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Pontoon Boat Covers: What You Need to Know Before Buying

MAY 20, 2024

Pontoon boats are fantastic — spacious, stable, and perfect for a relaxed day on the water. But covering one is a different challenge than covering a standard V-hull. Their wide, flat profile, elevated canopy structures, and furniture make finding the right cover more involved.

If you own a pontoon and you're shopping for a cover, here's what you need to know.

01. The Unique Challenge of Covering a Pontoon: Pontoons are wider and flatter than most other boat types, which means covers need to span more horizontal area. Many pontoons also have a bimini top, full enclosures, or furniture that creates obstacles and irregular heights. A cover designed for a runabout simply won't work here — pontoon covers are a distinct category.
02. Measuring a Pontoon for a Cover: Pontoon cover sizing typically goes by length (overall length of the tube frame) and sometimes by beam. Measure from the front of the bow rail to the back of the rear rail, and the width at the widest point. Also note whether you have a bimini top or full enclosure, as some covers are designed to fit over lowered bimini tops.
03. Cover With Canopy vs. Under-Canopy: Some pontoon owners prefer covers that fit under the canopy frame, protecting the deck and seating from below. Others use full covers that go over everything. If your canopy frame is sturdy and can support some weight, a full over-the-top cover provides maximum protection. If not, an under-canopy deck cover is the safer and more practical option.
04. Material Recommendations for Pontoons: Pontoons are often kept at docks or marinas, where they're exposed to UV, rain, and humidity consistently. A minimum of 600D polyester is recommended, with 900D or solution-dyed acrylic preferred for year-round use. Breathability matters a lot for pontoons — trapped moisture on upholstered seating promotes mildew quickly.
05. Support and Drainage: A flat cover over a pontoon is a recipe for water pooling. Use support poles or a frame structure to create a slope for drainage. Pontoon covers with built-in pole pockets make this easy. Some owners use a simple PVC frame to create a peaked roof over the entire boat — highly effective for long-term outdoor storage.
06. Key Features for Pontoon Covers: When shopping for a pontoon cover, prioritize an elastic hem or adjustable straps that account for the tube shape, ventilation panels on multiple sides, tie-down straps that work with a pontoon's low-profile design, and reinforced corners at high-stress points.
07. Closing Thoughts: Pontoon boat covers are one of the most overlooked accessories for pontoon owners — until something goes wrong. Sun-bleached upholstery, mildew-stained carpet, and faded surfaces are expensive to fix and almost entirely preventable with a good cover. Match the cover to your boat's exact dimensions, prioritize ventilation, and use a support system for proper drainage.

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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