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Boat Cover Guide

MeasuringMeasuring Diagram

Measuring your boat to get the best fitting cover can be simple and quick. First, determine the widest point of your boat. For most boats, this is the transom. Once you locate the widest point of the boat, measure across the boat from either side of the gunnel (outside). This is the beam width.

To determine the centerline length of your boat, measure from the tip of the bow or pulpit to the end of the transom (do NOT include the motor). Make this line as straight as possible to get an accurate measurement. A quick tip is to lay an object, such as a brick, on the ground even with the tip of the bow, and another brick even with the end of the transom. Then measure the distance between the two objects. This will insure that you are not measuring contours, but length only. Windshields, center consoles and standard features are already accounted for by the manufacturer.  

If your boat is equipped with an extended swim platform, trolling motor, anchor roller, motor bracket or jack plate be sure to add the extra length to the centerline length of the cover.

Once you have the final measurements, you will be ready to proceed with your order.  Begin searching here.  Questions? Contact us via Live Chat or phone, 1-888-726-9300.

Fit Options

Custom FitCarver Custom Cover on Mariah

Custom Covers are patterned specifically for a particular year, make and model of boat. This custom pattern provides a "glove-like" fit. Using the 1/4" draw rope sewn into the hem, you can pull the fabric snug around the boat for mooring, trailering; indoor or outdoor storage. Padded reinforcements are sewn at key stress points to provide extra durability during travel. Tie-down loops are double stitched throughout the hem to fasten the cover securely to the craft. If you want the best fit possible, and the highest quality in materials, our Custom Fit cover is what you are looking for!

Available in the following fabrics:

  • 9.25 oz. Sunbrella® Acrylic                    
  • 8 oz. Performance Poly-Guard
  • 7.5 oz. Sharkskin Supreme
  • 6.5 oz. Sharkskin Plus
  • 11 oz. Double Duck
  • 6 oz. Sharkskin

Semi-Custom FitCarver Semi-Custom Boat Cover on Center Console Boat

Semi-Custom Fit covers are patterned specifically for your style and length of boat. You can be assured the fit will be specific! This style option features a 1/4" shock cord or draw rope sewn throughout the hem, built to snug firmly 3"-6" below the rub rail. Tie-down loops are double stitched throughout the hem enabling the fabric to fasten securely to the craft. When matched to your boat's dimensions, Semi-Custom Fit covers offer a snug fit, and are highly recommended for trailering, mooring or storage.

Available in the following fabrics:

  • 8 oz. Performance Poly-Guard
  • 7.5 oz. Sharkskin Supreme
  • 6.5 oz. Sharkskin Plus
  • 11 oz. Double Duck
  • 6 oz. Sharkskin

Flex-FitCarver Flex-Fit Boat Cover

Flex-Fit covers are suitable for virtually any style boat. Features include a strong durable 1/4" shock cord encased in the hem for a snug fit, and tie-down loops, double stitched throughout the hem to securely fasten the fabric to the  trailer or craft. Economically priced, the Flex-Fit cover is an excellent choice for protecting your boat while in storage.

Available in 7 oz. Poly-Flex Fabric.

Cover Features

Tie-down Loops

Tie-Down loops with double reinforced sewing. Sewn every 2-3 feet along the hem of all covers.

Double Stiched Tie Down Loops

 

 

 

1/4" Shock Cord

1/4" shock cord sewn in hem of Styled-to-Fit and Flex Fit covers for tight fit against hull.

Shock Cord

 

 

 

 

Heavy-duty 1/4" Draw Rope

Sturdy 1/4" draw rope is sewn into the hem of Custom and Specialty covers for a snug fit.

Draw Rope

 

 

 

 

Use

Extreme Elements - Heat or SnowCarver Boat Cover with Snow

For areas that endure extreme elements, either intense sun or harsh winter weather, we recommend the 9.25 oz. Sunbrella® Acrylic, followed by the 8 oz. Performance Poly-Guard and the 7.5 oz. Sharkskin Supreme. All of these fabrics are designed to protect your boat and withstand the natural elements year after year.

Trailering, Mooring & Storage

Covering your boat while trailering is a must for many boaters. The fit and material of a boat cover are important factors in trailering. The fit must be precise and secure, and the material must be strong. All fits and materials are suitable for storage but a smaller selection is suitable for trailering.

All Custom and Semi-Custom covers are trailerable. Each material offered will withstand highway wind and debris, when fastened properly, using our boat cover tie-down kit.

Some of our materials and fits are only suitable for storage. The Flex Fit series in all materials offered is not trailerable because of the universal fit it gives, but it is a great option for storage. Also, our DEHT covers, for boats with hard tops and t-tops, are not recommended for trailering. To utilize our covers for mooring we recommend the suction cup tie down kit. These are useful when securing the cover while the boat is in the water.

Fabric Options

9.25 oz. Sunbrella® Acrylic

100% Solution Dyed Acrylic. The number-one performance fabric in beauty and quality. This solution-dyed fabric provides the best mildew and moisture protection combined with fade resistant color. Long lasting, durable and 100% breathable. Available in 12 to 19 standard colors. Additional “Sunbrella® Special Order” colors available. 5 year warranty.  Made in the USA.

8 oz. Performance Poly-Guard

100% Marine Grade Polyester. This is our most popular boat cover fabric, known for its high tear strength, extreme water repellency, and excellent fade resistance. 100% breathable, with UV and mildew protection. Available in 12 colors.5 year warranty.  Made in the USA.

7.5 oz. Sharkskin Supreme

100% Solution Dyed Polyester. Durable and long lasting color. Breathable, water repellent and mildew resistant.  Available in 3 colors. 7 year warranty.

6.5 oz. Sharkskin Plus

100% Acrylic Coated Polyester. Lightweight but durable. Breathable, water repellent and mildew resistant. Available in 10 colors. 5 year warranty.  Made in the USA

11 oz. Double DuckCarver Double Duck

65% Polyester for strength and 35% Cotton for softness. The tight weave of the Double Duck is good for indoor and outdoor storage as well as trailering. 100% breathable with a double applied water repellent finish. UV and mildew resistant.  Available in Haze Gray. 3 year warranty.  Made in the USA.

6 oz. Sharkskin

100% Polyester. Lightweight but durable. Breathable, water repellent and mildew resistant. Available in 10 colors. 2 year warranty.  Made in the USA

7 oz. Poly-Flex

100% Marine Grade Polyester. Breathable, lightweight but strong. Applied water repellency, UV and mildew resistant finish. Provides protection against dust, dirt and debris. Available in Haze Gray. 1 year warranty.  Made in the USA.

InstallationHow to Install a Boat Cover

All boat covers are rolled and packaged with the bow end of the cover to the outside. The tag on the bow end is sewn into the inside hem of the cover. To cover your boat, proceed as follows:

  1. Place the bow end of the rolled cover on or near the bow of your boat and unroll towards the stern or back, positioning it down the center of the boat as you unroll.
  2. Slip the front of the cover over the bow and pull the cover open to the sides as you work towards the back of the boat.
  3. If using support poles (optional for most covers), position the poles under your cover prior to completely covering the boat. Also add any padding needed for the windshields, trolling motors, depth finders, etc.
  4. Adjust cover fit by pulling cover tight to eliminate sagging areas. These areas may collect standing water or snow and shorten the life of your cover.
  5. The braided tie-down rope provided can be used to secure the cover to the boat for storage only. Cut the rope to the desired lengths and using the reinforced tie-down loops, secure the cover to your trailer. When trailering, always use heavy-duty tie-downs, sold separately.
  6. Remove the boat cover by folding to the center from both sides and rolling the cover from back to front. This will make it easier to repeat steps 1 thru 5 when covering your boat again.  (Important: Allow the cover to dry thoroughly before folding for storage.)

For more information, check out Carver's Boat Cover Installation guide.

Care

Protect your investment by following our care tips for your cover.

  • Avoid letting water, snow or debris stand on the cover. The use of support poles, support systems and straps will help prevent this and allow water to drain off the cover.
  • Always tie the cover down securely. When trailering, use heavy duty tie-down straps. Avoid using bungee cords that can stretch causing damage to the cover and to your boat’s finish.
  • Take the precaution of padding windshields, trolling motors, depth finders, etc. to give the cover added strength around stress areas.
  • Keep your cover looking its best by regularly brushing away any loose dirt with a soft brush, then rinse with lukewarm water.
  • Clean your cover every 8-10 months as necessary using a solution of lukewarm water and a mild soap such as Ivory. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry. 
  • Always allow cover to dry thoroughly before folding for storage.303 Fabric Cleaner and Guard
  • We highly recommend 303 Fabric & Vinyl Cleaner which is safe and effective. Be aware that repeated cleanings can diminish the water repellency of marine canvas. 303 High Tech Fabric Guard will restore water repellency to factory-new levels.

Boat Cover Guide

Not sure what kind of cover you need?

Learn here

Not sure what kind of cover you need?

Learn here

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