat cover in a dryer. If you are going to store the pontoon cover for your boat for a while, a bag will help keep the cover clean and dry.

Taking care of your boat cover will provide the necessary protection for your pontoon boat and prevent costly repairs. Having a properly fitted pontoon boat cover and using it correctly is as essential as having bumpers and fenders in protecting your pontoon boat for years to come.

We make it easy for you to take care of your pontoon boat cover by offering a complete package that includes the cover, tie-down straps and the correct number of support poles specific to your cover. Just choose Complete Package when ordering.

Find your perfect Pontoon Boat Cover at SavvyBoater.com!