You do cover your boat don’t you? Whether you need something simple to slip over the top while she sits at the dock, or a tight, contoured cover tailored specifically to your boat, one of these seven boat covers should do the job.
V-Hull Boat Storage Cover
I think my favorite thing about this V-Hull Boat Storage Cover is that it doesn’t really look like a boat cover. It looks like a cheap tarp you’d wrap around your deteriorating vessel before parking it next to that ’84 Camaro you’ve had up on blocks since ‘87. It’s made of 300 Denier, which isn’t exactly kryptonite to the elements, but it’ll keep the sun off and the leaves out. And it’s cheap. Sometimes that’s all you need. The V-Hull Boat Storage Cover comes in five sizes from 12 to 22 feet, and you can pick one up for only $49.99.
Vortex Heavy Duty V-Hull Cover
The Vortex Heavy Duty V-Hull Cover is another inexpensive cover that looks like it’ll never quite fit how you want it to, but 600 denier polyester is pretty heavy material for the price point. If you just want something to pull over your boat while it’s parked at the pier, this’ll do the job. Plus, Vortex is by far the coolest boat cover name. You can pick up a Vortex for $70.00.
Sportsman 600 Denier Boat Cover
The Budge Sportsman 600 Denier Boat Cover is guaranteed to provide superior protection for your boat. Superior to what, it doesn’t really say. But 600 denier polyester is pretty heavy, and it’s breathable to cut down on mildew. The Sportsman comes in sizes for 12- to 26-foot boats and features a heavy duty shock cord hem and sewn in straps for a “semi-custom like fit.” I love that term. It means the Sportsman will cover your boat, but like every boat cover that isn’t custom-made, it will never cease to piss you off. Oh well. You have to cover your boat, and $110.27 isn’t too bad.
Sportsman 1200 Denier Boat Cover
If you like the Sportsman 600 but want the peace of mind that comes with twice the deniers, the Budge Sportsman 1200 denier boat cover is exactly what you’re looking for. If you’re storing your boat outside, especially over the winter, you want a heavy, waterproof cover. This fits the bill. It has a venting system for breathability, and the seams are taped for added durability and water resistance. The Sportsman 1200 is going to cost you a little more at $191.38, but the protection is worth it.
Carver Styled-to-Fit boat cover
Carver Styled-to-Fit boat covers are a nice step up from even the nicer one-size-fits-all covers. They cost more, too, but you get something that’s at least reasonably close to the shape your boat. The tighter fit is nicer on the trailer, and it has plenty of tie-downs in addition to the built-in shock cord. You have a choice of materials depending on what kind of protection you’re looking for. Prices start at $347.12.
Ripstop B-1600-X4
Wait, what? Budge makes a boat cover even higher up the chain than the Sportsman 600? Indeed. And that force field is the Ripstop B-1600-X4. This multi-layer cover is made from a durable Ripstop polyester outer layer that is 100 percent waterproof with a UV resistant finish. There’s a breathable waterproof membrane in the middle and a nonabrasive microfiber fleece inner layer to protect your baby. The Ripstop comes in sizes for 12- to 26-foot boats and costs $230.15.
Exact Fit Boat Covers
Exact Fit Boat Covers are the most tailored of the bunch. They’re patterned for a specific year, make and model, so they hug every curve and contour of your boat. The Sportsman will cover your boat. An Exact Fit will make love to it. Prices start around $440.