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Storing Your Boat for Winter: Why a Quality Cover Makes All the Difference

MAY 20, 2024

When boating season ends, what you do with your boat in the next few weeks determines how it greets you next spring. Improper storage — especially without a good cover — leads to faded gel coat, mildew inside the hull, cracked upholstery, and expensive repairs that could have been prevented.

A quality boat cover is the foundation of good winter storage. Here's how to do it right.

01. Why Winter Is Especially Hard on Boats: During winter, boats face a combination of threats that don't exist in milder months. UV light still reaches your boat even on overcast days. Freeze-thaw cycles stress fiberglass and gel coat. Rain and snowmelt find their way into any gap, pooling inside compartments and under cushions. Wind-driven debris scratches surfaces. All of these problems are dramatically reduced with a properly fitted, quality cover.
02. Winterizing Basics Before You Cover: The cover is the last step, not the first. Before putting your boat away for winter, there are several tasks that will protect your engine, electrical system, and hull.
03. Flush and Fog the Engine: Flush your engine with fresh water after the last saltwater or lake use. Spray fogging oil into the carburetor or throttle body and cylinders to prevent corrosion during storage. Change the engine oil — used oil contains combustion byproducts that are acidic and corrosive over time.
04. Drain All Water Systems: Drain the bilge completely. Flush and drain the raw water cooling system, livewell, and any onboard freshwater system. Standing water freezes, expands, and cracks lines, fittings, and tanks.
05. Protect the Interior: Remove cushions and upholstery if possible, or treat them with a mildew-inhibiting spray. Leave hatches slightly ajar to allow airflow. Remove electronics and anything that can freeze or absorb moisture over months of storage.
06. Choosing a Cover Specifically for Winter: Not all boat covers are equal for winter storage. For cold-weather use, prioritize heavy-duty fabric of at least 900D or 1200D. Ventilation panels prevent condensation buildup even in winter months. Support poles or a frame system create a peak in the cover so snow and rain shed off the sides rather than pooling — a critical detail that also extends the cover's lifespan.
07. Outdoor vs. Indoor Winter Storage: Indoor storage is always preferable. A 600D cover is typically sufficient indoors. For outdoor storage, your cover is the only protection your boat has against the elements for months. Invest accordingly — a 900D or heavier cover with proper ventilation, strong straps, and support structure is worth every dollar.
08. Come Spring: When you're ready to launch again, remove the cover and inspect the boat before hitting the water. Look for signs of moisture intrusion, mildew, cracked fittings, or wildlife nesting. Clean the cover, let it dry fully, and store it properly so it's ready for next season.

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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