| boats are a great way to spend quality time with | | | | UV Resistant — To protect your cover |
| your family and friends. They are easy to | | | | from fading and breaking down due to the sun |
| operate and have room for everyone to indulge | | | | Breathable — Allowing any trapped |
| in their favorite water activities in comfort. While | | | | moisture on your pontoon to escape, preventing |
| it is relaxing and entertaining there are cleaning | | | | mold and mildew. Remember, a truly waterproof |
| and maintenance involved with owning a pontoon | | | | cover will trap moisture under the cover leading |
| boat. To minimize the amount of time preparing | | | | to problems. |
| for an outing and maximize the time you are out | | | | Mildew Resistant — Your cover will |
| on the water, invest in a pontoon boat cover that | | | | constantly be expose to moisture, having a |
| will best fit and protect your pontoon. This should | | | | mildew resistant cover will save you from cleaning |
| be the first pontoon boat accessories that you | | | | mold and mildew often |
| purchase. Not only will it make taking out your | | | | Support Poles for Pontoon Boat Covers |
| boat a breeze, it will protect your investment and | | | | It is wonderful to be on a pontoon boat and feel |
| increase your resell value. | | | | like you are in a living room floating down |
| Before purchasing a cover for your pontoon boat, | | | | the river. But due to the size and openness of the |
| there are a few things to look for to insure you | | | | living room, the large cover for your |
| are purchasing the right cover. Because of their | | | | pontoon boat will need support. Unsupported, your |
| unique shape, pontoon boats covers require some | | | | pontoon cover will sag and collect water, snow |
| special fit considerations. This article will explain the | | | | and debris which will shorten the life of your |
| features to consider when purchasing a pontoon | | | | cover, and impede its effectiveness. The support |
| boat cover. | | | | poles will tent the cover allowing water and |
| Types of Pontoon Boat Covers | | | | debris to run down the sides. Because of the size |
| It is important to take a little time to measure | | | | of the cover, multiple supports poles are ideal. For |
| your pontoon boat, to be sure you get the best | | | | pontoon boats under 16 feet, 2 poles should |
| fit possible. A good fit is important, particularly if | | | | suffice, 16’-22’ pontoon boats will |
| you plan to trailer your boat. Once you have the | | | | typically use 3 poles or a Pole and strap Pontoon |
| measurements, you can decide what sort of | | | | support system. If your boat is over 22’ |
| cover you want. Most of the pontoon boat | | | | long, you’ll probably want 4 poles or a pole |
| covers on the market are will be Semi-custom | | | | and strap pontoon cover support system. If you |
| — designed to fit many brands of pontoon | | | | are using free standing poles, look for snap in |
| boat that share common dimensions and style. | | | | pads built into the pontoon boat cover for easy |
| You may be able to find a Custom pontoon | | | | installation and adjustable support poles. Without |
| cover through your pontoon boat’s | | | | the support poles you risk water and debris |
| manufacturer, but be prepared to pay a premium. | | | | collecting on your cover creating a pool, weighing |
| If you select a Semi-Custom pontoon boat cover, | | | | your cover down and eventually pulling the cover |
| you’ll want to look for the style that best | | | | off of your pontoon while dumping water and |
| matches your boat. Do you have a fully fenced | | | | leaves inside. Even if the cover doesn’t pull |
| deck, or do you have open deck space for or aft | | | | off, the water and dirt may damage the cover |
| of the fenced area? Does you boat have a fold | | | | and lead to its failure. |
| down hard top, or other unique features that | | | | Tie-Downs for Pontoon Boat Covers |
| may make covering it more difficult? Do you | | | | To keep the cover on your pontoon boat, use |
| want to cover your whole deck or just the | | | | durable tie-down straps to secure the cover onto |
| fended Play Pen area? The right | | | | your trailer. You’ll typically want between 8 |
| Semi-custom Cover will offer the fit and | | | | and 12 straps. The straps will secure the cover, |
| protection you need without blowing your budget. | | | | keeping it snug and in place. When properly |
| Pontoon Boat Cover Fabric | | | | secure, you can trailer your pontoon boat |
| The most popular fabrics for pontoon boats | | | | knowing that it is protected. If you are using your |
| today are marine grade polyester, designed | | | | pontoon boat cover as a mooring cover, use milk |
| specificallyfor boat covers. You’ll find most | | | | jugs of sand connected to the tie down loops in |
| manufacturers feature this type of fabric, | | | | place of the tie down straps. It’s a little |
| although it may be under a variety of trade | | | | extra work, but it will help assure thatyour cover |
| names. The important features of any boat cover | | | | is still on your boat next time you go to use it. |
| are that it is: | | | | As you can see, there are important |
| Water Resistant — To provide protection | | | | characteristics to consider when purchasing a |
| from rain and snow | | | | cover for you pontoon boat. |