When it comes to protecting the interior of a boat, a cover is essential. Covers protect against the elements, including rain, hail, sleet, falling foliage, and even snow. Unfortunately, improperly supported coverings sag caused by water or snow collecting in low spots. The weight causes stretching and add strain to snaps. When covering a boat, utilize a boat cover support in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Here is why supports are essential when storing boats covered. 

How Do You Make A Boat Cover Support

While boaters can purchase cover supports, they are just as quickly made at home. There is no sense in spending extra money when the supplies are available for purchase at local Home Depot or Lowes stores. 

PVC piping is easy to work with for the most inexperienced. Glue a series of pipes together to form a support that will last a lifetime. 

Begin with the base by gluing two-foot pipe sections from the four lowest parts of a five-way PVC fitting. 

From the center, extend a section of pipe long enough to elevate the area prone to sagging and collecting water.

Glue an additional five-way PVC fighting to the top of the pipe, which extends upwards. Add four tubes extending outward supporting the boat cover. The measurements will vary based on the size of the cover. 

Remember, we want to avoid puncturing the overlay by avoiding rain-saturated covers from laying on sharp edges of pipping. To prevent the top from becoming ripped, sand the ends of the pipes and place a thick cloth above the center of the five-way coupling. The cloth will avoid the most upward portion of the cover support from poking through the top.

Boat cover supports are made of varying materials and sizes but all play the same function of deterring water from sitting on the surface. When making a homemade support design what best suits your needs. 

How Do I Stop My Boat From Collecting Water

When it comes to preventing the pooling of water on a boat cover, consider the reasons why you are encountering the problem in the first place. Water gathers in low sections where it cannot escape as it dips below the vessel’s sides.

When reducing collecting water, the cover must become elevated and taught. To do so, construct framing that sits on the vessel holding the cover elevated and angled to allow the water to flow from the protective layer outside the watercraft and onto the ground below. 

A second method to prevent water accumulation in low spots is implementing a boat cover support. The boat cover support is strategically positioned to elevate the cover allowing the water to flow away and off the boat. 

Never assume that the accumulation of water is unavoidable. Taking the proper measures to deflect water will prevent you from physically lifting and draining the cover during periods of heavy rain. 

Rather than building a boat cover support, they are available for purchase online. Check out this adjustable support which extends from twelve to fifty-four inches.

How Can I Make My Boat Cover Tighter

The steps to making a boat cover tighter highly depend on how it connects to the vessel. Some are fitted with adjustable straps. Simply snug the straps every time the boat cover is positioned in place. 

The second method to making a boat cover tighter is adding a boat cover support. A boat cover support removes sag, causing the cover to become tight compared to lose fitting. 

Finally, when the cover contains grommets, connect a line from one side of the vessel to the other beneath the hull

How Long Do Boat Covers Last

Boat covers that are most frequently made of canvas last for six to ten years. The cover’s longevity is highly dependent on the way it was cared for during its lifespan. 

A cover that is stretched from lack of support during heavy rain, is subject to intense UV rays or is improperly cleaned does not last as long as those which are adequately maintained. 

Each time you apply and remove a cover, take the necessary steps to ensure longevity. Rinse debris and allow it to dry before applying to the vessel. Lastly, never store when wet as mold and mildew grow.

Remember to think about what is below the cover. Growth accumulates quickly when a vessel rhymes covered with saturated covering above. 

When rain is in the forecast, open the cover once the rain has passed and allow both the interior and exterior of the cover and watercraft to dry. A chamois aids in the process of drying. 

Without proper care you will be digging out of your pocket to purchase a boat cover consistently. Make sure to apply a boat cover when departing the watercraft for the day. 

Do You Need A Boat Cover Support

A boat cover support is available for purchase or can be made by using a few different tools. Remember, you do not want to deteriorate the cover as it means spending money to replace it in its entirety. Rather than allowing water to accumulate ad a boat cover support. Don’t drain the water time and time again by hand.