Boat Covers UK
Whether travelling with your boat,
storing it for the winter, or just protecting it from the elements, using a boat cover is definitely worth
it.
With many different styles of boat covers and several
materials to choose from, you'll be able to find a boat cover that fits your needs. Whether you own a ski boat,
fishing boat, sailing yacht, or power boat, protecting that investment is essential.
Quality ?
Many boat owners prefer a standard cover with quality construction, which, because of their loose fit,
accommodate many unique boat configurations, although they are not recommended for use on your trailer on the
road. For that perfect fit, go for a cover that is custom built for your particular type of craft.
Basic points to look for in a boat cover.
A boat cover designed to protect your boat during the winter months against the elements of snow, rain,
Form fitting, made to fit the profile of the boat.
Made to fit to the boat’s waterline. However, if your boat is stored in water for the winter, the cover should
be made to come approx. 20” above the waterline.
Reinforced at the stress points, such as point of bow, windshield, transom.
Can your boat cover breathe?
To avoid mould and mildew or possible dry-rot problems, your new boat
cover must breathe adequately. It is a mistake to trap the moisture in your boat by enclosing it too tightly with a
plastic or a vinyl type of cover.
Certain lightweight fabrics such as 100% marine polyester also can cause problems if you store your boat in a humid
environment on or near the water. These fabrics have a very tight weave which restricts the circulation of air
underneath the cover. This circulation is needed to help evacuate the moisture vapour that is present in most boat
carpets, upholstery, and many bilges and hulls.
Fabric for boat covers
Marine Polyester
In areas where humidity is not a concern, 100% polyester is a great fabric to use for covers when on
the road. Its light weight makes it easy to handle and the tight weave of the fabric really keeps out the
fine dust, and is excellent for areas with high UV problems.
Marine Poly/Cotton
Probably the most popular marine fabric in the industry. The 50/50 Polyester/Cotton content gives the perfect
balance of strength and ability to breathe. Works equally well for on the road covers or mooring/ storage covers.
When utility and value are important, this is your best bet on the market.
100% Cotton canvas This ever popular fabric is used primarily for its low cost and its exceptional
ability to breathe. Used for mooring and storage covers, cotton is water resistant if a water repellent is added to
the fabric during the manufacturing process. Should not to be used on the road. Not recommended for outdoor use
unless used under cover such as a carport.
Ideally the 100% cotton fabric is the best for ability to breathe, but it lacks sufficient strength for towing
purposes and does not last long when exposed to excessive UV rays. If you plan on storing your boat on the water
for the season and then storing it under a carport or in a building during the winter, 100% cotton is a a good
fabric choice.
Acrylic
If you've ever seen a real nice looking awning, boat cover, or piece of patio furniture with exceptionally vibrant
color, chances are it's made with woven acrylic fibre, the strength is way above average and allows the fabric to
not only be water-resistant, it is also very breathable.
Vinyl is a nice low cost fabric designed to be used in open air applications such as bimini tops. The
denim backing is used to prevent the fabric from excessive stretching. Not for use on boat covers. This is a
water-proof fabric.
Weight of fabric
Most fabrics are weighed on a scale in a 1 square yard piece. The weight of the fabric is the weight per square
yard. A 6.5 oz. fabric is a very thin and lightweight fabric in comparison to an 11 oz. fabric which is much
thicker and heavier per yard.
On the road
For use on the road boat covers need to have some sort of man made fabric fibre in the cover. Normally, boat cover
manufacturers use polyester or other fabric to achieve a high degree of rip and tear resistance.
Storage
100% Cotton is the best fabric for storing a boat on or near the water. The 50/50 11 oz. poly/cotton blend is a
great alternative to to 100% cotton if you desire to trailer your boat with the cover on or if your boat is moored
or stored in a high wind area.
When selecting a cover for mooring, try to get a cover with the elastic or bungee cord sewn into the perimeter
rather than the draw-rope. It can be a real nuisance to fit a boat cover when a draw-rope is working against you,
especially if your access to the other side of the boat is limited. With a self-adjusting shock- cord, elastic or
bungee, the cover will more readily take the shape of the hull.
If you will be leaving the boat unattended for extended periods, supporting your cover becomes more important as
excessive water or snow accumulation on a boat that's stored on the water could be a disaster !
Whether you're looking to protect that brand new sailboat or the old faithful family boat that you've had for many
years, chances are, there is a boat cover that will satisfy your needs. Everything from canoes to pontoons, bass
boats to cuddy cabins, with various different materials to choose from. Boat
covers are an economical way to protect your boat.
UK boat covers
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