boat covers buyer guide
About Cruiser Boats
Cruisers (including day cruisers, low profile ski boats, performance style boats) are extremely popular among seasoned boating veterans and those just getting started with their adventure on the water. There are as many different models and configurations of this style as there are bodies of water to enjoy boating! Many cruisers are used for towing water skiers, wakeboarders and tubers or by boaters who enjoy a bit of speed on the water and the wind in their hair.
Size: 16 – 40 Feet
Propelled by: Outboard Engine - Inboard Engine - Sterndrive Engine - Jet Propulsion
Top Manufacturers
Bayliner - Moomba - Malibu - Tige - MasterCraft - Centurion - Nautique - Larson - Baja Marine - Cigarette
How to Measure Your Boat For A Cover
Before purchasing cruiser or performance boat covers, it's extremely important to measure your boat properly to ensure you have accurate dimensions. Ordering the wrong size 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?
Cruiser 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
