So you want to know what’s happening to your boat cover? Fading, tears, water leakage, and a loose fit are not the standard for covers that should be protecting your boat. In fact, it may damage your boat furhter. But it’s not always a cover problem, it’s often a maintenance problem. How do you know that you are covering your boat properly, and how do you prolong the lifespan of both your boat and cover? This blog dives into how to protect your investment and the top 5 boat cover mistakes people make when covering their boat.
Why Proper Boat Coverage Matters:
You’re probably wondering if a boat cover makes a huge difference in the quality of your boat’s lifespan. Well, here’s the thing: people spend thousands of dollars on a boat but overlook protecting that investment. Most people don’t want to see cracks and scratches on their boats after using them only once or twice on the waterfront. A sunny day is the perfect weather to enjoy the water, but those same UV rays damage boats by breaking down materials at the molecular level, leading to cosmetic and structural problems over time. This process of breaking chemical bonds within the polymers, pigments, and protective coating of the boat is called photodegradation, and it results in several types of damage including:
- fading and discoloration
- oxidation and chalking
- cracking and brittleness
- weakening of materials
- damage to electronics
- warping
Not only will the boat’s exterior be vulnerable to UV damage, but other components such as upholstery and interior fabrics, vinyl seats, plastic and rubber components, and stitching in sails will be at greater risk without proper coverage. Unattended UV damage is a progressive issue that can lead to significant and costly repairs down the line. A cover also shields your boat against rain, snow, and debris, providing year-round protection. To avoid these mistakes, the problem isn’t about owning a cover, but using it incorrectly.
Mistake #1
Using Tarps
We get it. Tarps are a cheap alternative to covers and look much easier to install. Why pay for something that is 10x more expensive when you can get an easier-to-find option for less? Well, let me flip that logic for you. You’ve probably spent hours researching what type of boat to buy, looking at size, style, purpose, and performance. So if you didn’t just buy the cheapest thing available, why protect it with the cheapest option possible? Although every boat will ultimately serve its purpose of allowing you to enjoy being out on the water, special characteristics designed for each boat still matter for the quality of your time on the water. I wouldn’t purchase a pontoon boat to go kayaking with a friend, and likewise I wouldn’t expect a kayak to fit an entire family. Different boats serve different purposes.
The same applies to covers.
A tarp is a one-size-fits-all solution that claims to protect your boat, but it can’t actually withstand all weather elements or does a poor job of it. Here at Savvycraft, each boat cover is semi-custom fit and specifically designed for your year, make, or model. A missing snap can cause a tarp to flap in the wind and cause scratches due to not being properly fitted, or leave gaps for debris and animals to wreck your boat, not to mention have metal grommets that are harmful to a boat’s exterior paint, and lastly have pooling water in areas of slack. Prevent long-term damage by choosing to let go of short-term savings.
Mistake #2
Not Using Support Poles
This is one of the most common and damaging mistakes people make. As you throw the cover on and strap it down, you think you’re good to go. But without support underneath, your cover becomes a giant bowl.
And what does a bowl do?
It collects water.
At the low points of your cover, rain, snow, and condensation all start to pool. Over time, this leads to stretching and sagging fabric, mold and mildew buildup, increased weight and stress on seams, and potential tearing or collapse. Especially in colder climates, the added weight of snow can cause serious structural strain on both the cover and the boat itself. However, the solution is simple: use support poles to create a high point.
A support pole is a telescoping pole that is placed underneath a boat cover and adjusts to fit boats of multiple sizes. The foot pad, or base of the pole, helps prevent it from sinking into the ground. Instead of collecting water at the sagging points of the cover, a high point will create a tent effect as the cover maintains proper tension. This ensures water runs off the side and can improve airflow, helping prevent moisture buildup from mold or mildew. A cover’s purpose is to shed water rather than store it, so a small investment in support poles can lead to several advantages. You can find them here under Boat Accessories.
Mistake #3
Choosing the Wrong Size or Fit
Not all boats are created equal, and size matters more than most people realize. A poorly fitted cover—whether too loose or too tight—can create problems you don’t want to deal with. If it’s too loose, wind can get underneath and cause flapping and abrasion. Debris, water, and pests can easily get inside, and the cover becomes unstable in bad weather. On the flip side, if the cover is too tight, you put stress on the seams and the fabric, increase the risk of premature wear or tearing, and it may not properly fit over certain areas. Not only that, there are multiple types of boats with added accessories such as a T-Top, wakeboard tower, or V-hull shaped boat. Every boat has a different silhouette, so a generic cover may not account for the different shapes of your boat. That’s why proper measurement is crucial. You’ll need to know your boat’s length, beam width, and the dimensions of any modifications or accessories. When your cover fits correctly, only then can it do its job of providing protection, durability, and overall performance.
Mistake #4
Improperly Securing the Cover
Protecting your boat and watercraft with the right installation is more important than you think. Although you may not realize it, skipping a few straps or not tightening things evenly can shift and expose parts of your boat, cause rubbing and damage from movement, or even blow off completely. Wind is one of the biggest enemies of a boat cover, so if your cover isn’t secured properly, damage will be done. Here’s a guide to properly installing and securing your cover.
- Pick a clear, calm day to avoid wind-related difficulties when installing
- Drape the canopy evenly across your boat
- Make sure to align seams and corners
- Use all available straps and tie-down points
- Tighten each of them evenly to distribute tension
- Double-check areas that are prone to lifting
Lastly, adjust based on whether your boat is being stored or trailered. Weather conditions change and straps may loosen over time. Don’t just set it and forget it. Take time to readjust your setup—it’ll be worth it.
Mistake #5
Storing a Wet or Dirty Cover
This might seem like a small issue, but this mistake can compound over time. Although our covers are mold and mildew resistant, it can't fight an environment that breeds it. After a long day of boating out on the water, the last thing on your mind is probably cleaning your cover. But that’s where the problem starts because storing a wet or dirty cover leads to:
- mold and mildew growth
- unpleasant odors
- fabric breakdown over time
- reduced effectiveness
This is because damp, trapped air is the perfect environment for mildew to thrive. Moisture will also cause the protective, water-resistant coatings on covers to soften and delaminate, rendering them less effective. Any thread used for stitching will absorb water and break down over time, causing seams to fail and the cover to fall apart. Not only that, but saltwater can accelerate the wear and corrosion of the fabric. No matter how high quality your boat cover may be, if you’re not taking proper care of the cover, it can’t do its job properly. To prolong the lifespan of your cover: let your cover fully dry before storing, clean it regularly to remove dirt and salt, and store it in a cool, dry, ventilated space.
Bonus Tips for Proper Boat Cover Use
If you really want to get the most out of your cover, here are a few extra tips:
-
Check your cover periodically for wear and tear
-
Reapply waterproofing treatments when needed
-
Avoid sharp edges or protrusions underneath
These small habits make a big difference over time. Savvycraft’s semi-custom fit boat covers don’t fail—they get misused. The fading, cracking, mold, and damage you may see is because of simple mistakes that are completely avoidable. Remember not to go with cheap tarps, always use support poles, get the right fit, and secure your cover properly. These aren’t complicated steps, and they’ll make all the difference.
