You’ll Want A Cover-Up: Protecting Your Boat

One Place You’ll Want A Cover-Up

Protecting Your Boat

by Lauren Caggiano

Imagine spending a lazy day on the lake in your boat. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it? Enjoying a boat means taking care of it, and that includes investing in the proper cover.

Why is it so important to have a properly fitted boat cover? The right boat cover keeps the boat clean from dust and debris, repels water and moisture, and prevents mold. It prevents fading to the interior caused by the sun as well as cracking from the sun's rays. In other words, a fitted boat cover packs a practical, protective punch.

Michael Troyer, owner of the Canvas Shop in Shipshewana, agrees with that statement, adding that there’s more to covers than meets the eye. Today’s boat owners have several options that might fit their budget and needs.

“Basically, the base form that we use is called an Aqualon®, a vinyl-coated polyester material,” he said. “And we use it to cover most of our pontoons as well as a number of boats.”

The second option is called HarborTime®. It’s also a vinylcoated polyester material. It’s coated on both the top and the bottom, making it ideal for a bass boat, he said. The third option is called Sunbrella® and it’s the highest grade of marinegrade material.

The first two are waterproof while the latter is water repellant, but Sunbrella’s longevity is twice as long. “We get (Sunbrella) covers in here that are 15 years old, and all they need is just the stitching done,” said Troyer.

Coloring Covers

Beyond considerations related to wear and tear, you might be wondering about color. According to Troyer, Sunbrella comes in about 100 different color choices, though tan or beige are the most popular. He notes they do their best to match what the customer wants, though not all colors are created equal.

“Red is the worst color because it draws more heat than even your black cover does,” he said. “It's crazy, but the lighter the color the better, because they repel the sun better. So we do a number of them in the light gray color and the light tan color because they repel the sun. Plus, they last longer.”

Speaking of lifespan, Troyer suggests that a boat cover is worth every penny.

“It might seem expensive to do a cover, but redo your upholstery one time and you’re gonna’ wish you would have had a cover,” he said. “Basically, a cover is what saves your seats and all that stuff in the interior. It’s probably an eighth of the price of what an upholstery job would cost.”

Another perk is that according to Troyer, some boat covers come with warranties. This is a great feature because if the product rips, tears, or simply doesn’t properly protect your boat, you have options.

In short, a boat cover may be a sizable investment, but certainly an investment whose dividends pay off well—with protection for your boat, and all its contents.

Protect your Boat with Custom Covers & Tarps

Specializing in:

• Boat Covers • Pontoon Tops & Covers • Shore Station • Grill Covers

New and Repairs

canvas | vinyl | webbing | clear vinyl marine fabrics | mesh screen

THECANVAS SHOP 850 N. Taylor Dr. Shipshewana, IN 46565 (260) 768-7755 Fax (260) 768-7766 www.shipshecanvas.com

Life is better on the I can help you get there!

Lori Horney-Marple

Senior Loan Officer

NMLS: 139300

574.527.5969

lori@ruoff.com LoriHorney.com

Ruoff Mortgage Company, Inc., d/b/a Ruoff Home Mortgage, is an Indiana corporation. For complete licensing information visit: http://www. nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/COMPANY/141868. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend.All loans must satisfy company underwriting guidelines. Information and pricing are subject to change at any time and without notice. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #141868.