To maintain the appearance and sheen of a pontoon boat, protect it from nature’s damaging elements such as rain, sun, dust and snow, and to increase its life expectancy, a pontoon boat cover is an absolute necessity. An investment in a boat cover can pay high dividends. It protects the underneath equipment and furnishings, which saves the owner tremendous amounts of money on costly repairs.
Importance Of Pontoon Boat Covers
Pontoon boats have massive decks which can be customized according to the owners’ preferences. Customers can have extended lounge areas, sun pads and many more similar luxurious options. Thus, pontoon boats are quite expensive, and without a cover, they would wear out ten times faster. To protect the significant investment, it makes sense that pontoon boats should be protected using the best covers.
Pontoon boats usually take a lot of abuse both on and off water. Weather causes considerable wear and tear to the boat. Additionally, the corrosive effects of saltwater present another threat to the pontoon boat. It becomes very important to cover pontoon boats when they are not in use and when they are in winter storage.
Choosing The Best Pontoon Boat Cover
There is a plethora of options available when it comes to boat covers. These are manufactured by different brand and have different materials. Choosing the best pontoon boat cover comes down to a few basic considerations.
Boat Style
Pontoon boats come in different styles and designs. Several factors must be considered to choose the best pontoon boat cover. These factors include: whether the pontoon boat has a Bimini top or a fold down top, the size of the rails, if the deck is fully or partially enclosed, and whether fishing chairs are present front or aft.
Cover Type
Mooring Covers: As the name suggests, mooring covers are used when the boat is not in use and is moored. The cover may fit the boat tightly or it may be a little loose. A mooring cover is generally not suitable for towing.
Trailerable Covers: Trailerable covers are designed aerodynamically and allow a boat to be towed. These reduce the wind drag at high speeds. The may also be used for mooring depending on their design.
Console Covers: Console covers are specially designed to cover the console of the boat that houses equipment and gadgets. These may at most cover the helm chair but leave the rest of boat exposed.
Snap-On Covers: Snap-on pontoon boats covers are another type of cover that would fit into either the mooring or trailering types of covers. Snap-on covers specifically refer to how the cover is attached to the pontoon boat rather than its design. These covers provide a more robust cover because they are attached using snaps unlike the conventional tie-down styles.
Custom Fit vs. Universal Covers
A custom fit cover is manufactured exactly to the boat’s dimensions. They mirror every curve and bend of the boat and fit tightly. Every make or model of a boat will have a different custom fit cover. A custom cover is ideal for both mooring and trailering.
A universal cover is designed to accommodate the maximum number of boat models while minimizing the deviation from the boat’s shape. These covers maybe used for mooring but are not recommended for trailering. During trailering, parts of the cover might be loose and flap about in high winds which can damage the boat’s surface.
Choosing the best pontoon boat cover between custom fit and universal covers comes to the individual preferences and whether the boat will be towed or not.
Fabrics
Pontoon boat covers are available in different grades of fabrics. Each grade has varying resistance to water, heat, mildew, sun and UV rays. The cover’s durability and life-expectancy also depends on the fabric. The higher the quality, the more expensive the fabric will be. Fabrics are covered by different length of warranties. The right fabric will depend on the environment the fabric will be exposed to, the budget, and the best quality available for the money.
Best Pontoon Boat Covers
Carver Covers
Carver Covers is one of the best manufacturers of pontoon boat covers with an experience of over 30 years. They have the Styled-to-Fit and Specialty pontoon boat cover series. Fabrics they use include the Sun-Dura with 7-year warranty, Performance Poly-Guard with 5-year warranty and Double Duck with 3-year warranty.
Westland Covers
Westland is a well acclaimed fabricator of the best pontoon boat covers. They have the Exact Fit and Select Fit ranges of boat covers. Fabrics used include the Sunbrella with 10-year warranty, Sharkskin Supreme with 5-year warranty and Sharkskin Plus with 3-year warranty.
National Boat Covers
National boat covers has been offering high-quality marine grade boat covers for 30+ years. All of their products are made in North America. Their pontoon boat covers are available in four brands: WindStorm Elite, WindStorm CoolTech, WindStorm, and SilverCloud. All of their pontoon boat covers are made using durable waterproof marine grade fabrics that resist UV rays and mildew to keep your boat looking pristine. Their brands offer different materials (Sunbrella, Sunflair, Aqualon Edge, etc.) with warranties ranging from 7 to 10 years.
Seal Skin Covers
Seal Skin offers high-quality pontoon boat covers that tick all the right boxes. Their pontoon covers are available in a variety of sizes, and colors. They are extremely lightweight and durable, making them easier for you to assemble and disassemble. Even though the covers are water resistant, they are still breathable to reduce moisture and prevent mold and mildew growth. Seal skin covers are available in a wide variety of materials to choose from depending on where you are storing your boat. If you are storing it in a garage, then you can choose our light-duty cover. For outdoor storage, you can choose a more durable cover that’s mold and mildew-resistant.
Conclusion
In conclusion, investing in the right pontoon cover is essential for protecting your boat from the elements, extending its lifespan, and saving on future maintenance costs. Whether you choose a custom-fit, snap-on cover or a more universal option, prioritizing quality materials and features like waterproofing and UV resistance will ensure your boat stays in top condition. By selecting the best pontoon cover for your needs, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your boat is protected and ready for use whenever you hit the water.
