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Boat Cover Care and Maintenance: How to Make Your Cover Last

MAY 20, 2024

Boat owners spend a lot of time thinking about maintaining their boats. Fewer think much about maintaining their covers. But a boat cover that's not cared for degrades faster than it should — and when the cover fails, your boat is the one that suffers.

The good news: boat cover maintenance is simple, and a little effort goes a long way.

01. Routine Cleaning: Regular cleaning removes dirt, salt residue, bird droppings, tree sap, and mildew spores before they degrade the fabric. For most polyester covers, a simple routine works well: rinse with fresh water, apply mild soap with a soft brush, scrub gently paying attention to seams, then rinse thoroughly. Air dry completely before folding or storing. Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, or pressure washers — bleach degrades UV coatings and pressure washers can strip waterproof treatments.
02. Dealing with Mildew: Mildew is the most common cover problem, and it's almost always caused by moisture trapped under the cover. If you notice mildew spots, act early — mildew weakens fabric over time and can transfer to your boat.
03. Mildew Removal: Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water. Apply to affected areas, let sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly and dry in the sun. For stubborn mildew, commercial marine fabric cleaners are safe for most cover materials.
04. Re-waterproofing Your Cover: Over time, the waterproof coating on polyester covers wears down. You'll notice this when water stops beading on the surface and starts soaking in. When that happens, re-treat the fabric with a water repellent spray designed for marine fabric. Clean the cover first, let it dry fully, then apply the spray and allow it to cure before using.
05. Inspecting for Wear and Damage: Periodically inspect your cover for fraying at seams, holes or tears, broken buckles or snaps, and worn areas at high-stress points like the bow and stern corners. Small tears can be repaired with fabric repair tape or a marine-grade patch kit before they grow into larger problems.
06. Proper Storage When Not in Use: When the cover isn't on your boat, store it clean and completely dry. Folding a damp cover invites mildew. Many covers come with a storage bag — use it. If not, fold loosely and store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and sharp objects.
07. Final Thought: A boat cover that costs $200 and lasts ten years is a far better deal than one that costs $100 but needs replacing every two years. The difference often comes down to maintenance. Clean it, dry it, re-treat it when needed, and fix small damage early. It takes less time than you'd think.

FAQs

At Boat Covers Now, we offer a wide range of boat covers to suit different types of boats, including Pontoon Boat Covers, V Hull Boat Covers, T-Top Full Covers, Central Console Boat Covers, 16FT-18FT covers, 14x16FT-90in covers, and 22FT-24FT Pontoon covers. Each cover is designed to provide optimal protection and enhance the durability and appearance of your boat.

Choosing the right boat cover involves assessing your needs, considering where and how you'll store your boat, and thinking about your local weather conditions. It’s essential to choose the right material that matches your storage environment and climate. We also offer custom-fit options to ensure the cover fits your boat perfectly, providing features like reinforced seams and secure straps. Contact us at sales@boatcoversnow.com so we can assist you.

Our boat covers are made from high-quality materials, including cotton, linen, polyester, and rayon blends. Each material is selected for its specific advantages, such as durability, waterproofing, breathability, and UV resistance, to provide unmatched longevity and protection for your boat.

To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your boat cover, regular cleaning with mild soap and water is recommended. Store your cover in a dry, well-ventilated area when not in use, and inspect it regularly for any signs of wear or damage. Avoid sharp objects that can puncture the material and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for specific care guidelines.

Yes, we offer custom boat covers tailored to fit your boat’s exact specifications. Whether you have a luxury yacht or a small fishing vessel, we have the expertise to craft a cover that not only fits securely but also enhances the appearance and functionality of your boat.

At Boat Covers Now, quality is at the core of what we do. Our skilled craftsmen use a blend of conventional artistry and contemporary methods to create boat covers that meet the highest standards of functionality and durability. We are also committed to environmental responsibility, using sustainable materials and ethical production practices. Our dedication to customer satisfaction ensures a seamless purchasing experience and reliable customer support.

Placing an order with Boat Covers Now is easy through our user-friendly website. Simply select the type and size of the cover you need, and proceed to checkout. We offer various shipping options to meet your needs, and our customer support team is available to assist you with any questions throughout the process. Contact us at sales@boatcoversnow.com and we’ll be happy to help!

If you encounter any issues with your boat cover, such as damage or improper fit, please contact our customer support team at sales@boatcoversnow.com immediately. We are dedicated to ensuring your satisfaction and will work with you to resolve any problems, including repairs, replacements, or adjustments to ensure the cover fits your boat perfectly. For more information, you can also visit our Returns/Refund Policy Page.

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