Frequently Asked Questions
Although it might seem somewhat contradictory, your boat cover should provide a tight fit that is loose enough to be breathable. It is important that the design and material allow the cover to breathe and prevent sweating underneath. However, a very secure fit is a necessity if you plan to trailer your boat with the cover on.
The term actually refers to a variety of materials and substrates that are commonly used in the fabrication of boat covers, cabin enclosures, biminis, sunshades, and dodgers. Most quality marine canvas materials are acrylics, coated polyesters, and vinyl that offer UV protection and water resistance.
Whether your boat is stored dockside or resides inside a storage facility, a high-quality boat cover or enclosure will protect your investment from dust, debris, environmental changes, insects, and other verment.
Although marine canvas is a catch all phrase that can include a variety of materials, such as acrylics, polyesters, and vinyl, the synthetic fabrics that American marine canvas fabricators use provide a durable cover that is UV and water resistant.
Most canvas-like materials have a tight enough weave to create a water-resistant barrier without a secondary coating. However, marine canvas with a polymer or vinyl coating is even more water repellant and very close to being waterproof while remaining a breathable material.
No. Condensation inside a boat cover comes from putting your boat away wet and using a cover that fits too tight and is not breathable. If you put your boat away dry and use the right boat cover, it will remain dry and not sweat on the underside.
It all depends upon the quality and fit of your boat cover. Factory boat covers and quality marine canvas replacement covers are custom fitted to allow for towing. However, a cheap universal boat coat will likely start flapping as soon as you hit the road. Most one-size-fits-all boat covers are not rated for towing and will take a beating even on a short trip.
If your boat cover is made from the right material and constructed as to allow for air circulation, it should be okay. Although boat covers and enclosures should be watertight, they must be loose enough or have designed vents to allow air to circulate. If not, you can create a greenhouse effect that grows mold and mildew.
The boat covers and enclosures that we manufacture at Boatswain’s Locker are constructed from durable materials that are UV protected. Cheaper boat covers are often pigment coated which is not as resistant to fading as solution-dyed fabrics where the color goes all the way through the weave. If your boat is stored outside and always exposed to the elements, there may be some degree of fading over the years.
That’s simple. Boat covers should be hand sewn. Your boat cover or enclosure will last much longer if it is double-stitched and correctly reinforced in the right places. It’s a good idea to avoid elastic edge covers. These are easy to slip on or off, but a durable boat cover should have draw cords to tighten it down.
