7 Mistakes You're Making with Your Boat Cover (and How to Fix Them)

Late October is when many Southwestern Ontario boat owners haul out, start winterizing and get a closer look at their boat cover. A small tear, loose snap or worn seam can be easy to miss during the boating season. Left unattended, it may become a larger problem while the boat is stored.

A few simple checks now can help you decide whether your cover is ready for winter, needs a repair or may be due for replacement. Here are seven common mistakes to avoid.

1. Putting away a cover with damage

A small tear, failed seam or loose fastener may seem harmless. But once a cover is fitted and under tension, wind and weather can put more strain on the damaged area.

Before storing your boat, look over the full cover. Check seams, zippers, snaps, straps and the fabric around points where it attaches to the boat. Also look for worn areas where the cover rubs against a frame, windshield or other hard edge.

Not every problem calls for a new cover. If the surrounding material is still in good condition, a repair may be possible. If the fabric is brittle or deteriorating across large areas, replacement may be the more practical option. The best choice depends on the cover’s overall condition.

Our guide to whether boat canvas can be repaired or needs replacement explains what to look for.

2. Leaving the cover slack or flat

A loose cover can sag and create low spots where rainwater collects. Water adds weight, and pooled water can put extra strain on the fabric, seams, straps and supports. Snow can also build up, so don’t assume the cover will look after itself through winter.

Set up the cover according to its manufacturer’s instructions, with a suitable support system and a slope that lets water run off. Check the fit again after the cover settles or after rough weather. If you’re not sure whether your support setup is suitable, ask the cover’s manufacturer or a marine professional.

BoatUS’s winter boat cover guidance also recommends adequate support and regular checks to help prevent pooling and wear.

3. Pulling every strap as tight as possible

A secure fit matters, but more tension isn’t always better. Pulling straps too tight can place unnecessary strain on fabric, stitching and hardware. It can also make an existing weak spot more likely to fail.

Aim for a firm, even fit, following the cover’s instructions. Check that the cover isn’t rubbing against sharp edges or pulling hard on just one point. If you spot a new scuff or a strap that looks heavily loaded, adjust the setup rather than simply tightening it further.

Avoid attaching cover straps to boat supports that aren’t designed for that purpose. Use the storage and support method recommended for your boat and cover.

4. Assuming any cover is suitable for winter, or for trailering

A mooring cover, bimini top or enclosure isn’t automatically designed to protect a boat through outdoor winter storage. A cover intended for one purpose may not have the construction or support system needed for another.

The same goes for trailering. Don’t assume a storage cover is safe to use on the road. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to confirm how the cover is intended to be used. If your boat’s shape, accessories or existing cover make it difficult to get a secure fit, custom boat covers may be worth considering.

For boat covers, custom fit can take account of the boat’s shape and features. A quote and assessment can help clarify what’s possible for your boat.

5. Blocking ventilation or letting water collect

A cover needs to protect the boat while allowing moisture to escape. When a covered boat can’t breathe, condensation may build up inside. Wet leaves and debris can also block drains or hold moisture against the fabric.

Keep the cover’s vents and drainage points clear, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for ventilation. Before covering the boat, remove leaves and other debris, and make sure the boat and any removable canvas are dry.

6. Storing canvas while it’s dirty or damp

Damp canvas folded away for storage can develop mildew or an unpleasant smell. Dirt and organic debris left on the fabric may also be harder to clean later.

Clean the cover using the fabric manufacturer’s care instructions. For many covers, that means fresh water and mild soap rather than harsh cleaners. Rinse thoroughly, then let the canvas dry completely before folding or storing it. Avoid pressure-washing unless the manufacturer specifically says it’s suitable.

Clear-vinyl windows need care, too. Don’t crease them or store them folded sharply. Follow the product instructions for keeping them clean and storing them without damage.

7. Forgetting to check the cover during winter

Installing the cover is only the first step. A windy day, heavy rain or snowfall can change how it sits. Straps may loosen, supports can shift and new rub points may appear.

Check your boat regularly during storage and after significant weather. Look for pooled water, snow buildup, loose hardware, new wear and signs that the cover has shifted. Remove water or snow promptly and safely, following the cover’s instructions. If the damage is more than a minor adjustment, have the cover assessed before it gets worse.

Should you repair the cover or replace it?

Start with the material around the problem. If it’s still strong and flexible and the damage is limited to one area, repair may be an option. If the fabric is brittle, stretched out or failing in several places, a repair might not address the larger issue.

A few clear photos can help start the conversation, but some jobs need an in-person inspection before a reliable quote can be provided. For more on how we make and assess boat covers in Southwestern Ontario, visit our boat covers page.

Get your marine canvas ready for spring

Fall and winter are a practical time to address worn boat covers and other marine canvas projects, so they’re not left until you’re preparing to launch. KTL Marine & Auto works with boat owners in Port Stanley, Port Bruce, Port Burwell, Long Point, Turkey Point, Port Dover, Port Rowan, Simcoe, St. Thomas, London, Woodstock and nearby communities. We use durable marine-grade materials where the project calls for them, and the right approach depends on the condition and intended use of your cover.

To get started, send us photos of the full cover and close-ups of any damage. Include your boat’s make, model and year, where it’s located, and whether you’re looking for a repair or considering a replacement. We’ll review the information and let you know what the next step is. Contact KTL Marine to request a quote.