HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT COVER FOR YOUR BOAT

Winter covers are gaining popularity. “People are keeping boats longer,” says Brad de Wolf of the Rhode Island canvas shop Kinder Industries. “Custom covers pay for themselves [compared to shrink-wrapping] in about four winters. They also provide a more protective, more consistent envelope for expensive boats and equipment,” he says, “versus shrinkwrap, which varies year to year.” —Capt. Vincent Daniello

MATERIAL CHOICES

“Moisture penetrates into breathable fabrics, and then snow and ice stick,” de Wolf says, so he prefers woven polyester and waterproof fabrics such as Top Gun or HarborTime for winter covers. “Snow falls right off that slick surface.”

Double-coated fabrics hold up well under wet, heavy snow. Single-coated-fabrics are lighter, less bulky and less expensive alternatives in lower latitudes. Choose Tenara thread for ultraviolet protection.

APPENDAGES AND VENTS

To mitigate moisture issues, de Wolf typically installs four vents on covers— crush-proof rubber cowls with mesh screens repel insects, birds and rodents—for boats shorter than 35 feet, while larger boats often require six or more vents.

For a winter-proof seal, rubber boots wrap nearly two full turns around protrusions such as radar arrays, outrigger hardware or large antennas. Zippers enlarge these openings to aid cover installation and removal.

SUPPORT STRUCTURE

Steeply sloped sides ensure snow falls from covers, but de Wolf tries to gain pitch without increasing windage. Many powerboats need just a simple two-by-four spine down the centerline from the cabin or hardtop to the bow.

More complex covers might benefit from flexible 1-inch EMT electrical conduit or 1-inch rigid steel electrical conduit. Avoid PVC. It can become brittle and shatter into sharp shards under load in cold temps.

TIE DOWNS AND CHAFE PROTECTION

To draw covers down tight, de Wolf stitches nylon webbing loops directly onto them every 2 or 3 feet along the boat’s length instead of using metal grommets that could scratch the hull.

Quarter-inch shipping foam adds sacrificial padding to chafe-prone areas. Flannellike material sewn into covers softens areas that might rub over brightwork.

INSTALLATION AND ACCESS

De Wolf separates large covers—using extra-large YKK zippers—into three or four manageable sections. Oversize access points facilitate over-winter work projects. Clear sections over solar panels also allow for wintertime battery charging.