Now that you have invested in a boating vessel, you probably want to make sure it stays in pristine condition. Using proper protective equipment – both on and off of the water – will help ensure your boat stays in good condition. There are a variety of options available for all of your protection needs, but in this article we are going to focus on boats that have center consoles and t-tops.
Traditional Mooring Covers
Standard boat covers, often known as mooring covers, are used when your boat is in storage or being transported. These are typically full boat covers that will cover your entire boat. They help keep moisture, debris, and other nuisances such as small animals out while your boat is not in use so the inside can be well protected. Mooring covers are often selected by either boat model or boat style. For boats with a center console, these covers are designed to accommodate that additional structure. There are even covers designed with additional fabric to wrap around the t-top and keep both its structure and your center console protected from the elements.
At Westland, we have created two different types of boat covers: Select Fit® covers and Exact Fit® covers. Select Fit® covers are considered to be more “universal” as their fit is determined by your boat’s style and centerline length. To get the tightest possible fit, Westand's Select Fit® covers are patterned in 1-foot increments while competitive covers are patterned at best every 2 feet. Exact Fit® covers, on the other hand, are designed following original boat patterns from OEMs and provide a custom fit for your boat’s exact make, model, and specifications. Both types of covers are available for center console boats and are made of high levels of quality and craftsmanship.
Center Console Covers
Think of the center console as the heart of your boat. It typically houses most of your boat’s electronics, essential controls, gauges, and other equipment. You want to protect those critical elements as much as possible, which is why a center console cover is highly recommended.
Center console covers are the best for daily use. If you plan to take your boat out more often than not, these are going to be the easiest and quickest to remove and put back on. These covers are designed to cover only your center console and keep its components protected from the elements when not in use. Additionally, you can quickly cover your center console if you are enjoying the lake for a few hours or indulging in some food or drinks at a marina to protect it from harmful UV rays.
T-Top Console Covers
T-tops are the most common accessory to add onto your center console boat. Not only do they offer shade and protection for long days on the water, but they also help protect your boat off the water as an additional cover for your center console. T-tops (along with other boat covers) help protect your boat from the sun’s damaging UV rays.
During the installation of your t-top you’ll secure it in place with braces that attach to the center console and thus, a traditional console cover will no longer fit properly. A t-top console cover provides a cover that wraps around the t-top’s frame and provides protection for the entire console. These covers are designed specially for center console boats with t-tops. Not only will they give full protection to your center console when off the water, but they are designed to cover the lower portion of your t-top as well. These covers are designed to wrap the entirety of your center console and attach to the t-top’s frame. If you use your boat quite often, these covers can be easily removed and put back on easily.
Extend-the-Shade
If you already have a t-top installed on your boat, you might want to consider adding the Extend-the-Shade. This offers even more shade to your boat than the t-top alone. As the name suggests, this is an addition to your t-top. It is easy to install as it uses poles that fit into standard fishing rod holders and adjustable straps to connect to your t-top.
This addition to your t-top will not only give you more shade while you are spending time out on the water, but it also will help protect your boat from the sun’s harmful UV rays and other elements.
Ready to Protect Your Center Console Boat?
Using the right cover for your center console boat is critical as it provides protection against the elements dust, debris, and even unwanted visitors like small rodents. The sun has UV rays that can cause discoloration and cracking of your boat’s upholstery if left uncovered. Additionally, rain can cause mold and other water damages to the inside of your boat. With these considerations in mind, you’ll be ready to choose the right boat cover for your center console boat.
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