Boats provide entertainment for the owner, family members, and friends. However, owning a boat means forking out money not only for the purchase but also for maintenance. I have owned several boats and can attest to the fact that keeping them in top shape means shelling out cash. If you’re a center console boat owner like me, I can tell you that a center console cover is critical what you need to know about the importance of a center console cover.
What Is A Center Console Cover
A center console cover is exactly as it sounds. A console cover is made of canvas polyester, which makes them durable and water resistant.
The design of the cover varies based on whether or not the boat has a T-Top or no T-Top. Boats with center consoles affix the cover to the framework of the T-Top. Comparatively, those without a top simply slide over the top of the console.
Importantly, the cover is designed to protect not only the console and windshield itself but also the electronics and contents stored within.
What Are The Benefits Of A Center Console Cover
Unquestionably, there are a multitude of benefits to a console cover. The cover serves the following purposes when the boat is stored.
Protect The Console From Rain
The console of a boat is home to some of the most expensive onboard equipment. Some of the pieces of equipment include navigation screens, depth sounding electronics, fuel flow and other gauges, and more.
Over time, soaking rains penetrate vital equipment, causing long term damage. One of the best avenues to reduce water damage is to cover the console while it is stored.
Eliminates Exposure To UV Rays
Sun, similar to rain, also damages critical electronic equipment onboard vessels with prolonged exposure.
Unfortunately, the impacts of sun exposure extend beyond electronics. Gel coat surfaces oxidize or lose color from UV rays. One of the most effective methods to reduce added expenses and maintenance is to cover the console.
Reduce Theft
By far one of the best benefits of a console cover is reducing the likelihood of theft. For one, a console cover presents a challenge to a thief because it requires time to remove. Every second counts when attempting to steal from boats. The same applies to stealing covered boats on trailers.
Secondly, a cover prevents a thief from scoping out what type of valuable equipment is onboard. As a result of uncertainty, a robber is less likely to attempt to steal from your vessel versus a vessel they know has the most desirable equipment.
Excellent Alternative To A Full Boat Cover
I’ll start by saying that a full boat cover, when compared to a console cover, is a better option to protect your investment.
The full cover reduces or eliminates exposure to rain and UV rays not only on the console but also on the remainder of the boat.
However, when storing a vessel for short periods of time, at a minimum, I suggest covering the console. As mentioned above, the console is home to some of the most valuable equipment aboard the vessel.
Important Factors When Ordering A Center Console Cover
When ordering a console cover, considerations must be made. Not all consoles are alike. They are highly dependent on the size of the vessel in addition to the manufacturer.
It should be noted that most center console covers are not produced by the manufacturer but instead are an aftermarket product.
Importantly, the console must be measured to ensure that the cover fits the boat correctly. A cover too small will leave portions of the console exposed to the elements. Conversely, if the cove is too large, it will sit on the deck and remain saturated for extended periods of time.
Measure The Console Correctly
To determine the proper console cover for your boat, it is imperative to measure correctly. The best approach is to measure the depth from bow to stern, the width from port to starboard, and the height from the highest point (including the windshield and potential grab bar) to the deck.
Alternatively, if the boat is fitted with a T-Top measure differently. T-Top console vessels, more often than not, cover the seat in addition to the console. For this reason, you’ll need to measure length from the front of the console to the rear of the seat, the width from side to side, and the height from the upper framework to the deck.
Measuring correctly will prevent you from ordering the incorrect cover. I suggest also utilizing a boat cowling cover in combination with the T-Top cover.
Protect Your Center Console From The Elements
Without a doubt, protecting your vessel from the elements will reduce maintenance and expenses. Take it from me: I used a center console cover for years on end, and my electronics remained in excellent working condition throughout its entirety. The cost of a cover is minimal, considering the multitude of benefits it provides.
