How to Pick the Right Boat Cover
Buying a boat cover might not sound like the most exciting thing on your to-do list, but trust us, your boat will thank you big time. Picture this: fewer leaves stuck in your seats, no surprise puddles waiting to soak your gear, and your upholstery that looks like it belongs on a boat, not a sun-bleached lawn chair.
Whether you’re finally ready to retire that sad, sun-faded tarp that’s been barely holding on or you need to swap out a factory cover that’s seen better days, this guide is here to make the whole thing way less confusing.
1. Do I need a boat cover?
2. What type of boat cover do I need?
3. How do I measure for a boat cover?
4. Why Taylor Made boat covers?
5. Where to buy a boat cover
6. Maximize your boat cover’s lifespan
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Why a Boat Cover is Non-Negotiable
Let’s not overthink it. If your boat spends any time outside, whether it’s bobbing in the water, strapped to a trailer, or parked in storage, you absolutely need a boat cover. Period. Leaving your boat uncovered is like leaving your favorite sneakers out in the rain and wondering why they’re soggy and sad.
So, what exactly does a good boat cover do for you? Glad you asked.
Sun & UV Damage: The sun doesn’t care if you just dropped a fortune on that upholstery. Without protection, your seats and dash start cracking, fading, and looking like they’ve had one too many beach days.
Rain, Snow & Soggy Seats: Mother Nature loves to throw curveballs. A solid boat cover keeps the water where it belongs, outside your boat, so you’re not sitting on a wet cushion every time you’re ready to hit the water.
Leaves, Dirt & Bird Droppings: Sure, nature’s pretty…until it’s all over your boat. Covers keep leaves from piling up, dirt from settling, and birds from treating your deck like their personal restroom.
Curious Critters & Prying Eyes: Raccoons, squirrels, and other critters think your boat is prime real estate. A cover is like a “Do Not Disturb” sign that keeps unwanted guests (both furry and nosy humans) at bay.
In short, a boat cover isn’t just fabric; it’s your boat’s best friend. It saves you time scrubbing, money on repairs, and the headache of dealing with weather damage.
How to Choose a Boat Cover for Your Boat
Now that you know why a good boat cover is a total game-changer for protecting your boat and saving you headaches, it’s time to get down to business. Choosing the right boat cover doesn’t have to be rocket science. We’ll walk you through the steps so you can find a cover that fits your boat and your lifestyle perfectly.
Step 1: Choose Your Boat Cover Type
The type of cover you choose depends on how you use your boat, where you store it, and how precise a fit you want. To make things easier, we’ve put together a handy boat cover style chart to break it all down.
| Boat Cover Type | Best For | Fit Level | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Boat Cover | Occasional use, indoor storage | Loose fit | $ | Affordable and versatile, but not ideal for trailering |
| Semi-custom boat cover | Frequent use, trailering | Semi-tailored fit | $$ | Designed for specific hull styles and sizes |
| Factory replacement boat cover | Exact match OEM replacement | Perfect fit | $$$ | Made to the original specs provided by your boat builder |
Replacing a Factory Boat Cover
Skip the measuring tape and skip the guessing. If your boat came with a factory-installed cover, look for the Ameritex or Taylor Made tag sewn into the original canvas. It includes a part number (P/N) and manufacturing date (DT), and that’s all we need to recreate the exact same cover that came with your boat.
No tag? Unfortunately, without that info, we can’t match your cover to the right pattern from our massive archive.
Here’s how to find your tag and order the right canvas.
Step 2: Measure for the Right Boat Cover Fit
Center-Line Length
This is the total length of your boat from the tip of the bow to the very back of the transom, measured in a straight line. Do not include outboard motors, swim platforms, bow pulpits, or random fishing gear hanging off the edge. We love accessories too, but your boat cover doesn’t need to account for every aftermarket add-on.
Beam Width
This is the widest part of your boat’s hull, usually somewhere around midship. Think of it as your boat’s waistline, and just like pants shopping, getting this number wrong can lead to a sloppy fit or a frustrating return process.
Hull Type
V-hull? T-Top? Pontoon? Deck boat? This isn’t something you measure, but it matters a lot. Your boat’s general style and shape help determine the right cover design.
Semi-custom boat covers are built around these hull types to give you a closer, more secure fit, less air getting underneath, fewer awkward corners, and way less flapping when the breeze kicks in.
Bottom line: knowing your hull type helps your cover work with your boat, not against it.
Step 3: Select Your Boat Cover Fabric
What your boat cover is made of plays a huge role in how well it performs (and how long it lasts). Just like you wouldn’t wear a tank top to a snowball fight, your boat cover needs to be suited for your storage environment, how often you use the boat, and what kind of weather it’ll face. At Taylor Made, we offer two top-tier fabrics that are built to handle the elements and then some:
HotShot®
Lightweight, durable, and water-repellent, HotShot is a solid everyday choice for boaters who use their boats regularly and store them in moderate conditions. It’s made with 400 denier solution-dyed polyester, which holds color beautifully and offers good UV and mildew resistance without adding a lot of bulk.
Great for weekend warriors, seasonal storage, and keeping your boat covered between adventures.
Ultima®
Need something with a bit more muscle? Ultima steps it up with 600 denier polyester for added strength, better water resistance, and superior UV protection. It’s ideal for long-term storage, boats exposed to humid climates, or anyone who wants maximum durability and peace of mind. Here’s a side-by-side look at how they stack up:
| HotShot | Ultima | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | 400 Denier 100% solution-dyed polyester | 600 Denier 100% solution-dyed polyester |
| Tensile Strength | Good | 30% Stronger |
| Coating | Urethane-coated | Urethane-coated |
| Water Resistance | Water-repellent | Enhanced water resistance |
| Breathability* | Moderate | Moderate |
| UV Protection | Good | Superior |
| Color Retention | Excellent color stability | Excellent color stability |
| Weight | 6.25 oz. | 7.5 oz. |
| Ideal Use | Everyday boating and moderate conditions | Long-term storage and humid environments |
Why Taylor Made Boat Covers are the Best Choice
Not all boat covers are built the same, and when it comes to protecting your boat, shortcuts just don’t cut it. That’s why Taylor Made covers are engineered for real-life boating, not just fair-weather storage. From the stitching to the fit to the fabric itself, every detail is designed to outlast the elements.
Here’s what sets a Taylor Made boat cover apart from the rest:
Reinforced Stress Points
We know exactly where covers tend to wear out, so we reinforced those high-stress areas. Whether it’s wind, trailering, or wrestling the cover on and off, strategic reinforcement means your cover is built to take a beating and keep going.
Four-Ply Folded Seams
Fraying edges? Not on our watch. Our four-ply folded seams and double-folded hems add strength and structure to your cover’s edges, so they resist tearing, stretching, and the kind of unraveling that makes other covers retire early.
Trailer-Ready Fit
Our Trailerite® semi-custom boat covers are designed to hug your boat’s shape and hold on tight. With a generous fit tailored to over 35 popular hull styles and a shock cord hem for a secure grip, these covers can handle short-distance trailering without flapping around like a windsock.
Premium Fabric Options
We’ve paired our precision fit and smart design with a rugged, weather-resistant solution-dyed polyester with a urethane coating for top-tier water resistance, UV protection, and long-lasting color retention. Translation? Your boat stays protected, and your cover keeps looking good, season after season.
Where to Buy Your Boat Cover
Let’s be real, there are a lot of questionable boat covers out there with vague “fits most boats” promises and suspiciously low price tags. Spoiler: they usually don’t fit, and they definitely don’t last.
Here’s where to get the real deal:
TaylorMadeProducts.com
Explore our full selection of universal and semi-custom boat covers directly from the source. You’ll get the latest styles, fabric choices, and the peace of mind that you’re getting a genuine Taylor Made product, no guessing required.
Authorized Marine Retailers
Prefer to see and feel the fabric in person? Want help double-checking your measurements? Our authorized dealers are pros when it comes to helping you find the right fit.
AmeritexDirect.com
Replacing an OEM cover? AmeritexDirect.com is your shortcut to the exact same canvas that came with your boat from the factory. Just grab the tag info from your original cover and let us handle the rest.
Top Tips for Boat Cover Maintenance
Keep it clean: Rinse off dirt and grime with mild soap and water. Skip the bleach and harsh cleaners; your cover doesn’t need a chemical peel. Dry it off: Always let your boat cover air dry completely before folding it up. Storing it damp is a fast track to mildew city (and a very smelly surprise later).
Support poles are your friends: Using boat cover support poles or a frame system helps prevent sagging and water pooling. Because no one wants a mini swamp forming in the middle of their boat cover.
Secure it: When trailering, make sure your cover is snug and strapped down properly. A loose cover equals rips, flapping, and sad boat vibes. Store it smart: When not in use, keep your cover in a dry, shaded space. Tossing it in a hot garage corner or wet dock box? Hard pass.
Want to dive deeper into boat cover TLC?
Check out our full boat canvas care blog for even more ways to keep your cover clean, crisp, and crushing it, season after season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boat Covers
What size boat cover do I need?
To choose the right size boat cover, measure your boat’s overall center-line length from the tip of the bow to the back of the transom, and the beam width at its widest point.
Can I trailer my boat with the cover on?
Yes, but only with a semi-custom or factory replacement boat cover that’s designed for trailering. These covers have reinforced stress points, shock cord hems, and a secure fit to stay in place during transport. Universal covers are not recommended for trailering.
What is the best material for a boat cover?
Solution-dyed polyester is one of the best materials for a boat cover due to its excellent UV resistance, water repellency, and long-lasting color retention.
How do I clean and maintain a boat cover?
Clean your boat cover with mild soap, water, and a soft brush. Always let it dry completely before storing. Use support poles to prevent pooling, and store in a dry, shaded area when not in use.