Canopy Covers

Your boat can only handle so much of what the Great Lakes can throw at it before its looks and performance start to be affected. The sun, wind, and water are fun, and your boat can handle the exposure while you’re out, but it shouldn’t be exposed to those elements all the time— nor the times when high winds and debris could hit your boat. A boat lift is only half of the protection you could be offering your boat on the water: you’ll need a canopy cover to keep your boat truly protected from the worst of what nature has to offer.

How Canopy Covers Work

Canopy covers are stretched and secured over a canopy frame to protect the top and sides of a boat while it’s on a lift. They’re designed specifically with coverage in mind, as well as ease of installation. Features like rounded ends and deep frame pockets allow complete coverage for a boat tucked tightly under a canopy. They’re pitched like roofs to allow them to shed moisture and rain and are designed to be breathable to inhibit mold and mildew growth.

How to Choose a Cover

Size matters when it comes to covers. The right size cover will not only fit on your frame, but it will also be able to protect your boat fully. If you’re purchasing your cover and frame from the same manufacturer, they’re probably going to be compatible sizes. If you’re looking for a replacement cover or you don’t have the size information available, you’ll need to take some measurements: overall frame length, inside width, length of side rails minus the end caps, and outside width. Choose a cover with rounded edges or a canopy skirt to enhance its protective qualities.

Your cover should be made of a durable, lightweight material that’s suited for marine environments. Something that’s water repellent and resistant to mold, mildew, abrasion, and ultraviolet light is perfect. They should also be vented to allow for breathability.

Care and Keeping of Your Canopy Cover

Just like your boat, lift, and dock, your canopy cover needs some love and care to help it stay in its prime for years. For us seasonal boaters, proper canopy cover care means putting it away for the winter. Before putting it away for the season, make sure that it’s clean and dry. Brush off dirt, pollen, and other debris and clean it with warm water and a gentle soap if necessary. Grab a friend, place the cover on level ground, and begin folding the cover like you would a sleeping bag, about a foot and a half at a time. Once you reach the halfway point, fold it in the same way from the opposite side (if you have a curved cover, don’t worry about keeping the lines straight, just tuck in the corners and ruffles as best as you can). Fold it over, smooth out the fabric, and start to tightly roll it up, pressing out the air as you go until you reach the end. Keep your cover in a safe and dry place until next year. 

A canopy cover is a simple but effective way to protect your investment in your boat. Keep your boat going strong and looking good season after season by investing in a quality canopy cover!

For more information:
ShoreMaster, LLC
1025 International Drive
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
800.328.8945

www.shoremaster.com