Support your boat cover with a pole or PVC frame.

If your boat cover is not properly supported, it can sag in the middle after a heavy rain. You don’t want rain, leaves, dirt, and other debris to collect on your boat cover, since they can promote the growth of mold and mildew.

You have two options for a boat cover support: buy a boat cover support system or build your own.

TinBoats.net offers instructions on how to build a PVC boat cover frame. Building your own frame means you can customize the frame to fit your boat perfectly.

As long as you have the time and energy, building your own support frame is one of your best options for a sturdy, customized frame.

Here is what you’ll need to build your own boat cover support:

Materials:

• 3/4″ or 1″ PVC (available at most hardware stores)
• 3/4″ or 1″ PVC elbows, couplings, and tee’s (how many you need depends on the size of your boat)
• PVC glue
• Garden hose (to help form the arches)

Tools:

• Hacksaw
• Measuring tape

Ready to start? Follow these instructions by TinBoats.net.

Use a boat cover support system to prevent sagging.

Want to get more life out of your boat cover? Treat it right with these boat cover care tips from DuraShield Covers.

Cleaning the Cover

The first step in caring for your boat cover is keeping it clean. If your boat cover is treated with special UV and weather resistant coatings, we recommend hand washing only. Clean the cover with a soft brush and lukewarm water.

If necessary, the cover may be machine washed in COLD water with NO SOAP; however, machine washing is harder on the fabric. Do not use soap or detergent, as these may remove the protective coatings added by the factory and/or void the manufacturer’s warranty. Line dry the cover if possible, or machine dry on the delicate or air only setting.

Storing the Cover

When it’s time to put your boat cover away for awhile, make sure it is clean and fully dry before storage. Brush off dirt and debris, wash the cover, and allow it to dry completely before folding or rolling the cover for storage. A mesh storage bag will keep your cover neatly folded while allowing it to breathe.

Boat Cover Support

To prevent the boat cover from sagging, we recommend using a boat cover support system. If the cover is unsupported, water can pool in the middle, which creates the perfect breeding grounds for mold and mildew.

A strap system, support pole, or support structure (such as a PVC frame) will allow rainwater to run off the cover without pooling. You can either buy a ready-made boat cover support system, or you can custom-build your own for a boat-specific fit.

Unlike cotton material, polyester boat covers do not support the growth of mildew.

Synthetic boat covers do not support the growth of mildew; however, any dirt, pollen, or grime that is allowed to build up on the cover creates a prime environment for mold and mildew. That’s why no matter how mildew-proof your boat cover is, you still need to keep it clean in order for the cover to do its job.

What Makes a Boat Cover Moldy?

Mold and mildew thrive under certain conditions: 1) something to feed on (dirt, pollen, leaves, etc.), 2) the right temperature range, 3) moisture, 4) darkness, and 5) no air flow. The more factors you can eliminate, the less likely you will have problems with mold and mildew.

Mildew-Resistant Boat Covers

A boat cover that resists mold and mildew will be synthetic (think polyester instead of cotton), water-resistant, and well vented. The right venting design allows moisture and condensation to evaporate and air to flow underneath the cover while keeping rain water out of the boat.

Mold and Mildew Prevention

Preventing the growth of mildew is easier than getting rid of it. One way to prevent mildew is to make sure the interior of your boat is clean and dry before installing the boat cover. Remove life jackets and removable seat cushions and let them dry in the sun. Any sun lotion, pollen, crumbs, or dirt left in the boat will attract mold, so clean the boat thoroughly. Then let it dry in the sun. Remove any trace of moisture or condensation before covering the boat.

Another prevention tip is to place packs of silica gel (or other moisture-absorbing packs) underneath the boat cover. The silica gel should absorb any moisture that forms inside the boat.

You can prolong the life of your boat cover with proper care and maintenance.

With proper care and maintenance, you can make your boat cover last longer. The better you take care of your boat cover, the better it will protect your boat. Here are some tips on caring for your boat cover.

Rain and Moisture

Don’t let water stand on the boat cover. Pools of standing water create a ripe environment for mold and mildew, which eats away at the cover material. Use a boat cover support system that allows the water to run off the cover, rather than collecting in pockets. The dirt in water and melted snow soils the cover and prevents it from protecting your boat as it was meant to do. The special coatings on your cover are designed to work best when the cover is clean and free of dirt and debris.

Snow

Don’t let snow build up on the cover. The weight of heavy snow on top of the cover can tear the material, and when it melts, it creates a pool of standing water, which creates more problems. Use a garage broom to brush snow off your boat cover after each snowfall.

Tie Downs

Make sure the boat cover is tied down securely, both for trailering and for outdoor storage. If the cover is too loose, the wind will loft the cover and whip it around, which can damage the cover and possibly your boat as well.

Padding

Add extra padding to any edges or wear spots on the boat, such as the windshield. If the cover is allowed to chafe against these abrasion points, the material will wear down quickly and eventually result in holes in your cover.

Cleaning

Clean the boat cover often to remove dirt, debris, salt, pollen, and other contaminants that could support the growth of mildew. Use a soft brush to remove loose dirt and debris. Wash the cover with lukewarm water. Do not use soap or detergent to clean the cover, as it could remove the protective coatings that repel water and UV rays.

Storage

Allow the boat cover to dry thoroughly before folding or rolling the cover for storage. A wet boat cover encourages the growth of mold and mildew.

Keep your pontoon cover clean and free of snow, dirt, and leaves.

Your pontoon cover will provide the most protection if it is kept clean and free of debris, leaves, and snow. The protective coatings on the cover are designed to work best when they are clean and clear of obstruction.

Dirt and other elements tend to eat away at the special UV and weather resistant coatings, destroying their effectiveness. Dirt, snow, and leaves can also clog up the pores and vents in the fabric, trapping moisture inside.

To allow the cover to do its work in protecting your pontoon, you should keep the cover clean and free of debris.

Cleaning the Cover

Your pontoon cover may be treated with special UV and weather resistant coatings. If so, we recommend that the cover be cleaned with a soft brush and lukewarm water only. The cover may be machine washed in COLD water with NO SOAP. The use of soap or detergent may remove the protective coatings added by the factory and may void the manufacturer’s warranty. The cover should be line dried but may also be machine dried on a delicate or air only setting.

Brushing Off Snow and Leaves

In the fall and winter months, keep the pontoon cover free of leaves and snow. Use a push broom to clear the leaves and snow off of the cover. Every time you clear the driveway and sidewalks after a snowfall, make it a habit to brush off the pontoon cover as well.

Storing the Cover

Some manufacturers, including DuraShield, include a storage bag with their cover. Prior to storing the cover, make sure it is completely dry and free of any large debris.

Boat Cover Support Pole

The DuraShield boat cover support is constructed of 1″ aluminum tubing that is lightweight and corrosion resistant. The support pole includes anti-slip rubber ends to keep it in place and a thumb set adjustment knob. The telescoping pole adjusts from 36 to 64 inches and can be used to support any area of the cover. Depending on the size of your boat or pontoon, you may need to use more than one support pole.

Features:

• 1″ Aluminum Tube
• Resists Corrosion
• Telescope Adjustment
• 36″ to 64″ Height Adjustment
• 1 per package

Now available for only $15.99 with FREE shipping. For more information, visit our product page.

After rinsing the boat with fresh water, allow the boat to dry completely before installing the cover.

Using a boat cover around salt water is basically the same as using it around fresh water. In both cases, the boat cover needs to be cleaned regularly. Depending on the amount of salt to which your boat cover is exposed, it may need to be cleaned more often. Salt water leaves behind residue that attracts moisture, which can result in mildew.

After you rinse your boat with fresh water, allow it to dry completely before installing the boat cover. Since most saltwater areas are quite humid, it’s important to wait until the boat dries before covering it. Otherwise, mold and mildew will begin to grow on the cover.

Protect your jet ski with a breathable boat cover.

What Happens When Moisture Gets Trapped?

First, trapped water or condensation can damage the boat’s interior, including the bilge, hull, and fabric materials. Cushions tend to soak up moisture, creating ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth. If the cushions are removable, the best option is to remove the cushions and store them in a dry, protected indoor area.

Second, trapped moisture can damage the boat cover. Mold and mildew thrive in moist environments, and your boat cover is no exception. Mold growth will weaken the cover and compromise the protection that it provides for your boat or jet ski.

How Do I Make Sure My Boat Cover Can Breathe?

Even if the boat cover you purchase is clearly labeled as breathable, there are a few things you need to remember in order for the venting system to work properly.

First, throwing a tarp (or any other covering) over the boat cover will negate the venting system by trapping the moisture underneath the tarp. Do not put anything else on top of a breathable cover.

Second, keep the cover free of dirt and debris, which can plug up the breathable material and promote mold and mildew growth. Wash the cover as needed to keep it clean.

Finally, don’t allow pools of water to stand on the cover. They can compromise the water resistant properties of the cover, which leaves your boat vulnerable to moisture damage.

Take good care of your boat and your breathable cover, and your boat and cover will last for years to come!

Winter Boat Storage Tip #3: Don’t let pockets of rainwater collect on your boat cover.

Don't let rainwater collect on your boat cover.

Support your boat cover with a support frame from a marine store or a homemade PVC boat cover frame. Make sure there are no pockets where rainwater can collect. Put a tuck in the cover or reinforce the frame where necessary. You can even use life jackets or seat cushions to keep the cover from sagging in specific areas.

Winter Boat Storage Tip #2: Brush the snow off your boat cover every time it snows.

Never let the snow build up on your boat cover.

After each snowfall, brush the snow off the boat cover. Make it part of your routine along with clearing the driveway and sidewalks. You can use a push broom to drag the snow off the cover.

Don’t let the snow pile up more than a few inches. The more snow on your boat cover, the heavier it weighs and the more likely it will damage the cover.

Don’t wait for the snow to melt off the cover. If it melts and then freezes again, it will turn into ice, which is even heavier than snow and harder on your cover.