Shade in July, shelter in November. This collection covers fabric protection for boats and crews: boom tents and cockpit awnings that turn the cockpit into an extra cabin, sun canopies for anchorages, and protective covers that keep UV and weather off the boat between trips - along with the support poles, fittings and tie-downs to rig them properly.
UV is the quiet destroyer of boats, fading gelcoat, perishing rubber and rotting stitching, and a well-fitted cover repays its cost many times over in reduced maintenance. When choosing, prioritise breathable, UV-stable fabrics (a non-breathing cover traps condensation and grows mildew), and rig covers taut with airflow underneath. For cockpit awnings, measure boom height and cockpit length so the tent sheds rain and still gives standing headroom where you need it.
Frequently asked questions
Should a boat cover be breathable?
Yes - a breathable fabric lets trapped moisture escape, preventing the condensation and mildew that form under sealed covers. Good airflow beneath the cover matters as much as the fabric itself.
What is a boom tent and why use one?
A boom tent drapes over the boom to enclose the cockpit, adding shaded, rain-protected living space at anchor - effectively an extra room on a small cruiser, and it keeps the companionway dry with the hatch open.
How do I stop a boat cover flapping and chafing?
Rig it drum-tight over padded contact points, use plenty of tie-down points rather than a few heavily loaded ones, and check tension after the first blow - a flapping cover destroys both itself and the gelcoat beneath.
