So you have finally bought the boat of your dreams, but the dreams have become a nightmare, when you realize months later that your prized possession isn’t looking that classy as when you initially bought it. So what do you think went wrong; did you make a bad investment or could it be that the type of boat cover you bought to protect it was a bad choice?
The importance of buying a good boat cover to protect your boat cannot be undermined if you want your boat to look its best, and there are a lot of factors you really need to consider when buying one.
It is necessary to ensure that while water in your boat can escape, no water should be able to get into the boat, as that will definitely cause terrible damage. Besides water, the UV rays from the sun can be a major source of harm. Furthermore, a boat cover should cover the entire boat and if there are gaps, then you are wasting your time, by buying a cover that does not fit properly.
This is where custom made covers come in. Although they will definitely cost more, they are tailor-made for your boat and will serve the purpose they are intended for, which is to protect it.
The key advantage of custom boat covers is that they should fit your boat perfectly. This helps to keep out water, dust and dirt, and sometimes even rodents, so gaps are really something you don’t want to have to deal with. By having the cover tailor made, you have the choice of color you want and the flexibility to have it customized, which would otherwise not be possible if you bought it from a shop.
Of course the only disadvantage that makes some people think twice is the high cost.
In the case of semi-custom covers, they tend to be either a little large or a slightly too small. While being small is a definite problem, being extra large is also not ideal as you have to fold up or tuck in the excess, which can be difficult and time consuming. Added to that is the fact that it looks untidy, and the folds can trap moisture, resulting in the growth of mold and mildew.
Eventually whatever you buy, it is a major expense and one should ensure to get a decent warranty.
Overall, while buying a tailor-made boat cover is easy, the problem arises when you have to choose between the various types of canvas and plastics that are available, so take your time. Ask questions and don’t be in too much of a rush, just because you can’t wait to get on that boat and sail away!
