Custom Boat Covers Provide Great Protection

If you head out in the summer without sunscreen or you forget an umbrella when it's raining, what happens? You pay the price. The same goes for boat care. Exposure to sunlight or harsh conditions can quickly eat away at a boat's beauty, functionality a

If you head out in the summer without sunscreen or you forget an umbrella when it's raining, what happens? You pay the price. The same goes for boat care. Exposure to sunlight or harsh conditions can quickly eat away at a boat's beauty, functionality and resale value. Faded fiberglass, oxidized aluminum, rotting upholstery: these are the telltale signs of a perfectly functional boats that has been scarred by the weather. Good news-- most every boat can be spared from the elements by a good boat cover. There was a time when finding a boat cover to fit your boat could be a challenge. Thanks to the internet, it is now possible to shop over a thousand boat cover designs and sizes from a single web site and have a boat cover, even a custom-fit boat cover, delivered to your door in a few days. There are a few important things you need to consider in selecting your boat cover. First, how do you plan to use it? If you are protecting your boat while it is moored or in storage, a basic universal boat cover offers a simple, low cost solution. Universal covers are designed to provide a general fit for a rough size and style of boat. Think of it as a bathrobe: easy to fit, perfect for lounging around in, but not suitable when you are headed out into public. If you plan to use your boat cover when transporting your boat, consider a semi-custom or custom cover. If you don't have a good fitting boat cover, it will flap in the wind, wear on the cover material and even abrade your boat. A good fit and proper means to secure you boat cover are critical if you plan to take it on the road. Semi-custom covers come in a variety of styles and a range of sizes. While it may not provide an exact fit, it will typically be close enough to get the job done. Semi-custom covers are like shopping at the department store, where you can grab a pair of Levi's off the shelf that are the style and general size to fit you. Custom boat covers provide the best fit available. They are designed for the specific make, model, and year of your boat. You'll typically pay a little more for a custom cover but you'll get a great, precise fit. Think of this as going to the tailor and having a suit cut to your exact measurements. Once you've decided on the general style of cover you want, you'll need a little more information to get the right fit. If you are looking at a custom boat cover, you'll need the make, model and year of your boat. For a semi-custom or universal boat cover, you'll need to measure your boat for a proper fit. Don't rely on the published specifications, take your tape measure out and get the exact measurements. You'll need to make two measurements, the centerline and the beam. -- The Centerline is measured from the tip of the bow to the center of the stern. Make sure you measure in a straight line, not up and over the windshield or other fittings. -- Measure your beam by measuring across your boat at its widest point. Armed with these measurements and the style of your hull, you're ready to find a cover. Web sites may offer grids with styles and sizes to browse, or they may offer a finder to help you narrow your search. Which ever approach you prefer, make sure you understand the way the boat cover manufacturer defines a style. One manufacturer's pattern may accommodate a windscreen, while the next manufacturer listing the same style won't. If it isn't clear from the product description, be sure to ask. Many site offer live chat, toll free numbers or an email contact option. Their customer service representatives should be able to help you with your questions and help you find the cover you need.