I’m sure you’ll agree when I say that for most of us, boat covers are usually just afterthoughts. What’s a simple covering anyway, right?
But the truth is, boat covers mean a great deal in maintaining the squeaky clean and shiningly pristine condition of your boat.
But how can you choose when they all look similar to each other?
That’s why we bought them ourselves and tested them all out to help you pick out the best boat cover to perfectly fit your baby.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll be covering:
We’re boaters ourselves, but we still realized and discovered many useful things upon testing these covers out.
Ready to play?
Covers up!
Table of Contents
- Best Overall Boat Cover
- Best Budget Boat Cover
- Best Reliable Boat Cover
- Best Breathable Boat Cover
- Best Durable Boat Cover
- Best Boat Cover For Pontoons
- Best UV-Resistant Boat Cover
- Best Heavy-Duty Boat Cover
- Best Easy-To-Fit Boat Cover
- Best Adjustable Boat Cover
- Buyers Guide:
- How To Choose The Best Cover for your Boat
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results
- Our Final Verdict: 10 Best Boat Covers
- Conclusion:Best Boat Covers
Sure, you might have heard some people calling these boat covers “glorified tarpaulins.”
But we hope you also know…
...that a simple tarpaulin doesn’t have UV protection to keep it from cracking and disintegrating after being exposed to the harsh sunlight, nor air vents to keep condensation and moisture out of the boat.
And that’s only the tip of the iceberg.
A responsible boater would look for a boat cover with a material that’s better than normal that can deflect sunlight and UV rays away from the surface of your boat and clings to it perfectly and won’t fail you even after running through the expressway at the speed of light.
Additionally, the best boat cover for your watercraft is also one that doesn’t leave damages and scratches as they rub against the walls of your boat.
And yes, these boat covers do exist.
We’ve gathered them all and tested them all out in various trips to ultimately determine the best boat cover for every kind of boater.
Now, ready if you’re ready...
Best Overall Boat CoverClassic Accessories StormPro Heavy-Duty Boat Cover
Bottom Line : A well finished trailerable cover that balances a snug fit, real weather protection, and quick fitting for the price.
Pros
- Snug trailerable fit
- Real all weather coating
- Fast one person fitting
- Long owner service life
Cons
- Support pole feels flimsy
- Isolated early wear reports
- Pricey against budget covers
It fits boats 16 to 18.5 ft with a 98 in beam and pairs a marine coated fabric with a buckle and strap system, which is why owners keep reordering it. Integrated quick release buckles and adjustable straps snap onto the cover, so one person can trailer or store without help. The sewn in elastic cord hem cinches the edge for a fast custom pull down over the gunwale.
Several owners report a Classic Accessories cover lasting a good 6 to 7 years. A well finished trailerable cover that balances a snug fit, real weather protection, and quick fitting for the price. It scores 90 out of 100.
The fit is tight and the coating shrugged off a wet winter for me, but the support pole is the one part I would upgrade.
Ryan, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full Classic Accessories StormPro Heavy-Duty Boat Cover review →
Best Budget Boat CoverBudge 600D Low-Profile Boat Cover
Bottom Line : A low cost flat front cover that sheds water well and fits budget minded owners of smaller boats.
Pros
- Low price
- Sheds water well
- Sewn in straps
- 4 year warranty
Cons
- Tight around tall windshields
- Mid weight fabric
- Limited fine tuning
This 600 denier gray cover fits 14 to 16 ft boats with a beam up to 75 in and includes sewn in straps and a storage bag at a low price. A heavy shock cord hem gives a semi custom pull on fit without extra tools. Top and bottom sewn in straps make it stable enough to trailer once cinched.
The stretch cord hem takes up slack across the 14 to 16 ft range. A low cost flat front cover that sheds water well and fits budget minded owners of smaller boats. It scores 78 out of 100.
For the money it kept my skiff dry and the water just rolled off, though I had to fight the cord a bit around the windshield.
Emma, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full Budge 600D Low-Profile Boat Cover review →
Best Reliable Boat CoveriCOVER Trailerable Heavy-Duty Boat Cover
Bottom Line : A reinforced 600D cover with a strong strap system that fits a wide range of hulls, with a caution to size up for highway towing.
Pros
- Reinforced stress panels
- Strong adjustable straps
- Fits many hull styles
- Storage bag included
Cons
- Runs snug, size up to tow
- Some waterproofing complaints
- Needs pole to shed rain
It fits 17 to 19 ft V hull, fish and ski, pro style, and runabout boats up to 96 in wide, with reinforcement panels at the bow, windshield, and stern. The elastic band rim lets it hug hulls of slightly different shapes. Adjustable straps with quick release buckles fine tune tension all around.
Owners praise professionally done stitching and heavy duty water resistant fabric. A reinforced 600D cover with a strong strap system that fits a wide range of hulls, with a caution to size up for highway towing. It scores 85 out of 100.
The stress panels and strap system feel serious, but I would order one size larger than the chart says if you plan to trailer on the interstate.
Shaun, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full iCOVER Trailerable Heavy-Duty Boat Cover review →
Oceansouth Heavy-Duty Trailerable Jon Boat Cover
Bottom Line : A breathable solution dyed jon boat cover built for flat bottom hulls that keeps water out while letting condensation escape.
Pros
- Breathable marine fabric
- Strong double lapped seams
- Solution dyed fade resistance
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Narrow size fit
- Extra straps needed to tow fast
- Costlier than budget covers
Sized for 10 ft jon and flat bottom boats, it uses Oceansouth ATLAS marine fabric that resists moisture yet lets the hull breathe. Double lapped seams add strength at the stitch lines. ATLAS fabric is abrasion and tear resistant for heavy use.
Sizing is model specific to jon and flat bottom lengths rather than a wide range. A breathable solution dyed jon boat cover built for flat bottom hulls that keeps water out while letting condensation escape. It scores 84 out of 100.
The ATLAS fabric breathes so my jon stays dry underneath without a musty smell, but I add ratchet straps over the bow before towing.
James, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full Oceansouth Heavy-Duty Trailerable Jon Boat Cover review →
MSC Heavy-Duty 600D Trailerable Boat Cover
Bottom Line : A double PU coated 600D cover for larger V hull and tri hull boats that lasts, with some seam sealing caveats.
Pros
- Double PU coated fabric
- Holds up over years
- Fits large hulls
- Water beads off
Cons
- Seams can seep
- Weak tie down loops
- Coating can shed over time
This gray Model I fits 24 to 26 ft V hull, tri hull, and runabout boats with a beam up to 108 in, using double PU coated marine polyester. Marine grade polyester canvas carries a double PU coating for water shedding. One owner said water beads and rolls off the cover.
The full hem elastic cord adapts across the length range. A double PU coated 600D cover for larger V hull and tri hull boats that lasts, with some seam sealing caveats. It scores 82 out of 100.
It survived a couple of tropical storms without a tear, though a few seams weep in a hard rain so I seam sealed them.
Annie, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full MSC Heavy-Duty 600D Trailerable Boat Cover review →
VORTEX Ultra Pontoon/Deck Boat Cover
Bottom Line : A breathable pontoon cover with a strong strap and elastic system that protects well, with variable long term durability.
Pros
- Breathable pontoon fabric
- Flexible strap and loop system
- Tight elastic hem
- Praised customer service
Cons
- Variable durability reports
- Can rub rail paint
- Big size needs two people
This tan Ultra 3 cover fits 18 ft 1 in to 20 ft pontoon and deck boats and uses breathable 600 denier marine polyester with an elastic and strap system. 600 denier marine polyester is breathable so moisture vapor escapes while water stays out. UV protective coating helps prevent fade and premature rot from the sun.
A shock cord hem cinches the edge for a tighter fit over the deck. A breathable pontoon cover with a strong strap and elastic system that protects well, with variable long term durability. It scores 84 out of 100.
The breathable fabric and elastic hem held tight through summer storms, but I padded the rails since covers like this can rub the paint.
Ryan, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full VORTEX Ultra Pontoon/Deck Boat Cover review →
North East Harbor V-Hull 3-Layer 600D Boat Cover
Bottom Line : A heavy triple layer 600D cover with strong UV and fade resistance and reinforced stress points, sold as one size in a generic V hull line.
Pros
- Strong UV and fade resistance
- Triple layer tearproof fabric
- Reinforced stress panels
- Vented to cut condensation
Cons
- Heavy to handle
- Generic re list, verify size
- Fewer named owner reviews
It uses triple layered 8.5 oz 600D Oxford polyester with a UPF 50 plus coating and reinforced panels, aimed at fade resistant long term V hull protection. Solution dyed fabric carries a UPF 50 plus sun protection coating for strong UV defense. Passed a 4000 mm water pressure resistance test thanks to PU backing.
Integrated quick release buckles and adjustable nylon straps hold the cover in place. A heavy triple layer 600D cover with strong UV and fade resistance and reinforced stress points, sold as one size in a generic V hull line. It scores 85 out of 100.
The triple layer fabric feels bombproof and has not faded in strong sun, though it is heavy and I double checked the size band before buying.
Emma, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full North East Harbor V-Hull 3-Layer 600D Boat Cover review →
Budge 1200D V-Hull Runabout Boat Cover
Bottom Line : A thick 1200 denier cover that trades some easy fit for heavier fabric and strong storage protection.
Pros
- Very heavy 1200D fabric
- Taped waterproof seams
- Reinforced buckles
- Strong stretch cord
Cons
- Stiff and heavy to fit
- Limited fine tuning
- Needs close size match
This blue V hull runabout cover fits 18 to 20 ft boats with a beam up to 102 in, using 100 percent waterproof 1200 denier polyester with taped seams. At 1200 denier the fabric is far heavier than typical 600D covers. One owner called it well worth the extra cost over 600 and 800 denier covers.
The elastic hem and straps offer a fixed snug fit with limited fine tuning. A thick 1200 denier cover that trades some easy fit for heavier fabric and strong storage protection. It scores 82 out of 100.
The 1200 denier fabric is by far the toughest cover I have owned, but it is heavy and stiff so fitting it alone is a workout.
Shaun, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full Budge 1200D V-Hull Runabout Boat Cover review →
Comnova Marine-Grade Trailerable Boat Cover
Bottom Line : An easy fitting marine grade cover that one person can install in minutes, aimed at value over long haul durability.
Pros
- Very fast one person install
- PU coated waterproof fabric
- Fits many hull styles
- Reinforced stitching
Cons
- Thin long term track record
- Lighter build
- Few owner reviews so far
It fits 16 to 18.5 ft V hull, tri hull, bowrider, and bass boats with a beam up to 94 in, using PU coated oxford cloth with reinforced stitching. Comnova states one person can finish install in 5 to 10 minutes. An elastic hem and adjustable tie down straps pull it into a snug fit.
Reinforced stitching at stress points supports towing loads. An easy fitting marine grade cover that one person can install in minutes, aimed at value over long haul durability. It scores 78 out of 100.
I had it on the boat in under ten minutes by myself, though it is a newer cover so I cannot speak to how it lasts over several seasons.
James, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full Comnova Marine-Grade Trailerable Boat Cover review →
Pyle Universal Adjustable Boat Storage Cover
Bottom Line : A universal adjustable storage cover that fits a wide size range, trading heavy duty durability for flexibility and low cost.
Pros
- Very flexible universal fit
- Easy adjustable straps
- Non scratch D rings
- Storage bag included
Cons
- Lighter 300D fabric
- Shorter service life
- Universal cut can flap
This universal Pyle cover uses adjustable straps and an elastic cord to fit large pontoon and deck boats, aimed at flexible storage coverage. Universal fit with adjustable straps stretches across a wide length range. An adjustable height support and transom flap add customization.
A good quality cover of this type typically lasts about 2 to 3 years with care. A universal adjustable storage cover that fits a wide size range, trading heavy duty durability for flexibility and low cost. It scores 74 out of 100.
The adjustable straps let me fit it to more than one boat, but the fabric is lighter so I keep it for storage rather than highway towing.
Annie, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full Pyle Universal Adjustable Boat Storage Cover review →
Buyers Guide:
How To Choose The Best Cover for your Boat
You don’t just pick a cover and get done with it. This is an investment that will take care of your boat while you’re gone we are talking about. Here are some things to consider when choosing the best boat covers for your toys.
- The color matters. You don’t just pick out what looks nice (although you certainly could!). The color of your cover can also contribute to its protecting power against the harsh UV rays. Dark shades such as black, navy blue, and green have better UV protection and they also last longer than lighter colors.
- Mind the material- Not just the exterior material! The interior material matters, as well because it’s the side that will touch the surface of your boat. If you want to preserve your boat’s paint or lacquer, get a cover with a good interior feels as well.
- Storage- Not all boat covers can be stored outside. So make sure to do research about your prospect’s material first and foremost so you’d know if it’s versatile enough to be stored outside, and even be used for transportation and trailering.
- Measure- So how would you know if it’s right for your boat? It’s in the measurement
- The first thing to measure is the length of the centerline. It’s the straight measurement starting from the bow to the stern. Don’t include the motor but make sure to consider its tolerance for the excessive height of the bow rail as well as the trolling motors, platforms, ladders, and other components.
- Next is the width of the beam. Measure the widest distance across the watercraft and the flat line on the sides at the widest part of the hull. But remember not to measure over the windshield.
- Then study the size charts that come with the boat covers very carefully. Choose the one that best represents your boat the most. You might also want to go a size up to be sure.
Now that you know what to get, let’s find out…
How to take care of your boat cover?
Yes, the covers, the protectors need some lovin’ too!
As I’ve already said earlier, a boat cover is an investment. It’s what will protect and shield your priced watercraft away from the harsh elements, seasons, and dirt. That’s why you should also take care of it so it lasts long.
- Make sure to dry your boat and leave no moist parts before storing it for a long time.
- If soiled, you can use water to rinse it. If you have to clean it, use gentle soap or detergent.
- Hang your boat cover and let it air dry naturally.
- Avoid your cover being in contact with sharp objects.
- Use foam or the like on sharp points of your boat to avoid tearing the cover.
- Keep out of too much sunshine and chemicals such as acid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What type of boat cover should I get?
Q. How should you clean your boat covers?
Q. How do you prevent covers from collecting water?
Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results
We tested every boat cover on this list against the same five things that decide which one earns its place.
Here is how the field compared on each.
Ease Of Use
The Classic Accessories StormPro Heavy-Duty Boat Cover leads the field for ease of use at 9 out of 10, and the Budge 1200D V-Hull Runabout Boat Cover trails at 7.
| Boat Cover | Ease Of Use |
|---|---|
| Classic Accessories StormPro Heavy-Duty Boat Cover | 9/10 |
| Comnova Marine-Grade Trailerable Boat Cover | 9/10 |
| Budge 600D Low-Profile Boat Cover | 8/10 |
| iCOVER Trailerable Heavy-Duty Boat Cover | 8/10 |
| Pyle Universal Adjustable Boat Storage Cover | 8/10 |
| Oceansouth Heavy-Duty Trailerable Jon Boat Cover | 7/10 |
| MSC Heavy-Duty 600D Trailerable Boat Cover | 7/10 |
| VORTEX Ultra Pontoon/Deck Boat Cover | 7/10 |
| North East Harbor V-Hull 3-Layer 600D Boat Cover | 7/10 |
| Budge 1200D V-Hull Runabout Boat Cover | 7/10 |
Protection Qualities
The Classic Accessories StormPro Heavy-Duty Boat Cover leads the field for protection qualities at 9 out of 10, and the Pyle Universal Adjustable Boat Storage Cover trails at 6.
| Boat Cover | Protection Qualities |
|---|---|
| Classic Accessories StormPro Heavy-Duty Boat Cover | 9/10 |
| VORTEX Ultra Pontoon/Deck Boat Cover | 9/10 |
| North East Harbor V-Hull 3-Layer 600D Boat Cover | 9/10 |
| iCOVER Trailerable Heavy-Duty Boat Cover | 8/10 |
| Oceansouth Heavy-Duty Trailerable Jon Boat Cover | 8/10 |
| MSC Heavy-Duty 600D Trailerable Boat Cover | 8/10 |
| Budge 1200D V-Hull Runabout Boat Cover | 8/10 |
| Budge 600D Low-Profile Boat Cover | 7/10 |
| Comnova Marine-Grade Trailerable Boat Cover | 7/10 |
| Pyle Universal Adjustable Boat Storage Cover | 6/10 |
Durability
The Oceansouth Heavy-Duty Trailerable Jon Boat Cover leads the field for durability at 9 out of 10, and the Pyle Universal Adjustable Boat Storage Cover trails at 5.
| Boat Cover | Durability |
|---|---|
| Oceansouth Heavy-Duty Trailerable Jon Boat Cover | 9/10 |
| North East Harbor V-Hull 3-Layer 600D Boat Cover | 9/10 |
| Budge 1200D V-Hull Runabout Boat Cover | 9/10 |
| Classic Accessories StormPro Heavy-Duty Boat Cover | 8/10 |
| MSC Heavy-Duty 600D Trailerable Boat Cover | 8/10 |
| VORTEX Ultra Pontoon/Deck Boat Cover | 8/10 |
| Budge 600D Low-Profile Boat Cover | 7/10 |
| iCOVER Trailerable Heavy-Duty Boat Cover | 7/10 |
| Comnova Marine-Grade Trailerable Boat Cover | 6/10 |
| Pyle Universal Adjustable Boat Storage Cover | 5/10 |
Adjustability
The Classic Accessories StormPro Heavy-Duty Boat Cover leads the field for adjustability at 9 out of 10, and the Budge 1200D V-Hull Runabout Boat Cover trails at 6.
| Boat Cover | Adjustability |
|---|---|
| Classic Accessories StormPro Heavy-Duty Boat Cover | 9/10 |
| iCOVER Trailerable Heavy-Duty Boat Cover | 9/10 |
| Pyle Universal Adjustable Boat Storage Cover | 9/10 |
| VORTEX Ultra Pontoon/Deck Boat Cover | 8/10 |
| North East Harbor V-Hull 3-Layer 600D Boat Cover | 8/10 |
| Comnova Marine-Grade Trailerable Boat Cover | 8/10 |
| Budge 600D Low-Profile Boat Cover | 7/10 |
| Oceansouth Heavy-Duty Trailerable Jon Boat Cover | 7/10 |
| MSC Heavy-Duty 600D Trailerable Boat Cover | 7/10 |
| Budge 1200D V-Hull Runabout Boat Cover | 6/10 |
Our Final Verdict: 10 Best Boat Covers
After testing the field, three boat covers stood out.
The Classic Accessories StormPro Heavy-Duty Boat Cover is our best overall boat cover. A well finished trailerable cover that balances a snug fit, real weather protection, and quick fitting for the price.
The iCOVER Trailerable Heavy-Duty Boat Cover is our best reliable boat cover. A reinforced 600D cover with a strong strap system that fits a wide range of hulls, with a caution to size up for highway towing.
The North East Harbor V-Hull 3-Layer 600D Boat Cover is our best uv-resistant boat cover. A heavy triple layer 600D cover with strong UV and fade resistance and reinforced stress points, sold as one size in a generic V hull line.
Conclusion:
Best Boat Covers
There’s never a pickier buyer than a boat owner.
So should you be!
After all, we’re talking about the protector of your prized watercraft so it should be more than just a piece of fabric for you.
If you want the cream of the crop, the Top-Notch Choice MSC heavy-duty waterproof boat cover is your best friend. But then, you can also get a budget boat cover with almost the same quality, which is the Best Budget Goodsmann boat cover.
You see…
...it’s not always in the price. As seen on the field tests and review that we did, there are boat covers that answer to different boaters’ needs, and that’s the beauty of it!
So how would you like to dress your boat?
Individual reviews in Gear & Gadgets
Classic Accessories StormPro Heavy-Duty Boat Cover Review
Budge 600D Low-Profile Boat Cover Review
iCOVER Trailerable Heavy-Duty Boat Cover Review
Oceansouth Heavy-Duty Trailerable Jon Boat Cover Review
MSC Heavy-Duty 600D Trailerable Boat Cover Review
VORTEX Ultra Pontoon/Deck Boat Cover Review
North East Harbor V-Hull 3-Layer 600D Boat Cover Review
