FAQ Care & Maintenance

Care & Maintenance

Got a Question?

I see cheaper covers online. Why buy a Westland cover?

With many covers, what you see is what you get, but that isn’t the case with a Westland boat cover. We start with a solid foundation, high quality water-resistant polyester or acrylic material that offers good breathability and a long lifespan that makes the investment worth it. Unlike the cheaper covers you can find online, which are made of lightweight cotton-poly blend and nylon materials, your Sharkskin or Sunbrella Westland boat cover is going to have UV protection and fade resistance to make it last. We focus on superior quality and value, so every boat cover is hand sewn and designed for a perfect fit. We sew in ventilation for water resistance to prevent the build-up of fungal infestations, such as mold and mildew. A cheaper cover just isn’t going to be able to deliver when it gets put to the test, but a Westland boat cover will. Learn more about what it takes to be the best boat cover.

How to maintain marine canvas

<p>The real key to canvas longevity is like all things in life, maintenance. Keep your canvas clean of dust, dirt and environmental residue on a regular basis. Top fabrics should be cleaned of any dirt buildup at regular intervals. We recommend applying a mild, lukewarm soap solution, such as a liquid dishwashing soap, with a soft brush or sponge. Water temperature is not to exceed 100°F. DO NOT allow the soap to dry. The fabric must then be carefully rinsed with clear water in order to remove any remaining soap residue. Allow canvas to dry thoroughly. DO NOT USE DETERGENTS! The use of abrasive detergents and/or substrates containing solvents or gasoline will damage the fabric. If using high-pressure or steam-cleaning devices, use caution as improper use could damage the vinyl coating and/or fabric. If your boat top is acrylic it will be necessary to retreat your top for water repellency. Be careful which solutions you use, as not all are recommended by the fabric manufacturer. Using harsh chemicals, etc could void the fabric warranty on your top if not recommended by the manufacturer. DO NOT PUT MARINE CANVAS IN WASHING MACHINE OR DRYER.</p> <p><strong>It is recommended to retreat your boat cover yearly as part of your routine maintenance with a water repellency product designed for the marine fabric applications.</strong></p>

Does the cover have any reinforcements?

All Westland covers are hand-sewn, which grants us the unique ability to add in extra layers of protection where it’s needed the most. Our custom boat covers have additional fuzzy reinforcements sewn in at critical points to help reduce the risk of tearing at typical wear points. These fuzzy reinforcements prolong the life of your cover while also protecting your boat from scratches caused by buckles and zippers.

Why do I need a boat cover?

While many people may think a boat cover is an accessory, it’s actually a critical component to protecting and maintaining your boat, a significant financial investment. When you choose a high quality, properly-fitted boat cover, you’re going to be able to protect your boat from the elements during both trailering and storage. Since your boat will have the protection it needs to prevent things such as mold, fading, or scratches, it will prolong the life of your boat so you can keep it out on the water longer. Quality covers like the hand-sewn, custom boat covers from Westland are designed to keep your boat safe from dust, debris, and harmful sun rays that could otherwise damage the interior by causing cracks or oxidation. They can also help keep bugs and animals out of your boat while it’s in storage and deter theft. By taking care of your boat with a boat cover, you can spend less time cleaning your boat, invest less money for things such as scratch or dent repairs, and keep resale value high.

How durable is the fabric?

All of Westland’s custom boat covers are made from high quality, durable Sharkskin polyester or Sunbrella acrylic materials. These materials are the two most trusted and reliable fabrics known to withstand harsh marine and road conditions. With either option, you can travel worry-free knowing that your cover will keep your boat safe from the elements or winds on the road. We are confident your boat cover will perform for years to come, but if anything were to happen we stand by our warranties, including 3-year to 7-year warranties for Sharkskin covers and a 10-year warranty for Sunbrella covers.

Will my cover mildew?

Mold and mildew are an inevitable concern in marine environments. That’s why high-quality boat covers, like Westland’s, are made with naturally mildew-resistant fabrics and are designed to provide superior protection against these potentially damaging fungal infestations. Westland’s covers include sewn-in ventilation, an effective precautionary measure that cuts down on mildew build-up, and provides an escape route for moisture. For an added level of protection, we also recommend using a boat cover support pole or HangTyte to prevent water pooling on the cover. Westland’s vented boat cover support poles help to prevent water formation, which can cause sagging and mildew. When properly cleaned and maintained, your Westland cover will provide effective protection for your boat, helping to prevent both mold and mildew to keep your boat looking great. For more information about how to prevent fungal infestations, check out our blog.

How do I care for my cover?

Your Westland boat cover is made with high quality, mildew-resistant Sharkskin and Sunbrella fabrics, but mold and mildew are still inevitable in any marine environment. To keep your cover in top shape, we recommend regular cleaning and maintenance. Using a cleaning solution and retreating with water repellent once a year will help you avoid mildew growth and more time-consuming cleanings down the road. If you do find stains or signs of mildew, it’s important to take immediate action so they do not affect the integrity of your boat cover. To tackle them, you’re going to need a tough cleaning solution, which can easily be made from items you likely already have sitting at home. Certain stains may require different solutions, so be sure to check out our guide to make sure you are keeping your cover and boat safe.

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