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.

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.

Winter Boat Storage Tip #1: Never cover your boat cover with a tarp or plastic sheet.

Never cover your boat cover with a tarp,
except for temporary protection.

Another reason not to cover the boat cover with a tarp is because tarps are tough to secure tightly enough to keep the wind from lofting the tarp. When the wind catches the tarp, it rubs on the boat cover and wears down the material, leaving thin spots and even holes.

A quality boat cover, on the other hand, is designed for a tight, secure fit. As long as the boat cover is installed correctly, the wind will not be able to tear at or destroy the cover.

The one exception to this rule is if you need to temporarily throw a tarp over the boat cover to protect it for a short period of time, for example, if you are painting the house or doing other home improvement projects near the boat or if you need to protect the boat cover from sap dripping from the trees (although it’s best to avoid parking your boat under trees that are known to drip sap).

• Protection from vandals and thieves
• Protection from the elements
• Convenient access to your boat
• Distance from storage location to boating area
• Your budget

Protect your boat during storage with a quality marine boat cover.

There are basically two types of off-site storage: outdoor and indoor. Some marine storage locations offer outdoor dry dock storage near the water’s edge. This is convenient if you go boating in that lake or river the majority of the time. If you choose to dry dock your boat outdoors, ask about the protection offered for your boat. Is there a 24-hour surveillance system? How will your boat be secured?

If you store your boat outside, make sure you use a high quality marine boat storage cover to protect your boat from the elements. Outdoor storage can be hard on your boat. If possible, consider indoor marine storage. Try to find a storage location near where you usually use your boat. If you normally travel several hours to get to your favorite boating area, consider storing your boat locally in that area. This will save you the trouble of trailering your boat over long distances and also save on gas. If you boat in several different areas, you may find it more convenient to store your boat close to home.

Some storage places, both indoor and outdoor, offer extra services such as cleaning and winterizing your boat, preparing it for boating season, performing regular maintenance, and transporting your boat to the water. If you don’t want to worry about taking care of your boat and you don’t mind paying for someone else to care for it, these are great options for easy boat storage.

A boat cover support prevents sagging.

Why Use a Boat Cover Support?

To keep water and snow from collecting on your boat cover, you will need to use some type of boat cover support. This support system will keep the cover from sagging and will prevent excess moisture buildup.

You can either purchase a ready-made boat cover support system, or you can make your own with materials from your local hardware store. Making your own boat cover support is fairly easy, and you can easily customize the fit for your boat.

Tips on Building Your Own Boat Cover Support

1 1/2 inch PVC pipe is a popular choice for a boat cover frame. It’s sturdier than one inch PVC pipe, so it’s less likely to break under the weight of snow and ice.

Use one long pipe from bow to stern and add several pipes as cross braces from side to side down the length of the boat. Arched PVC pipes can help prevent puddles from forming on your cover. Moisture will slide right off the boat cover and onto the ground.

Here’s another tip to protect your boat cover and boat: If the windshield or other edges are too sharp, cover them with padding, such as foam insulation tubes slit down the middle. This keeps your cover from tearing on sharp edges.

There are three basic types of covers for boats. Which type you need depends on how you plan to use your cover. Storage covers are designed for indoor or outdoor storage out of the water. Trailerable covers, or travel covers, are designed to protect your boat on the road. Finally, mooring covers are designed to protect your boat while it is anchored in the water.

Storage Covers

Unless you store your boat indoors in a controlled environment type of storage facility, you will want to choose a thick enough material to provide complete protection for your boat. If you store your boat outdoors, choose a heavy duty material that will protect your boat from rain, snow, moisture, wind, and UV rays. Even if you store your boat in a shed or garage, moisture could be a problem. To prevent moisture damage, choose a cover that is waterproof and breathable.

Trailerable Covers

A trailerable cover must be highly durable to withstand the wear and tear of highway travel. The wind whipping at your boat cover can rip the material if it is too thin or pry the cover loose from your boat if it is loose. Your trailerable marine cover should be tight enough for a snug fit and should include tie downs to secure the cover to the boat and trailer. The material quality should be heavy duty, such as 100% marine polyester, to hold up against harsh weather and high-speed travel.

Mooring Covers

Mooring covers provide in-water protection for docked boats. The best material for mooring covers is a cotton poly blend. The combination of cotton and polyester gives best combination of durability and breathability that you can find in a mooring cover.

Conclusion

If you use your cover for both trailering and storage, look for a trailerable boat cover that is also approved for storage. This will save you the expense of buying two separate boat covers.

Thoroughly clean the interior and exterior of your boat before putting it in storage. Be sure to remove any traces of marine growth. Allow the boat to air dry completely before storage. Trapped moisture can damage your boat and encourage mildew growth.

Use cleaning products that are nontoxic and environmentally friendly in order to protect marine life that may be exposed to these products when you put your boat back in the water. Avoid cleaners that are abrasive or that contain chemicals that may oxidize your boat’s sealant and paint over time.

Check your boat’s covers—both the boat cover and the outboard motor cover—for rips or tears that could allow moisture to seep inside the boat’s interior or engine. Replace your boat and motor cover if they are torn or damaged. Clean your canvas storage cover periodically with diluted vinegar or hydrogen peroxide and let air dry fully before use.

If you are storing your boat outdoors without adequate shelter, do not allow excess snow or rain to build up on top of the boat storage cover. Allowing your cover to sag underneath the weight of snow or water may compromise your cover’s protection and defense against moisture and the elements.

Secure Fit
The boat cover should have a snug fit, keeping out dust, grime, bird droppings, and dirt. A tight cover also discourages small animals or rodents from hibernating in your boat.

Weatherproof and Water-Resistant
A weatherproof, water-resistant boat cover should repel rain and moisture, keeping your boat clean and dry and discouraging mold growth.

UV Coated
A specially coated UV-resistant material protects your boat’s finish and interior from harmful UV rays. Over time, exposure to the sun’s rays will deteriorate the boat’s interior.

Breathable Material
Most covers for boats are made with breathable material to allow any condensation inside the boat to evaporate. Polyester is the best material for boat covers because it resists water, will not stretch or shrink, and is highly durable.

Trailerable
A trailerable boat cover allows you to protect your boat on the road. Straps secure the cover during transportation or in strong winds. Using a trailerable boat cover shields your boat from the rain and sun. For longer travel, which may involve rest stops, a trailerable boat cover also discourages thieves by keeping any gear stored in your boat out of sight and out of easy reach.

An outboard boat motor cover provides protection from the elements.

A mesh storage bag allows your boat cover to drain and dry after use.