How Can You Keep Water from Pooling on a Boat Cover? (And Other Tips)
By John Funk May 29, 2024
Embarking on the water with your boat is a thrilling experience. Yet, even the most seasoned mariners face a common nemesis when at shore: the persistent pooling of water on their boat covers. The struggle against pooling water is a tale every boat owner knows too well.
Our blog post will shed light on some practical strategies that will help you address the perennial issue of preventing water pooling on a boat cover, ensuring your maritime investment remains well-protected and ready for every voyage.
Tips to Prevent Pooling on Your Boat Cover
Here are some important tips and tricks to help you prevent pooling on your boat cover.
#1. Choose a Quality Boat Cover
When considering a boat cover, prioritize quality over shortcuts. Investing in a cover made from durable, water-resistant materials not only addresses water pooling but also contributes to the overall well-being and protection of your cherished vessel. A high-quality boat cover is typically crafted from water-resistant materials, creating a barrier against rain, dew, and other water sources. This inherent resistance minimizes the chances of water seeping through the cover and accumulating on the boat.
Quality covers are made to withstand the rigors of outdoor exposure, ensuring longevity. This durability not only protects against water pooling but also guards your boat against UV rays, wind, and potential tears or wear caused by prolonged use.
Water accumulation can result in mold and mildew growth, especially in humid conditions. Several top-quality boat covers are equipped with breathable materials and anti-microbial treatments that reduce the risk of mold formation and ensure a healthier environment for your boat.
Opting for a custom-fit boat cover ensures that it precisely matches the contours of your boat. A snug fit minimizes loose areas where water could accumulate, providing superior protection against pooling and other weather-related challenges.
#2. Use a Support System
A support system, such as a set of poles or a framework, helps create a slope on the cover. This slope is instrumental in encouraging water runoff, reducing the chances of water pooling on the cover during rain or other moisture-inducing conditions.
A support system contributes to maintaining the tautness of the cover. By preventing sagging or loose areas where water could accumulate during rain or adverse weather conditions, it ensures that the cover remains securely in place, safeguarding your convertible against potential damage.
#3. Regularly Tighten Straps and Fasteners
Securely fastened straps and buckles act as a barrier, minimizing the chance of water seeping through gaps in the cover. This prevention is instrumental in avoiding water accumulation and potential damage to your boat. Tightened straps contribute to the overall stability of the boat cover, making it more resistant to strong winds. A secure fit reduces the risk of flapping or movement, preventing both water pooling and potential damage to the cover caused by wind-related stress.
Weather conditions and temperature variations can impact the tension of straps and fasteners. Regular checks and adjustments allow you to adapt to these changes, ensuring a consistently secure fit for your boat cover.
#4. Install a Boat Cover Vent
Boat cover vents are designed to facilitate air circulation, preventing the buildup of moisture underneath the cover. By allowing air to flow freely, vents minimize the risk of condensation, which can contribute to water pooling and potential mold or mildew growth. Vents contribute to the breathability of the boat cover, creating a well-ventilated space beneath. This feature is particularly important for long-term storage, as it reduces the chances of trapped air and humidity, safeguarding both the boat and the cover.
Mold and mildew thrive in damp and enclosed environments. Boat cover vents counteract this by promoting air exchange, discouraging the conditions conducive to mold and mildew growth. This is crucial for preserving both the durability of the boat cover and the overall well-being of your boat.
#5. Ensure Proper Boat Storage Position
Storing your boat on a slight angle, with the bow (front) slightly elevated compared to the stern (back), encourages natural water drainage. This inclination helps rainwater run off the cover, reducing the likelihood of water pooling in specific areas. Proper boat positioning minimizes flat surfaces on the cover, which are prone to water accumulation. By creating a slope, you discourage the formation of puddles and ensure that water drains off more effectively.
Placing your boat in a proper storage position distributes the weight of rain, snow, or debris more evenly across the cover. This even distribution minimizes stress on specific areas, contributing to the overall longevity and durability of the boat cover.
Ensure that the boat's position aligns with the features of the boat cover, such as support systems or vents. Proper alignment enhances the effectiveness of these features in preventing water pooling and maintaining a well-ventilated space beneath the cover.
#6. Regular Maintenance Checks
Periodic checks allow you to inspect the cover for any damage caused by environmental elements, animals, or general wear. Addressing minor damages promptly prevents them from escalating and compromising the cover's integrity.
Seams and stitching are critical aspects of a boat cover. Regular maintenance involves inspecting these areas to ensure they remain intact. Addressing any loose seams or stitching prevents water infiltration and maintains the cover's structural integrity. Clearing debris from the cover during maintenance checks is crucial. Leaves, twigs, or other debris can create pockets where water may accumulate. Keeping the cover clean ensures proper water runoff and reduces the risk of pooling.
Regular maintenance checks allow you to adapt your boat cover to changing seasons. For example, you might need to tighten or adjust components differently in colder weather compared to warmer seasons, ensuring optimal protection year-round.
Why Do Smart Boat Owners Choose Seal Skin?
At Seal Skin, we offer an extensive range of standout boat covers in the market. Constructed from top-quality materials, our boat covers ensure robust durability and resilience for rigorous use. Our adjustable boat covers are skillfully crafted to effortlessly accommodate any boat model, regardless of its size or style.
In addition to their durability and reliability, our products are cost-effective. The smartly designed boat covers we provide incorporate breathable features, preventing moisture buildup and effectively deterring the formation of mold and mildew.
Our products are not just reasonably priced, but we will also ship your order right to your doorstep at no additional cost, without any delay. We offer a full 30-day money-back guarantee and a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty with every purchase.
You can call us at 800-915-0038 during our office hours (Monday to Sunday, 9 AM to Midnight EST) and we will help you find the right boat cover that fits your needs and budget. We will also help you if you have any questions about our products, shipping policies, and exchange/refund policies.
