10 Tips to Secure a Boat Cover for Trailering
By John Funk, June 27, 2025
Towing your boat opens up opportunities to discover new destinations, but it also exposes it to harsh elements like wind, dirt, road debris, and changing weather conditions during transit.
A good boat cover helps protect your investment, but only if it’s properly secured. A loose or flapping cover can tear, damage your boat’s finish, or even blow off mid-trip.
Let’s go over some easy trailering boat cover tips to help you secure a boat cover for trailering safely and effectively.
Use a Trailerable Boat Cover
First things first — make sure your boat cover is made for trailering. Not all covers are! A towing boat cover is designed with reinforced stitching, durable fabric, and secure tie-down points that can handle wind pressure on the road. Check the label or product details to confirm that it’s safe for use while towing.
Using a non-trailerable cover can lead to excessive wear, tearing, or even total loss during transit.
Clean and Dry the Boat Before Covering
Before you put on the cover, it’s a good idea to clean and dry the boat. Dirt and moisture trapped under the cover can scratch the surface or lead to mold and mildew.
A clean, dry surface ensures the cover fits better and stays in place during transit. This simple step extends the life of both your boat's finish and the cover itself.
Center the Cover Properly
Lining up the cover evenly over the boat is key. Start by placing the front (bow) of the cover at the tip of the boat and work your way toward the back (stern). Make sure the seams align with the boat’s edges. A centered cover will reduce wind resistance and help prevent any part from lifting or flapping. A well-aligned cover also improves the overall aerodynamics during towing.
Use Tie-Down Straps Instead of Ropes or Bungee Cords
Use the straps that came with your boat cover — or quality aftermarket boat cover straps — to secure the cover to the trailer.
Avoid ropes or bungee cords. They may stretch, snap, or loosen over time.
Tie-down straps with adjustable buckles offer a snug fit and minimize movement. This ensures the cover stays tight even at highway speeds and in windy conditions.
Secure Every Strap, Especially the Middle
While it might seem enough to just strap the front and back, the middle of the boat is where the most wind gets trapped during trailering. Always secure the center straps tightly. This prevents the cover from ballooning while driving, which can lead to tearing or increased drag.
Neglecting the middle section can cause the cover to shift or tear, even if the ends are tightly secured.
For best results, tighten each strap evenly and double-check that there's no slack in the middle. Using adjustable boat cover straps helps distribute tension across the entire length of the cover, keeping it firmly in place and reducing the chance of wear from constant flapping or movement during transit.
Double-Check for Loose Ends
Before you hit the road, walk around the boat and tug gently on each strap.
Make sure nothing is dangling or loosely tied. Loose ends can whip around in the wind and cause damage to your boat or the cover.
Tuck in excess strap lengths or use Velcro ties to keep them neat.
Taking a few extra minutes to secure every loose end can prevent costly wear and tear.
Add Padding at Sharp or High-Stress Points
Covers tend to wear out fastest at spots like windshield edges, trolling motors, or cleats. These points put extra pressure on the fabric.
Use foam padding, towels, or even pool noodles to protect the cover from sharp edges and reduce friction during the drive. This small step can make a big difference in extending the life of your boat cover.
Drive at Reasonable Speeds and Monitor Frequently
Even with everything secured, it’s a good idea to avoid high speeds when trailering with a boat cover.
Wind pressure increases dramatically with speed and can loosen even the best-secured covers.
If you’re on a long trip, check the cover and straps at rest stops to ensure nothing has shifted. This is especially important when using your boat cover on the highway, where high winds can be unforgiving.
Consider Using a Support Pole System
Support poles help keep the cover raised in the center, preventing pooling from rain and reducing wind flap. They also help the cover maintain a better aerodynamic shape, which can reduce stress while trailering.
Many trailerable covers come with them, or you can purchase a set separately. A properly supported cover holds its shape better and reduces the risk of wear from sagging.
Support poles are especially useful during long hauls or in unpredictable weather, as they help maintain consistent tension across the fabric.
By keeping the cover elevated, they also allow air to circulate underneath, reducing moisture buildup and mildew. Investing in a support pole system not only improves the fit but also extends the life of your cover.
Store the Cover Properly After Use
Once you reach your destination or return home, remove the cover carefully, especially if it’s wet or dirty. Let it dry out completely before folding and storing it. By doing this, you extend the cover’s lifespan and avoid surprises before your next outing. Proper storage also prevents mold growth and keeps the fabric from breaking down over time.
Use a clean, dry storage bag or container to keep your boat cover safe from dust, pests, and moisture while it’s not in use. Avoid stuffing it into tight spaces or damp areas like a boat compartment or garage floor, as this can cause creases, mildew, or permanent damage over time.
It’s also a good idea to inspect the cover for any signs of wear or damage before putting it away. Check the seams, straps, and fabric for tears or weak spots so you can repair them in advance, saving you time and hassle before your next trip. A little care now goes a long way in maintaining the cover’s performance and appearance.
Why Choose Seal Skin's Top-Quality Boat Covers
When it comes to protecting your boat during trailering, not all covers are created equal. That’s why so many boat owners trust Seal Skin for their cover needs. Seal Skin’s boat covers are designed with both durability and convenience in mind, making them a reliable choice whether you’re heading down the highway or storing your boat off-season.
Here’s what sets Seal Skin apart:
- Trailer-Ready Durability: Seal Skin covers are crafted with heavy-duty, marine-grade materials that are built to withstand the rigors of trailering — wind, road debris, and harsh UV rays included.
- Snug and Secure Fit: Their covers come with adjustable boat cover straps and elastic hems to ensure a tight, custom-like fit that reduces flapping and shifting on the road.
- Waterproof and UV Resistant: It shields your boat from the elements — whether it's rain, snow, harsh sunlight, or dust. These covers are waterproof and UV-resistant, helping prevent damage to your boat’s interior and exterior.
- Easy to Use and Store: Seal Skin covers are designed for easy installation and removal. Many even come with storage bags, making it easy to pack them up neatly after use.
- Multiple Sizes and Styles Available: Whether you own a bass boat, pontoon, or center console, Seal Skin offers covers tailored to your boat type and size.
Choosing a quality cover like Seal Skin’s not only saves you time and hassle — it helps you secure your boat cover for trailering with confidence and peace of mind.
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 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.
