Your boat cover is designed to protect one of your biggest investments. So, it’s only natural to think that adding another cover or tarp over it will provide even more protection. Unfortunately, that’s one of the most common mistakes we see.
Our repair department regularly has customers bring in boat covers for repairs without realizing that the damage was actually caused by their own well-intentioned efforts to protect them. Proper boat cover care starts with understanding the two biggest causes of preventable damage: friction and trapped moisture.
Boat Cover Care Starts with Preventing Friction
When you place another layer over your boat cover, the two materials create touch points. Add a little wind, and those two layers begin rubbing against each other. Over time, that constant friction can wear through the fabric and create holes.
This isn’t limited to snap-on covers or storage covers. We see it all the time with bimini tops.
Many bimini tops include a storage cover, often called a storage boot. While the storage boot helps protect the folded bimini, it isn’t tight enough to keep everything inside from moving. During long trips, especially when you’re traveling 80 miles per hour for several hours, the storage boot can rub against the fabric of the bimini top. Eventually, that friction can wear holes into the material.
For long hauls, we always recommend removing the bimini top from its mounts and placing it inside the boat or your tow vehicle whenever possible. Taking this extra step can help prevent unnecessary wear during transport.
Trapped Moisture Can Lead to Bigger Problems
Every boat cover we build is designed to vent. Depending on the cover, we either install a physical vent or use a material that allows airflow.
That airflow is important.
When another layer is placed over the cover, the airflow stops. If moisture gets trapped between the top layer and the boat cover, there is no way for it to evaporate. Over time, trapped moisture can lead to mold and mildew damage—not only to the cover itself, but potentially to your boat’s upholstery and flooring as well.
Allowing your boat cover to breathe is one of the simplest and most effective boat cover care practices you can follow.
Repair Small Problems Before They Become Big Ones
Keeping these simple tips in mind can go a long way toward extending the life of your boat cover. However, even with proper care, damage can still happen.
If it does, our experienced repair department is here to help. We can:
- Mend holes and tears
- Clean and retreat boat covers
- Replace snaps
- Add reinforcements
- Replace broken zippers
- And much more
The key is not to wait. Repairing damage as soon as you notice it is one of the best ways to keep repair costs down and help your boat cover last for years to come.
Good boat cover care doesn’t have to be complicated. By avoiding unnecessary friction, allowing your cover to breathe, and addressing repairs early, you can protect your investment and enjoy many more seasons on the water.
Have a hole, broken zipper, missing snap, or other damage? Don’t wait for it to get worse. Our experienced repair team can restore your boat cover, helping you extend its life and avoid the cost of a replacement. Contact us today at 801-563-9600 to schedule your boat cover repair.
SugarHouse Ind. has served its clients in the Intermountain West since 1941. In that time, we have become Utah’s largest provider of awning, boat tops, and specialty canvas covers. After over 80 years, our focus is still to provide customers with the highest quality products and the best prices. We remain a family-owned company, and we remain committed to putting a personal touch into everything we do. That’s why we make every product that we offer in our 30,000 ft2 facility in Midvale, Utah.