Sun Tracker, Hurricane, Starcraft & Ski Boat Cover Guide: How to Choose the Best Fit

By John Funk, June 23, 2026

Quick Answer:

The best boat cover is one that matches your boat's exact make and model, whether you own a Sun Tracker pontoon, Hurricane deck boat, Starcraft boat, or ski boat, to ensure maximum protection and a secure fit.
Choose a breathable, marine-grade waterproof cover with UV resistance and reinforced construction to protect your boat from sun, rain, dirt, mold, and trailering damage.
Measure your boat's length, beam, height, and accessories before buying to ensure the cover fits properly and delivers long-lasting performance.

A boat is a significant investment, and protecting it from sun, rain, wind, and seasonal storage conditions should be a priority for every owner. The right boat cover keeps the exterior clean, while also protecting the upholstery, electronics, hull finish, and mechanical components from damage that builds up quietly over time.

Our boat cover guide will cover everything needed to choose the best boat cover for Sun Tracker pontoon boats, Hurricane deck boats, Starcraft boats, and ski and wake boats.

Why You Need a Boat Cover

An uncovered boat is vulnerable to sun damage, moisture, dust accumulation, bird droppings, and debris from nearby trees. UV exposure fades upholstery and degrades gel coat. Moisture can infiltrate seams, storage areas, and electrical components. Without protection, what starts as cosmetic damage quickly becomes structural.

A quality boat cover addresses all of this at once. It shields the boat from sun damage, keeps rain and debris out during storage, and reduces the cleaning time required before each outing.

When storing a boat outdoors during winter, a heavy-duty waterproof boat cover is essential for shielding it from snow, ice, and repeated freeze-thaw conditions that can damage the hull and hardware.

Beyond weather, a good cover also deters theft and vandalism by keeping the boat's interior and equipment out of sight.

Understanding Your Boat Type Before Choosing a Cover

Not all boats share the same shape, and the cover needs to match the boat. Here are the main factors to keep in mind for every boat type discussed below.

Sun Tracker Pontoon Boats

Sun Tracker pontoon boats have a wide, flat deck profile that sits differently from a traditional V-hull boat. A Sun Tracker pontoon boat cover needs to accommodate the full beam width, the console height, and any additional accessories like fishing chairs or live wells.

A Sun Tracker pontoon cover with snaps offers a more secure fit that stays in place during transport and in windy conditions.

Generic covers rarely account for the pontoon's unique shape, which is why custom boat covers are the recommended route for Sun Tracker owners.

Ryan Williams, Product Expert at Seal Skin Covers, explains: “Pontoon boats have a much wider footprint than traditional V-hull boats, so cover fit becomes especially important. A properly fitted Sun Tracker pontoon cover helps eliminate loose areas where water can pool and wind can create unnecessary stress on the fabric.”

Hurricane Deck Boats

Hurricane deck boats combine the open space of a pontoon with the performance of a V-hull, creating a wide, deep profile that standard covers often struggle to fit. Hurricane boat covers need to account for the elevated freeboard, windshield height, and any installed tower or electronics.

A Hurricane boat cover with snaps keeps everything secured during trailering and storage. For a proper boat cover for Hurricane deck boat models, fit and material quality are both non-negotiable.

Starcraft Boats

Starcraft builds everything from fishing boats and aluminum utility craft to deck boats and pontoons, which means Starcraft boat covers are not a one-size-fits-all purchase. The shape, height, and accessory layout vary significantly across the Starcraft lineup.

A custom fit boat cover is the most reliable option for Starcraft owners, ensuring the cover sits flush across the full profile without leaving gaps or creating wind pockets that allow debris to enter.

Ski & Wake Boats

Ski boats and wake boats present their own unique challenge: the tower. A ski boat cover with tower clearance needs to either accommodate the raised structure or be designed to be used with the tower folded down.

Beyond the tower, custom ski boat covers should also account for the deep cockpit, bow seating, and any installed ballast or audio equipment.

The fit of a ski boat cover plays a critical role in its performance, since excess movement during transport can cause the cover to rip or deteriorate.

According to Ryan Williams, “One of the biggest mistakes boat owners make is choosing a ski boat cover based only on length. Tower height, windshield profile, and other accessories all influence how well the cover performs during storage and trailering.”

Boat Cover Types by Fit and Coverage

Choosing the right boat cover starts with understanding the different types available:

Custom fit boat covers: Made to the exact dimensions of a specific make and model. The most precise fit, best protection, and longest lifespan. Recommended for all boat types in this guide.
Semi-custom covers: Sized to a general range of boat lengths and styles. Better than universal but not as precise as a true custom fit.
Universal covers: One-size-fits-many designs that work in a pinch but rarely deliver the snug, gap-free fit needed for proper protection or trailering.
Trailerable boat covers: Designed specifically to stay secure at highway speeds. These use reinforced seams, snug-fitting hems, and strap systems to prevent lift and flapping during transport.
Mooring covers: Designed for boats kept at a dock or slip. Not built for trailering but offer excellent coverage during extended periods on the water.

Best Boat Cover Materials for Long-Lasting Protection

Material choice determines how well a cover holds up over time. The best waterproof boat covers combine weather resistance with breathability. Both qualities are equally important and should work in balance.

A fully waterproof cover that seals all airflow traps condensation inside, creating the damp, warm conditions that cause mold and mildew to develop under the cover. Marine-grade boat covers are engineered to solve this. They provide a waterproof exterior while promoting airflow that helps release moisture.

Ryan Williams notes: “Many boat owners focus solely on waterproofing, but breathability is just as important. The best waterproof boat cover keeps rain out while allowing trapped moisture to escape, helping reduce the risk of mold, mildew, and interior damage.”

Key material qualities to look for include:

UV resistance: Protects both the cover fabric and the boat's interior from sun degradation.
Waterproofing: Essential for outdoor storage and trailering in wet conditions.
Breathability: Allows condensation to escape, preventing mold under boat covers.
Tear and abrasion resistance: Particularly important for trailerable boat covers exposed to wind stress at speed.
Marine-grade construction: Seams, stitching, and hardware should all be rated for marine environments where salt air and moisture are constant.

How to Measure Your Boat for the Right Cover

Knowing how to measure a boat for a cover is a simple process that prevents sizing mistakes. Follow these steps:

Length: Measure the boat from the very front of the bow to the rearmost point of the stern, making sure to include features such as swim platforms or bow pulpits. This overall length serves as the key measurement when selecting the correct cover size.
Beam: Measure the boat at its widest point across the hull. This measurement is especially important for pontoon boats, as they typically have a much broader beam than similarly sized V-hull boats.
Height: Measure from the waterline to the tallest fixed point, which is typically the windshield, console, or tower. This determines how much vertical clearance the cover needs to provide.
Note any accessories: Fishing rod holders, towers, antennas, and live wells all affect how a cover sits. Custom boat covers can be made to accommodate these features; universal covers cannot.

Choosing the Right Cover for Sun Tracker, Hurricane, Starcraft & Ski Boats

Each boat type has unique design characteristics that influence the fit and performance of a cover, making it important to choose one built for your specific vessel.

Best Cover Features for Sun Tracker Pontoon Boats

A Sun Tracker boat cover needs to handle the wide beam, protect open deck seating, and stay secure during transport. Look for a cover with snap attachments for a secure hold, UV-resistant fabric to protect the deck and upholstery, and a custom fit that accounts for the full width of the pontoon platform.

The best boat cover for outdoor storage on a Sun Tracker will also include ventilation panels to prevent moisture buildup under the cover during long storage periods.

Recommended Cover Features for Hurricane Deck Boats

Hurricane boat covers should prioritize a deep, contoured fit that follows the high freeboard of the hull. Snap systems keep the cover secure during trailering, and reinforced seams prevent wind damage at highway speeds. For a boat cover for Hurricane deck boat models with installed towers or elevated electronics, a semi-custom or custom cover is the only option that delivers reliable coverage without stress points or exposed gaps.

Cover Considerations for Starcraft Boats

Since Starcraft builds such a varied lineup, choosing the right Starcraft boat cover requires knowing the exact model and its dimensions before purchasing.

Aluminum fishing models need different coverage than Starcraft pontoons or deck boats. A custom fit boat cover removes all the guesswork and ensures full coverage regardless of the model.

Breathable, marine-grade fabric is recommended across the entire Starcraft range, given how widely these boats are used for both on-water storage and trailering.

What Ski Boats Need in a Cover

Ski boats demand a cover that handles the tower, protects deep cockpit seating, and stays put at highway speeds. A ski boat cover with tower compatibility, either through adjustable clearance panels or a design built for use with the tower folded, is essential.

Custom ski boat covers with integrated strap systems and reinforced attachment points deliver the most reliable performance for boats regularly trailered to and from the water.

Boat Cover Maintenance Tips

A quality cover lasts significantly longer with basic, consistent care.

Cleaning Your Boat Cover

Rinse the cover regularly with clean water to remove dust, pollen, and light debris. For deeper cleaning, use a mild soap solution and a soft brush, working in the direction of the fabric grain. Avoid pressure washers and harsh detergents that can strip waterproof coatings. Before folding and storing the cover, make sure it has dried completely.

Protecting Your Cover from Mold and Mildew

Preventing mold under boat covers starts with ventilation. Never store a cover or a boat under a cover while either is still damp.

If the boat is stored outdoors for extended periods, use support poles or a cover support system to create a peaked profile that allows water to run off rather than pool. Breathable marine-grade fabrics do most of the work here, but airflow underneath the cover is equally important.

Proper Storage During Off-Season

For boat cover maintenance during off-season storage, clean and dry the cover thoroughly before folding it away. Choose a cool, dry storage location and keep it away from sun exposure and abrasive objects. A storage bag keeps the cover protected and makes it easier to deploy at the start of the next season.

Inspecting for Wear and Tear

Check the cover at the start and end of each season. Look for fraying seams, worn attachment points, small tears, and areas where the waterproof coating has thinned.

Small repairs made early prevent larger failures later. Most quality marine boat covers can be re-treated with waterproof spray to restore the coating when it begins to wear.

Other Boat Protection Options

While a quality boat cover provides effective protection during storage, additional accessories can help shield your boat from the elements in specific situations.

Bimini Tops

A bimini top provides shade and UV protection for boats while they are in use on the water, which is something a storage cover can't do. For Sun Tracker and Hurricane deck boats used for long days on the water, a bimini top complements the storage cover by providing in-use UV protection for passengers and upholstery.

Boat Umbrellas and Canopies

For boats kept at a dock or in a slip, a canopy or boat umbrella provides overhead coverage without the full commitment of a fitted cover. These work best as a supplementary solution alongside a proper mooring cover rather than as a standalone replacement.

Why Smart Boat Owners Choose Seal Skin Covers

For boat owners who want protection they can rely on season after season, Seal Skin Covers stands out as a trusted name in marine-grade boat covers. Built with heavy duty waterproof construction and breathable fabric technology, Seal Skin covers are engineered to handle the demands of outdoor storage, trailering, and year-round weather exposure without breaking down prematurely.

Guaranteed fit options are available for Sun Tracker pontoon boats, Hurricane deck boats, Starcraft models, and ski and wake boats, meaning every cover is cut to the exact profile of the boat rather than stretched over a generic shape. Snap systems, reinforced seams, and UV-resistant materials are standard across the range, delivering the kind of fit and finish that protects a boat's value over the long term.

For anyone serious about protecting their investment, Seal Skin Covers delivers the combination of precise fit, durable materials, and proven weather resistance that the best boat covers are built on.

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 10-year warranty
A 30-day money-back guarantee
Coverage for manufacturing defects

You can call us at 800-915-0038 during our office hours (Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best cover for a Sun Tracker pontoon boat?

A custom fit Sun Tracker pontoon boat cover made from breathable, UV-resistant marine-grade fabric is one of the best options. Look for snap attachments and a design that accounts for the full beam width and any installed deck accessories.

Do Hurricane boats need custom covers?

Hurricane deck boats have a distinctive high-freeboard profile and a wide beam, for which standard covers don't fit well.

A custom or semi-custom Hurricane boat cover ensures full coverage and a secure fit during storage and trailering.

Are Starcraft boat covers universal?

Universal covers are not recommended for Starcraft boats, given the wide variety of hull shapes and sizes across the Starcraft lineup. A custom fit boat cover matched to the specific Starcraft model delivers far better protection and longevity.

What size boat cover do I need?

Measure the full length, maximum beam, and height of the boat, including any towers or consoles. Add two to three inches to each dimension and match against the cover's stated specifications to find the right size.

Can I trailer a boat with the cover on?

Yes, provided the cover is a trailerable boat cover designed for that purpose.

Trailerable covers use reinforced construction, snug hems, and strap systems to stay secure at highway speeds.

Standard mooring covers are not suitable for trailering.

How do I measure a ski boat for a cover?

Measure the full length from bow to stern, the maximum beam width, and the height from the hull to the top of the tower or tallest fixed point. For a ski boat cover with tower compatibility, the tower height measurement is critical to getting the right fit.

Are waterproof boat covers breathable?

The best waterproof boat covers are both waterproof and breathable. Marine-grade fabrics are engineered to repel water from the outside while allowing trapped moisture and condensation to escape from underneath, preventing mold and mildew buildup.

How long do boat covers last?

A quality heavy duty waterproof boat cover usually lasts between three and seven years, depending on usage, climate, and maintenance.

Regular cleaning, proper drying before storage, and periodic re-treatment of the waterproof coating all extend the cover's lifespan significantly.