Protecting your investment for water sports can be as important as the investment itself and since hundreds, if not thousands of dollar have been spent on the boat, maintaining it with a fitted boat cover can save a lot of money on maintenance in the long run. Although there are really only two choices in materials for a boat cover, there is no established difference that gives a clear advantage to one over the other.
The materials usually used for are canvas or plastic and there are pros and cons for both materials. However, the important thing is to have a boat cover to help minimize the time you spend on cleaning and repairing your boat due to exposure to the elements. It is not something that is put on at the end of the season and removed in the spring. A boat cover should be used any time the boat is not in use and especially during transport.
The first specification for a boat cover is that it is made to fit the boat. It should follow the curve and style of the vessel and have an appropriate means of being fastened to the boat. Water and air during inclement weather or while trailering it home or to the lake should not have a means of entry to the boat’s inside. Essentially, it should fit completely over the top and fasten to the outer edge of the boat.
What Material Protects Boat Better
Canvas is typically made of natural fibers such as cotton, polyester or a combination of the two. It comes in two distinct styles, duck or plain depending on the tightness of the weave. Duck is the tightest and provides better water resistance as a boat cover. However, the natural materials may also shrink, the color can fade in the sun and holds the potential for mold and mildew.
Canvas allows the fibers to breath, but is not completely waterproof. Polyester and plastic do not breath, usually are not susceptible to shrinking are 100 percent waterproof. While keeping all the water out is an important function of a boat cover, breathability of canvas can also help the moisture escape as plastic will hold it inside the boat.
For the most part, material choice is a matter of personal preference but the important thing is to have some type of protective boat cover. It should fit snugly, attach securely, be waterproof while allowing your boat to breath and be maintained in good condition with no rips or holes to let water through.
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