Pontoon and Deck Boat Covers

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Pontoon Boat Covers Buying Guide

When outfitting your pontoon boat and planning weekend adventures out on the water with friends and family, a pontoon boat cover might not be the first thing on your mind. In fact, you might not even think about one at all - but you should! So, before we get into how to choose a pontoon boat cover, let’s explain why you need one.

Why do you need a pontoon boat cover?

Any time your boat is being stored because it is not in use, it needs to be protected. Leaving it open to the environment means leaving it vulnerable to wear and potential damage from the elements. If your pontoon boat is moored outside without a cover, UV rays from the sun can cause colors to fade and upholstery to dry and crack, making your boat age faster. Upholstery can also be worn by the rain, which can cause mold or mildew. Perhaps most importantly, however, is the damage that rain can do to your boat’s electronics. This is why a pontoon boat cover is an absolute necessity, whether it is being moored or stored inside. A high-quality boat cover is designed to fit your boat in a way that keeps every critical component, from upholstery to electronics, safe from harm. This includes protection from things like UV rays, rain, dirt, dust, and even small animals like birds.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Pontoon Boat Cover

Before you decide on a boat cover, there are a few things to think about. First and foremost, remember that the main purpose of any boat cover is to keep your boat clean and dry by shielding it from the elements. This means that fabric choice is an important consideration. Although your boat needs to stay dry, it also needs to be able to breathe (especially when it is being moored or stored long-term). Some go-to fabrics include Sharkskin® and Sunbrella® materials, which are known for their high quality, durability, and longevity. Keep in mind that when you choose a higher quality boat cover, you are making an investment that ultimately extends the life of your boat, so choosing one that is known to last and that will properly fit your boat (rather than a cheaper cover that may not fit tight enough, cover your entire boat or be made with reliable material) is a worthwhile long-term venture.

Alternatives to Buying a Boat Cover

If you are looking for another way to keep your boat safe, there are some supplemental options as well. Although a mooring cover that fits and completely covers the entirety of your boat is the ideal solution, it may not be exactly what you need in every situation. For coverage of vital areas, we recommend adding extra protection to the most valuable parts of your boat. This includes areas such as your outboard motor, pedestal seat, and center console (where most of your electronics are). No matter what you decide, keep in mind that the goal is to extend the life of your boat by protecting its most vulnerable, and valuable, components!

Choosing the Right Pontoon Boat Cover with Westland

Choose whether you need a Pontoon Boat or Deck Boat cover. From here our Cover Finder allows you to choose a specific cover by size – and remember, to get the very best fit for your boat Westland™ covers are available in one-foot increments, which many other cover manufacturers can’t offer. Beyond that, note that our pontoon boat covers are fitted to accommodate models in both stern drive and outboard configurations, with and without windshields. And deck boat versions are made to also cover extended swim platforms. Both are shaped to accommodate the wide variety of layouts and furnishings found on these types of boats – which are some of the toughest to match, by the way, thanks to the wide varieties found on the market.

Each of these designs take stress points into account, and we add reinforcements in several high-stress areas including at the bow, stern corners, and windshields or windscreens. Naturally these can differ quite a bit depending on whether you have a pontoon or a deck boat, which is why we categorize these styles individually. Either way, your boat cover comes with the usual Westland™ perks: a draw chord and sewn-in loops for securing the cover tightly around your boat, high-quality Sharkskin™ or Sunbrella® material, sewn-in vents to improve ventilation and prevent mildew, and a support pole with additional ventilation built-in. If any questions remain in your mind as to which cover is best for your boat, just call our customer service line at 1-800-835-7992 or send us an email at customerservice@westlandcovers.com.