| Choosing the right boat usually takes a great deal | | | | resistance will help to inhibit the growth of mold. |
| of time and patience, so it's wise to also spend | | | | Check the seams and corners of your boat cover |
| time researching the many boat covers that can | | | | to make sure that they are well made and |
| be used on your boat. The exciting news is that | | | | reinforced. Also, check the tie-down straps and |
| good boat covers will extend the life of your boat. | | | | buckles to make sure that they are well |
| You can find these covers at several different | | | | constructed and well attached. You want your |
| prices, but be aware that price does not always | | | | boat cover to hold up against the inevitable abuse |
| indicate quality. | | | | that it will take. |
| It is important to understand what differentiates | | | | If you plan to put your boat on a trailer, look for |
| high quality boat covers from cheaper imitations. | | | | a cover with special straps to tie the cover to |
| Quality, not price, should be your priority. First, | | | | the trailer. Special straps and hoods are also |
| you must decide whether you want a custom | | | | available to secure the cover around the bow of |
| boat cover or a universal boat cover. | | | | the boat and around an outboard motor. While not |
| Custom boat covers are designed to fit the exact | | | | strictly necessary, these extra features help the |
| model and year of your boat. The advantage of | | | | cover to fully protect your boat. |
| the custom boat covers is that they will fit tightly. | | | | Boat covers come in a variety of fabric types |
| The particular size and shape of your boat are | | | | and colors. Lighter colors are generally a better |
| taken into consideration. This means that gapping | | | | choice as they will reflect light and minimize heat |
| is minimized and your boat is better protected. | | | | buildup underneath. Polyester and high polyester |
| Universal boat covers are designed to fit all boats | | | | content blends are considered ideal fabrics due to |
| within a given size range. They provide adequate | | | | their light weight, lack of stretchability and superior |
| protection and are significantly less expensive than | | | | water resistance. |
| custom covers. However, you may experience a | | | | It is important to understand the basics about |
| loose fit or some gapping. If you choose to go | | | | boat covers in order to make an intelligent |
| with a universal boat cover, be sure to purchase | | | | decision about which one to purchase. A good |
| one that is as close as possible to the actual size | | | | boat cover is truly an investment in protecting |
| of your boat. | | | | your boat. |
| A high quality boat cover should have certain | | | | To find a reputable dealer, check boating books or |
| protective features. Your boat cover should be | | | | an online boat forum for recommendations. You |
| UV and mildew resistant. UV light can cause many | | | | can also look in the telephone book under "boating |
| fabrics to break down, so UV resistance will help | | | | gear" or "boating supplies," but be sure to check |
| the cover last. Do not trust a manufacturer who | | | | out an unknown dealer carefully. Wherever you |
| claims that a boat cover is mildew-proof, as | | | | choose to buy your boat cover, remember that |
| mildew is inevitable in the damp conditions | | | | quality is the most important factor. |
| experienced by a boat cover. However, mildew | | | | |