10 Best Kayak Covers [UPDATED]
Definitive Guide (2024)
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After 17 hours of field testing and 187 users surveyed we bring you the most comprehensive best Kayak Covers review.
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!
- INTRODUCTION
- Best Adjustable Boat Cover
- Best Budget Boat Cover
- Best Full Protection Boat Cover
- Best Reliable Boat Cover
- Best Easy To Fit Boat Cover
- Best UV Resistant Boat Cover
- Best Durable Boat Cover
- Best Breathable Boat Cover
- Best Boat Cover With Storage Bag
- Best Material Boat Cover
- Buyers Guide:
- How To Choose The Best Cover for your Boat
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results
- 1. Ease of use
- 2. Protection Qualities
- 3. Durability
- 4. Adjustability
- Our Final Verdict:Best Boat Covers
- Conclusion: Best Boat Covers
INTRODUCTION
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 Adjustable Boat Cover
#1 – MSC Heavy Duty 600D Marine Grade Polyester Canvas Trailerable Waterproof Boat Cover
Bottom Line : A straightforward and simple boat cover that’s focused on the quality of material and a good fit for your boat.
Pros
Cons
New to using and maintaining boats? Well then, the first thing you’ll need is a boat cover that can do the maintenance for you.
And you need one that’s straightforward and basic enough for anyone to figure out while protecting the surface and even interiors of your watercraft in the best way possible.
This MSC boat cover may not look much but as we also soon found out, it’s because the manufacturers focused on developing its material, coating, and stitches instead of the extras.
The result?
Well, needless to say, it’s become this review’s Editor’s Choice!
Let me tell you how.
The highlight of this hard worker is the material. Made of 600D marine grade polyester canvas, it’s got the best of both worlds.
Its polyester material keeps it wrinkle-free so it was smooth as new even after being folded in its bag for hours while I used my boat.
It also has the ability to maintain its shape, which makes it the perfect material for protecting a watercraft.
Remember…
…when a railing, framing, or any part of your boat that juts out just chafes against the boat cover, causing the cover to either lose its shape or flat out make a hole through it?
You thought it’s inevitable…
…but it’s just the material!
This one is curiously thick but still lightweight enough that even after months of use, you’d never know where the tension spot is because the whole surface looked as good as new.
Polyester is also very easy to clean. This is partly due to its texture, as well, which lets water or any liquid slide straight down the fabric so it doesn’t penetrate and become a stain.
This brings us to…
…its water-resistant feature. Nope, it’s not waterproof but it’s water-resistant! I just watched as it rained outside one day and the water just drip smoothly down. The next day, I found the interior of the boat perfectly dry as I lifted up the cover!
But also know that the rain I am talking about is light to average so no, don’t leave this out in a storm and expect a dry both the next day. It’s not a waterproof boat cover.
On the other hand…
…thanks to its canvas material, it’s also durable and long-lasting.
It also contributes to maintaining the seamless and crispy shape of the cover so it doesn’t really get old and worn fast if that’s what you’re wondering about.
Now on to the fit.
I got 3 model sizes out of 5 and they’re actually very precise in their sizing. In case you’re wondering, the covers proved true to the size but I chose to get one size up just to be sure.
Thankfully, it comes with straps that you can adjust to perfectly go with the body of your boat. They also have quick-release buckles as well as an elastic cord on the bottom hem for a tight and perfect fit that seals your boat safely and snugly.
But we’re talking about the rain too much.
What if you live in an area with hot weather?
Well, you’d be glad to know that the best boat cover in our test and trial is also heavy-duty enough to last under the summer sun with its UV protection that will keep the harmful rays at bay, keeping your cover from disintegrating prematurely.
Oh and aside from that, it also has not one but two coatings of polyurethane to protect it against strong elements.
Suffice to say…
…this is a good boat cover for any season, which makes it a practical investment as well!
Read Full Review:
Best Budget Boat Cover
#2 – GOODSMANN Trailerable Marine Grade Boat Cover
Bottom Line : The Goodsmann boat cover is for boat owners who are looking to maximize their budgets with a high-quality product at a reasonable price.
Pros
Cons
Looking to maximize your budget with a decent boat cover without breaking the bank?
You don’t have to settle for less.
The Goodsmann boat cover, our Best Value cover is made to bring high-end boat cover material to all types of boaters at a very appealing price.
I admit…
…just like most people on this boat cover reviews , I wasn’t so hesitant to get it as I figured it won’t be not much of a loss if it doesn’t work out.
But surprise, surprise. The fact alone that it can fit most boat types like a bass boat, aluminum, V-hull, and tri-hull among many others alone makes it a cover worth checking out.
It’s made of 150 Denier marine grade polyester material, which means it’s much thicker than most.
As if that’s not enough…
…it also has UV protection coming from its Oxford polyester material.
I had this with me in the Arizona summer sun and it had to wait for about 3 days under the sun while I got its storage ready and the boat cover material remained unchanged and not even the slightest bit brittle after that.
I got the B model which can fit up to 14 to 23 feet long boats with a beam width that’s up to 68 inches to 100 inches long.
There’s a size chart on their page so you might want to refer to that to be sure.
It came a little bigger than what the watercraft needed but not too big so it wasn’t a big deal for me as I also prefer them to be a little bit bigger sometimes for better hold while I transport my boat on the road.
Aside from the impressive boat cover material, it also includes one 23 meters of wobbling rope with two pieces of 75 meters elastic rope with plastic hooks which proved very easy to install with the help of Goodmann boat cover’s ingenious bow strap design.
Additionally…
…its tight strapping system at the bottom gives a nice tight fit to the boat while keeping any debris, dust, and even moisture out.
And speaking of moisture…
…what makes this better than most is it has actual air vents on the rear which are small enough to keep all the bad stuff at bay but also enough to let moisture out. And that means no mildew, no weird smell, and basically, no damage to the interior of the boat come winter and summer.
If I could mention one flaw, that would be the fact that it doesn’t come with poles. The boat cover material is strong enough to withstand harsh sunshine and even winter. But you’d need poles for the cover to hold up well and keep water from welling on your boat.
But then…
…it’s also not a deal-breaker as the quality itself is more than what I paid for!
Read Full Review:
Best Full Protection Boat Cover
#3 – iCOVER Trailerable Boat Cover
Bottom Line : This trailerable boat cover is great if you want the best and easiest adjustability and quick installment and removal wherever you go.
Pros
Cons
This thing is so cheap that I didn’t expect as much as you’d probably do so it came as a pleasant surprise to see this boat cover’s features.
This cover by Cover World is dubbed as a universal boat cover that fits most boat shapes today, and yes, including the ones that are a little irregularly shaped, making it our Top Pick trailerable boat cover for this review!
True enough…
…what I had wasn’t that irregular but it sure was a challenge to look for a perfectly fitting cover for my aluminum boat with a poling platform. Naturally, I ordered one size up to give allowance for the platform.
It’s the perfect fit and even felt like it’s an expensive custom cover!
Seriously.
What’s more…
…the part for the hull was shaped much sharper so it’s a breeze to put it on even when I’m alone with no helping hand as the corner is much easier to find. No scrambling in the dark!
I was able to cover the sides of my boat so I’m happy with that as I am keen on preserving the glossy goodness of my boat against scratches and stains.
Another cool thing is that it comes in more cool colors to choose from.
But the thing is…
…not all sizes were available for every color so for the sizes that I’ve ordered (I bought two), I got this bright and enlivening marine blue color and silver for the other.
But there’s more to color than that.
If you can, always opt for the most reflective ones as they reflect sunlight off of the cover and out of your boat’s surface, thus keeping disintegration and damage away.
So the silver one really impressed me with that.
But even without the reflector shade…
…this polyester boat cover has UV protection, making it a perfect protector for your boat if you live in a sunny place.
Now, if you’re also looking for one that can double as a winter boat cover, you’ll be glad to know that this baby is made to withstand the moist and the cold, as well.
Along with its set of webbing and straps, it’s also elastic on the bottom hem so add that to the nice size of the cover and you’ve got yourself one that clings perfectly and snugly to the boat’s body.
But that’s not all.
The hems were also made to stick perfectly to the boat to further keep water out.
And true enough, water drops and even leaves just slide past the cover so it’s actually nice to uncover a perfectly dry boat the next morning.
The straps and webbing system are also something worth considering.
Far from the usual strapping system, it comes with both long and short straps for the widest part of your boat and then the hull. It’s easy to install so it’s up and ready to go in just under 10 minutes for me upon using it for the first time.
It’s trailerable and can also be used in mooring. It didn’t flap and held remarkably well during our road trip.
One downside though…
…is it tends to fade over time. Well, that’s nothing new. Most boat covers today tend to do so but this one fades easily in hot weather, so I thought you’d want to know that, too.
But for us, at least, it’s not a big deal as it held up exceptionally well even after three seasons, so that’s certainly something!
Read Full Review:
Best Reliable Boat Cover
#4 – Seamander Heavy Duty Waterproof Trailerable Boat Cover
Bottom Line : A reliable heavy duty boat cover that can withstand storms and typhoons, as well as heavy snow.
Pros
Cons
Boat owners know that it’s no joke finding a nice heavy duty boat cover that can last many seasons while braving storms, typhoons, and snow.
So I was anxious to try this boat cover out from Seamander, as it’s also quite well-known (and loved) due to its reputation as a very durable and heavy-duty boat cover.
So I actually tried it first among the other covers we’ve and have been using it for a while now.
Made from 600 denier polyester canvas, this cover is much, much thicker than other covers that we’ve used.
Just like most boat cover reviews for this model stated, it doesn’t tear very easily as it’s very thick and made to be durable. So yes, it’s not very lightweight, too.
Even after months of using this and even trailering my boat with this cover on, it didn’t show any signs of wear and tear in the boat’s sharp parts where a boat cover usually breaks first.
But now wonder…
…because as it turns out, this fabric wasn’t made with the usual process but with an innovative textile technology process involving 2-thread stitching so the fabric is much tighter.
The result?
Well, apart from its exceptional durability, that process also made this Seamander boat cover water-resistant. It’s so strong that it’s almost waterproof.
This cover has been through two typhoons so far, and one winter, and to our surprise, it held up exceptionally well.
As a matter of fact…
…on my first use, I wake up to a little water pool on top of it but interestingly, no water leaked inside. They just stayed pooled up outside on the cover.
So after that, I added another support pole, making it three poles in total now. The next morning, there’s no pool anymore and the cover was almost as dry as an Indian summer.
But remember…
…this doesn’t come with poles so you must make sure to get your poles to get the best out of this boat cover.
But then, snow and rain aren’t always the enemy. There’s the harsh sun, too.
Like most boat covers here, this is also made from polyester so naturally, it’s UV-resistant.
But then…
…Seamander took it to the next level by enhancing its UV-resistant properties. As a result, this cover is supposed to fade much slower and more subtly than the regular boat cover.
As it should be because I’d hate to lose these covers’ cool colors that fast!
So you can certainly enjoy its protection not just during the colder months but the piping hot ones, too!
So far…
…after more than a year of using it, the color hasn’t faded yet so it’s staying true to its promise. It’ll surely fade eventually but it has now proven that it can outlive most of the covers I have at home.
The straps are alright. Nothing fancy or special but they worked.
The size tends to run small so I opted to order one size up.
Suffice to say…
…the fit was great aside from the baggy parts which are the sides so they’d probably flap uncontrollably during trailering but it hasn’t happened to me yet as I make sure to strap it on very well with additional straps.
It comes in 7 colors to choose from which made me happy as I love vivid colors. It also has a 2-year warranty for peace of mind.
Read Full Review:
Best Easy To Fit Boat Cover
5 – Classic Accessories StormPro Heavy-Duty Center Console Boat Cover
Bottom Line : A very easy to install, easy to use, and easy to fasten boat cover with a bonus of perfectly waterproof material and a support pole to boot!
Pros
Cons
With no other color choices available to choose from and very basic features, who would’ve thought that this would be one of the most loved covers by many boat owners around the world?
But you better believe it…
…because we’re also converted!
The first thing to be noticed on this boat cover is its material as the 600D woven polyester is much denser than others and very tightly woven at that.
The result?
A perfectly waterproof cover to withstand gallons of water from a storm.
Yep, I said waterproof and not just water-resistant.
It was able to hold a great amount of water from night to morning without letting a single drop penetrate and flood the inside of the boat.
This durability and toughness also make it great for a wide variety of locations and weather. So best believe that it can also shield your boat from the snow when it finally comes.
But that’s not all.
Specially made for center console boats, it also has an extra cover for the console itself and it’s attached to the main cover.
But you even if it came without the extra cover, I’d say it would still be enough for the whole boat as it comes true to size, which I only discovered when I ordered a size up and it’s a little baggy on my boat.
But worry not.
If it happens to come in quite baggy, you can always rarely on its great strapping system. The straps are tough and even comes with a separate strap for trailering.
But as you most probably know already…
…sometimes, it’s the strapping system that causes the cover to tear, especially if you often use it in trailering.
The good thing is I’ve observed that this is far from the real case with this boat cover. As it happened the straps take most of the tension instead of the cover so I know that it won’t be tearing anytime in the future.
Aside from its great material, it also features two air vents to keep moisture and condensation out.
You might be thinking…
…so how is the cover even waterproof if it has an air vent where moisture can also get it?
Well, these air vents are shielded so you’re getting both breathability and protection in one.
But what’s cooler…
…is it comes with a pole to support your cover so it won’t collapse due to the weight of the water.
And did I say it’s very easy to install? It felt like I was covering a very small boat instead because it was all too easy to dress onto the boat and strap on!
Read Full Review:
Best UV Resistant Boat Cover
6 – Inflatable Boat Cover for Inflatable Boat Dinghy 9 ft – 10 ft
Bottom Line : An easy-to-use, UV-resistant protective cover that specializes in shielding your boat from harmful sunshine and UV rays, maintaining its smooth and pristine surface.
Pros
Cons
This is for you who are looking for a no-nonsense and straightforward boat covering for storage or in your garage.
This cover from Benflyworld comes in one size and one color only, which is grey. But its excellent quality of material made of for this lack of options.
As a matter of fact…
…it’s made to be extra UV-resistant so you can use it outside your home while even being exposed in the sun.
Its light shade will then cause the sunlight to bounce off, reducing the chances of damage and disintegration.
It doesn’t have a strap though, so unless you use your own strapping system for it- which you certainly can- you can’t really take it out trailering.
But hey, if we’re talking about protection, it’s checked all the marks!
Read Full Review:
Best Durable Boat Cover
7 – VINGLI Boat Cover Heavy Duty 600D Polyester Waterproof
Bottom Line : An attractive-looking boat cover that focuses on durability and longevity so you can use this for longer than usual.
Pros
Cons
Aesthetics and durability are well-combined and balanced with this boat cover from Vingli.
Coming in at very vivid and pleasing colors, this proved to be more than just pretty looks.
As a matter of fact…
…this sturdy 600 denier polyester is made to be UV-resistant and even weather-proof to withstand any kind of weather your boat may be found in.
It’s also waterproof thanks not only to its PVC coating but also the waterproof tapes along with its interior.
This beauty is available in four colors with the pacific blue the most vivid of them all (which I got!).
Best Breathable Boat Cover
8 – RVMasking Waterproof 800D Polyester Trailerable Full-Size Boat Cover
Bottom Line : A highly breathable boat cover with great ventilation and waterproof features.
Pros
Cons
Coming in with 800 deniers of fabric, this bad boy is one of the thickest in this list.
But interestingly…
…it also proved to be one of the most breathable.
Let me explain it to you.
The higher the denier number is, the thicker your boat cover will be. As a result, this cover did an astounding job shielding my boat from the harsh southern sun and protecting its paint and surface at the same time.
This quality also came in handy when it’s the stormy season. It’s heavy so it’s hard to lift. So it’s also quite behaved (not flapping at all) when it’s trailered, thus prolonging its service life.
But that’s not all.
It also comes with a separate motor cover that you can also use as a storage bag!
In terms of waterproofness, this guy isn’t fully waterproof but it’s water-resistant, though its coating may fade after about a year or so.
But then you can always recoat it!
So how did this thick thing become breathable?
Well, like the other boat covers here, it also has air vents. But what makes it different is the air vents were placed on either side of the boat so they’re not just concentrated on one area only.
If that’s not an ultimately thoughtful design then I don’t know what else is!
Read Full Review:
Best Boat Cover With Storage Bag
9 – Orgrimmar 600D Boat Cover Heavy Duty Waterproof Trailerable Boat Cover
Bottom Line : Sturdy and waterproof, this boat cover also comes with a durable bag for neat storage.
Pros
Cons
This boat cover by Orgrimmar sure looks humble at first glance, but the truth is it’s reinforced with great features that we’re able to enjoy its service for months now and it’s still unfaded and solid.
In case you’re wondering…
…it’s waterproof and weatherproof, thanks to its coating.
But aside from that, it also has these impressive waterproof tapings on the interior of the cover that further seal all moisture out.
Protection on the outside and the inside? I’ll take it!
The buckles felt thin though but then, they still haven’t failed me up to this day so I can’t really say that they’re flimsy.
This straightforward boat cover comes with a simple but equally thick and durable bag that you can use for storage to protect the cover itself.
Read Full Review:
Best Material Boat Cover
10 – RainMan S Waterproof Heavy Duty 210D Boat Cover
Bottom Line : A lightweight and low maintenance
Pros
Cons
If you’re looking to preserve the pristine condition of your boat’s paint or surface, what you need is a boat cover that’s gentle enough not to damage or scratch it to say the least.
This RainMan S boat cover is made from premium oxford fabric which is usually based on cotton so it’s softer than most covers, perfect if you’re looking for gentle protection for your priced watercraft.
Additionally…
…this material also makes the cover shrink-proof and wrinkle-proof so it can be stored very easily without any worry of losing its shape!
It doesn’t come with a supporting rod but it also has its own bag for storage, which is another nice treat.
Read Full Review:
Why Trust Us?
To some people, boating and kayaking are occasional affairs that happen about once a year with the family or closest friends.
For us…
…being one with the waters is a way of life. So we take our things and gear most seriously.
If you’re wondering how we keep up with buying and testing all these water gear and equipment, well, we’re always aiming for the best watery experience ever and we’re aware that new designs are being released by the minute so it’s become a habit to do field tests.
And here we are now, sharing to you all that we find, the best and the worst, so that you could find the beauty in going with the waves, as well!
And then I thought, why not put to paper all these discoveries we find?
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 measurements.
- 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?
Generally speaking, the best boat cover for any type of watercraft is one that’s breathable while doing a great job sealing your boat snug and dry. It should also have great UV protection.
Q.How should you clean your boat covers?
To maintain its quality, make sure to wash the boat covers gently with gentle soap or detergent and rinse with water. You’d also do well to air dry it than letting it tumble on the dryer.
Q.How do you prevent covers from collecting water?
A nice support pole can further lift the covers up and keep water from welling in deep spots.
Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results
1. Ease of use
For this metric, we’ve observed how easy we’re able to open and install each boat cover is. We tend to remove the cover right on the boating location so it wouldn’t serve us well if we’d have to spend literally hours trying to remove it from the boat!
2. Protection Qualities
A boat cover that can protect your watercraft is good but it’s something more if it has UV protection and double coatings to boot!
3. Durability
Well, it would be so awkward if the cover to protect your boat would disintegrate before the boat does! It should be tough enough to withstand summer and winter, as well as heavy rains, and still come out looking as good as new.
4. Adjustability
Well, it’s dreamy to get a boat cover that perfectly fits your boat. But unless you’re getting a custom-made one, it’s not very realistic. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get one that hugs your boat like a glove! Adjustability is the key.
Our Final Verdict:
Best Boat Covers
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 Editor’s 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?