Looking for a boat cover?
You’re in luck.
There are dozens upon dozens of inflatable boat covers available today.
So many, you’ll have a HARD time choosing one.
To make matters worse, not every cover is good for your inflatable.
If you’re not careful, you’ll get a cover that’s:
- Too big
- Too small
- Hard to put on
- Easy to rip
- Doesn’t keep your boat dry
- Doesn’t keep the sun away
- Doesn’t do much to protect your boat at all
In other words, an absolute waste of money.
So what exactly should you look for in an inflatable boat cover?
Today, we’re taking a look at the top 5 boat covers for inflatable boats. I’ll also throw in some tips for choosing a boat cover so you’ll NEVER go wrong.
Let’s dive in!
7 Tips for Buying a Boat Cover
At first glance, all boat covers look the same – big, gray, pieces of fabric.
They’re so alike, you might believe that they’re all equal.
Don’t.
If you believe this, you’ll likely end up with a BAD cover.
But what exactly should you be looking for?
Here are 7 tips you should know when buying an inflatable boat cover.
1. Polyester Covers are #1
Want the best boat covers?
Get one made from 100% polyester.
Polyester is the BEST material for boat covers available today. It provides the best stretch, shrinkage, and water resistance.
Now, there are other options.
You can also go for nylon, polyester-cotton, cotton canvas, or acrylic (and they’re usually cheaper than polyester).
But hey, you’re getting a cover to protect your boat. I’d say that getting the best material for a few extra bucks is well worth it.
2. Get Seams of Steel
Not actual steel of course.
But you’ll want the strongest seams possible.
If you pull or stretch your boat cover, weak seams won’t be able to handle it.
They’ll tear straight down the middle – and you can say goodbye to your boat cover.
That’s why features like reinforced, double-stitched, or solid-sewn seams are so valuable.
With these, your boat cover will stand up to some abuse.
3. Stretchy is Better
There are two ways to tighten your cover around your boat: rope or stretch covers.
Rope covers have a loose fit. You’ll have to use the sewn-in rope to tighten it around your boat.
Stretch covers, on the other hand, stick tight to your boat. You’ll have to stretch them a bit to get them to fit. But once that’s done, it’ll wrap snugly around your boat.
Now, this does come with a downside.
Stretch covers wear down over time. Even the best materials lose their elasticity if you use them a lot.
However, they’re easier to put on AND they give better protection. Plus, if they’re high-quality, their lifespan won’t be that much shorter.
That’s why I highly recommend stretch covers.
4. Make Sure It’s Waterproof
This might sound obvious, but this is something you HAVE to make sure of.
Not all covers keep ALL water out. There are “breathable” boat covers that allow moisture to get in and out of the cover.
Not all boat covers are 100% waterproof! Make sure you get one that is.
This is so that moisture won’t get stuck in your hull (causing molds). But when the rain comes down, some water will always seep in.
Unless your boat has a nice roof overhead, this completely defeats the purpose of breathable covers.
Can you guess which material is waterproof?
That’s right. Good old polyester.
Keep in mind that polyester itself is not actually 100% waterproof. Waterproofing substances are applied to polyester covers to make them this way.
5. Remember the Sun!
Covers protect our boats from the sun.
But this does not mean they’re necessarily sunproof themselves.
Cheap boat covers have weak UV-resistance.
After a few days (or even hours) out on the sun, these covers will break down – and the sun will get to your boat!
That’s why you need a good UV-resistant cover. With it, your cover will protect your boat even on the hottest days. Plus, it won’t lose its bright color either.
6. Be Careful of Mildew Too
You also want a cover that’s mildew-resistant.
Sure, your waterproof cover won’t let any water into your boat. But after rainfall, some water will settle on the cover itself.
Left alone, this will lead to mildew growth – a BIG no-no.
Mildew is gross, stinky, and it will destroy your boat if you let it.
Good boat covers come with a layer of mildew protection. This way, even when things get damp, your boat and cover will be 100% mildew-free.
But remember, mildew protection wears out over time.
To fight this, get yourself a mildew protector and spray your cover once a year. You might also want to apply some on the boat itself.
7. Choose Your Favorite Color (but not black!)
You don’t have a lot of style options with boat covers.
Most boat covers are gray, which is quite dull.
However, with a little digging, you can find a variety of color choices.
It’s very easy to settle for a gray one. But if you want to show some character, pick another color!
That said, there’s one color you DO NOT want.
Black.
Black absorbs heat – making it problematic for inflatable boats.
I’ve talked about how heat causes air to expand before. When things get too hot, there’s a big chance your inflatable will explode!
Top 3 Picks for You
Last update on 2024-04-20 at 06:57 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Top 5 Boat Covers for Inflatable Boats
With those 7 tips, you should get a great cover every time.
Still can’t choose one?
Let me help you out.
Here are my top 5 covers for inflatable boats.
1. Newport Vessels Dinghy Boat Cover
- Size: 6 options (from 7’-8’ to 12’-13’)
- Material: 600D polyester
- Seams: Double-stitched and interlocked
- Fitting: Stretchable with buckle and strap system
- Waterproof: Yes
- UV-Resistant: Yes
- Mildew-Resistant: No
- Color: Gray
If in doubt, go for a trusted brand.
Few brands are as well-known as Newport Vessels in the inflatable boat scene.
And boy does their boat cover lives up to their reputation.
This cover has (almost) everything you could possibly ask for. It’ll keep your boat safe from the sun, rain, dust, dirt, grime, and everything else.
Sure, it isn’t mildew-resistant. But it’s not like it’s hard to spray mildew protector on yourself.
2. Seamax Inflatable Boat Cover B Series
- Size: 4 options (from 9’ to 11.5’)
- Material: 600D polyester
- Seams: Solid sewn lines
- Fitting: Stretchable with multiple tie-down loops
- Waterproof: Yes
- UV-Resistant: Yes
- Mildew-Resistant: No
- Color: Gray
Seamax’s covers were made especially for their inflatable line-up. However, this does NOT mean they can’t fit anything else.
These covers have universal fits, so you can use it with your ALEKO, BRIS, Intex, or any other brand you have.
It’s almost identical in features to Newport Vessels’ cover. There are only a few small differences.
Instead of the buckle and strap, you get tie-down loops with hooks.
Something to consider when you’re buying.
3. BRIS Boat Cover
- Size: 6 options (from 8’-9’ to 15’-16’)
- Material: Marine polyester fabric
- Seams: Solid sewn lines
- Fitting: Sewn-in cord
- Waterproof: Yes
- UV-Resistant: Yes
- Mildew-Resistant: No
- Color: Gray
BRIS is yet another brand known for its quality.
Finding a good cover for large inflatable boats can be difficult. But with BRIS’s 6 size options, you don’t have to worry even if you have a 16-foot boat.
The marine polyester fabric is strong and high-quality. However, the sewn-in cord might not be as good as stretchable fittings.
4. Pyle Inflatable Boat Cover
- Size: 5 options (from 8.5’-9.5’ to 12.5’-13.5’)
- Material: 600D polyester
- Seams: Double-stitched
- Fitting: Stretchable with quick-release buckle fastening
- Waterproof: Yes
- UV-Resistant: Yes
- Mildew-Resistant: Yes
- Color: Gray
Hate mildew?
Well, when you get Pyle’s inflatable boat cover, you’ll never have to worry about it.
This cover comes with mildew protectant already on the boat cover. You don’t have to worry about applying this yourself anymore (at least for a year).
Other than that, you get all the goods.
These boat covers are all so similar to one another, it’s difficult to separate them. So pay attention to these small details – that’s how you get the best value.
5. Classic Accessories Stellex
- Size: 7 options (from 12’-14’ and 22’-24’)
- Material: 100% polyester
- Seams: Stitched and taped
- Fitting: Stretchable with quick-release buckle fastening
- Waterproof: Yes
- UV-Resistant: Yes
- Mildew-Resistant: Yes
- Color: Blue
See, not all boat covers are gray!
If you’re looking to mix things up, go for Classic Accessories’ boat covers. The Stellex comes in beautiful deep blue – not the same old boring gray.
Now, this cover was made for rigid boats (that’s why it’s size options are quite large). But don’t fret – it fits perfectly for inflatables as well.
Made from 100% polyester, you can be certain ZERO water will get in. Plus, it’s also UV and mildew resistant.
I’d put this boat cover up there with the very best in quality. Just make sure it isn’t too big!
Conclusion
So what will it be?
Will you go for the trusted Newport Vessels?
Pyle’s mildew-resistant cover?
Or maybe all you want is Stellex’s vibrant blue.
Whatever you choose, you can rest assured nothing will get to your boat.
Not the sun, not the rain, not dust, dirt, or grime. Not even curious wild animals.
So go get one and protect your inflatable boat today!
Last update on 2024-04-20 at 06:57 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Which boat cover do you use? Let me know in the comments!
I created this site to help people – to help you – with your boat problems. Instead of helping one person at a time, I want this website to be the “one-stop-shop” for everyone’s boating concerns. Read more.