BOAT COVERS: REPAIR OR REPLACE YOUR COVER BEFORE WINTER
Winter is the most dangerous season for your boat; it can wreak havoc on your vessel (cracked blocks, corrosion, etc.) if it isn't prepared for hibernation. Whether you choose to leave your boat indoors in a commercial storage facility or your garage, you'll need to decide how to cover it so it's protected from the harsh winter environment. The process of winterizing the boat is well known to all boaters as it keeps the vessel covered and ready to take on Mother Nature. In this blog, we walk you through using boat covers to protect your investment during winter. We also answer questions like how to assess boat covers, what boat cover solution is best, what winter issues affect boats, what to look for in a damaged cover, and much more, so keep reading.
Why Covering Your Boat for Winter Storage is Essential.
Several winter issues for boats make it important to cover up your vessel during this season. The winter boat covers can help with the following:
Guard the boat against harsh winter weather.
The biggest winter issues for boats are ice, snow, sleet, and freezing temperatures. If your boat is not covered, water can get in places, freeze, and expand, causing severe damage to the engine, fiberglass, upholstery, and other components. It also prevents moisture buildup, which can make your vessel a breeding ground for smelly mold and mildew. While you're at it, you need to get a strong boat cover that won't collapse due to heavy snow.
Prevent dust and debris.
Most boat owners understand how important it is to cover their vessels when stored outdoors but make the mistake of not doing the same if they are kept indoors. Well, your boat's interior will end up covered in dust and debris by spring and it will be a mess to clean up.
Keep critters away.
Winter weather is harsh, even for small animals. Anything from birds to raccoons, squirrels, and rats try to seek shelter, and your boat will be the perfect place for them to squat. They can scratch up upholstery, chew wires, leave their droppings, and so on.
Why You Should Plan For Winter Boat Covers Before Winter.
Summer is here with us and an excellent time to enjoy boating activities, but this also means winter months will soon be here. As many boat owners know, winter weather is such a huge threat to the continued functionality of their vessels. With all the snow, ice, cold temperatures, and rain, it risks damaging your boat, costing you lots of money in parts replacement/repairs or even buying a new boat entirely. And, as we already said, finding the right cover is the first step to keeping your vessel safe from the harsh winter elements. Therefore, it's important to repair/replace your boat cover long before the first flakes of the winter.
By starting the process early, you'll have enough time to assess your existing boat cover for any damages to see if repairs, replaced pieces, or a total replacement is needed.
Secondly, like any other seasonal task, companies that sell winter boat covers see a surge in clientele in month’s preceding winter. If you wait till then, you might end up being charged more due to the huge demand and probably low supply.
How to Assess Your Boat Cover.
Boat covers are susceptible to wear and tear; rips will happen, snaps will fail, mildew and mold creep in with the dampness, and so on. Even worse, a storm tears open a corner and wreaks havoc on the rest of the cover. Before diving directly to repair or replacement, it would be best to inspect the entire fabric. It can be hard to spot holes and tears, especially when they are too small, which is why you should work in an area with adequate lighting. Give your fabric the tug test by taking hold of the fabric in both hands and seeing if it tears. You can even view the shadow cast by the cover to identify some holes you may have missed.
To make the assessment more effective and convenient, you should do it regularly. Most boat owners conduct routine maintenance on their vessels to keep them performing at optimum levels. While you're at it, why not inspect your boat cover as well. Check for loose snaps, holes in the cover, and deteriorated seams. You'll be surprised how such a small investment of time can yield significant results in avoiding more extensive and costly problems. Be sure to fix the problems as soon as you find them before the cover is fully damaged and needs total replacement.
*Note: Our team at Canvas Craft can either help or guide you through routine canvas repairs.
If the fabric is still sound, repairing is the best option. If not, your money is better spent on a new cover. When your boat cover needs replacing, you have a great opportunity to improve on what was there before.
What Is The Best Boat Cover Solution?
Boat owners tend to make a common mistake of buying a universal boat cover. However, boats come in different shapes, sizes, and designs, meaning there is not a one-size-fits-all cover. The first step to choosing the right cover is to know your vessel's dimensions. Secondly, what kind of material are you looking for? Winter boat covers are made out of various materials, including acrylic, vinyl, polyester, etc. Another vital thing to consider is the features you want: water resistance, UV ray resistance, mold and mildew resistance, straps for tying down, snaps and more. Finally, don't forget the color that will leave your boat looking beautiful.
Essentially, a winter boat cover should keep water, snow, and ice out without encouraging condensation that would otherwise lead to mildew. The cover should fit snugly and have a solid build to last the entire winter.
It all comes down to the kind of boat you have. There's a vast difference between sailboats, fishing boats, and cabin cruisers. Even if the boats are of the same make and model, customizations can make a difference in how a cover fits your particular boat.
With that being said, there are several options when it comes to covering your boat. This includes:
Tie-down boat covers: Are ideal for boats on trailers where the cover is tied to the trailer's frame using bungee cords. This ensures a snug fit all around.
Snap-on boat covers: These use sturdy industrial strength snaps instead of bungee cords for their hold. They fasten into place for a tight fit to keep debris and other weather elements out of your boat and can be custom-fit for your specific boat. In short, they offer a sleek look while protecting the interior of your boat.
Pontoon boat covers: These products protect your vessel from elements like rain, snow, sun, as well as indoor hazards such as dirt, dust, and clutter.
Wrapping Up (Pun Intended).
If you're looking to buy a new cover for your vessel, Canvas Craft can help. We create custom boat covers that can perfectly fit your unique boat. Call now to request an estimate and get started on a cover for your vessel today!