5 Best Pontoon Boat Covers To Protect Your Investment
A pontoon boat cover will keep your party barge protected, even from the harsh Arizona sun. The interior of your pontoon can get faded 10x faster if you don’t keep it covered when you’re not using it. But aside from UV rays and heat, it protects your pontoon from pests, heavy objects that get blown around during storms, a haboob has crept into town, and thieves that want your electronics.
A good pontoon boat cover is an easy and affordable solution that will save you time and money later on. It keeps your vessel clean and dry, prevents flying debris from causing damage, and keeps it safe from dust storms and monsoons.
These are the 5 best brand name pontoon boat covers for Arizona boaters. But first, this is what you need to know about them to decide which one is best for you and your boat.
What Makes A Good Pontoon Boat Cover?
A good pontoon boat cover fits snugly and won’t shrink, warp, or stretch over time. It keeps your boat protected from UV rays, flying debris, and pests. It is breathable which keeps mold and mildew away, is lightweight, durable, hides your valuables from thieves, and comes with snaps or straps that will hold tight.
Snug Fit. An ill-fitting boat cover leaves gaps where dirt, debris, and animals can get in and ruin the interior. Some boat covers have elastic cords sewn in which helps it fit tighter.
Right Size. A cover that is too small won’t go on easily and even if you manage to get it on, might rip or tear under the strain. A cover that is too large can end up getting blown off the boat when the next monsoon hits. So go for a cover that fits just right, but if you have to choose between a smaller size or a larger size then pick the larger size. It’s better to be able to cover more of the boat than less, and you should be able to tie it down securely. For example, if you have a 23’ boat and the cover you like is a 25’, you should be fine.
Prevents mold and mildew. A good pontoon boat cover keeps water from getting into the boat’s interior, allows air to circulate, prevents odors, and won’t allow water to pool on top of the cover. Mold can grow where moisture builds up, even in Arizona’s dry climate. If you do find yourself struggling with water pooling, try a boat cover support pole which holds up the cover so debris and water run off.
Durable and High Quality. There’s no point in saving a little money when after a year your boat cover has faded and the Arizona sun has made it crunchy. Go for a durable, high quality boat cover that is made with thick marine-grade fabric and solution dyeing. Even those damaging UV rays can’t destroy something like this very easily.
Lightweight. A good boat cover needs to be user-friendly, meaning it has to be somewhat easy to get on and off your pontoon. The more lightweight and durable it is, the easier it is to fit onto the boat.
Snaps vs Straps. This is a matter of preference, and while snaps are convenient and some great boat covers come with them, we prefer straps. The biggest reason is the fit. The cover will be stretchier when it’s hot out and tighter when it’s chilly. So for part of the year, we have trouble getting the snaps to align, which is super frustrating. But whichever option you choose, pick a cover with a secure way to tie-down the cover.
5 Best Brand Name Pontoon Boat Covers For Arizona
We put together a short list of brand name pontoon boat covers which will serve you well in Arizona. Windstorm, SilverCloud, DeckMate, Seal Skin, and Carver. All of these pontoon boat covers are built from durable, waterproof marine grade fabric which resists sun rays and mildew and keeps your boat clean throughout its lifecycle. For boat covers, thickness is measured in deniers, or “d” and anything above 500D will give you a high quality, thick, and durable pontoon boat cover.
Windstorm Pontoon Boat Covers
Our top pick is Windstorm for its unique coloring process which will withstand the intense UV rays for years to come.
Windstorm pontoon boat covers give you the highest level of performance. They’re made with a heavy duty, rot-proof, solution-dyed, marine grade thread which makes them UV resistant. Solution dyeing is a process that involves adding pigment to the molten plastic solution before the fiber is made. This method not only does a better job of keeping colors vibrant over time, but it’s actually better for the environment. It uses 90% less water, 96% less carbon dioxide emissions, and fewer chemicals overall versus conventional dying processes.
They also come with a sewn-in shock cord for a snug fit, double stitching, and are breathable. Windstorm offers unmatched high quality and at affordable prices. You can use Sunbrela' s durable fabric in WindStorm's covers to add more protection and reduce water leaks. Marinex uses an advanced UV and mildew resistant coating to offer attractive protection against the elements. Windstorm has one of the strongest fitting boat covers on the market and they’re known to last for years.
SilverCloud Pontoon Boat Covers
Silver Cloud pontoon boat covers have Durapel coating technology which repels water and UV rays better than other coatings on the market. They feature an air permeability material that provides unsurpassed waterproofing, even in the hottest conditions. They’re made from 600D polyester, are durable, and trailerable. The straps are sewn in for extra protection and these pontoon boat covers won't stretch or shrink.
DeckMate Pontoon Boat Covers
DeckMatePremium boat covers are made of high quality 8.9 oz 600 denier premium marine polyester fabric. This fabric is mineral dyed to prevent fading or staining, even with intense UV rays, PU coated to be water resistant, and include heavy duty sewn-in bungee cord secures making it secure when transporting it on the trailer. DeckMate is a reputable brand and every boat cover comes with a warranty.
Seal Skin Pontoon Boat Covers
Seal Skin Supreme pontoon boat covers are made with GORE-MAX technology that is more durable and protective than 5 layers of regular covers, they’re 100% waterproof, breathable to protect against mold and mildew, UV resistant, and have a built in elastic hem to give a snug fit. Seal skin covers are USA made, have a 10 year warranty, and a reputation for creating great products.
Carver Pontoon Boat Covers
Carver boat covers are perfect for large pontoon boats, boats with a large bimini top, or those with more than 1 motor. They come with a separate outboard motor cover and can accommodate large 4-bow bimini tops. It has double stitching, folded 4-ply seams, and anti-wick thread throughout to prevent water from penetrating. It has sewn-in tie-down loops and ¼” shock cord in the hem.
Should I Cover My Pontoon Boat in the Summer?
Yes, cover a pontoon boat in the summer. The sun and ultraviolet light may accelerate oxidation which will damage and fade furniture and upholstery up to 10x faster than covering it.
We know it’s a hassle to cover and uncover your pontoon when you’re taking it out every weekend. But, it’s so important to protect your boat and help it maintain it’s value. Make it easier by purchasing a high-quality cover that can be easily removed. This will take some of the hassle-factor out and protect your investment over time. Make sure you cover your pontoon when your boat isn't used.
How Much Do Pontoon Covers Cost?
Pontoon covers cost $250 - $1500 depending on whether it is custom made and where it is purchased. Custom made pontoon boat covers from the dealer can be much more expensive than those purchased from a third party seller, like National Boat Covers or Amazon. For some boaters, this is necessary to get a boat cover that fits properly.
While a custom pontoon boat cover is more expensive it might be necessary cost. There are some boats that just won’t ever fit a universal boat cover. If your pontoon has after-market features, like a grill, waterslide, or other cool stuff, you may need a custom pontoon cover to keep it protected. Universal covers aren’t usually made for these add-ons.
Should I Cover My Boat While Trailering?
No, don’t cover your boat while trailering. This may seem like a good idea to keep it protected, but if there are small gaps in the fit that go unnoticed, the cover will take flight while driving down the freeway and can be dangerous.
Even if it doesn’t get blown off while driving, a small flapping corner knocking around at 55 MPH can cause the paint to chip and the cover to tear. It’s just not worth the risk.
A good rule of thumb is to keep your boat uncovered while trailering and covered when it’s not in use.
Final Thoughts
Covering your pontoon boat has to be done to protect your investment. A pontoon boat cover will provide protection and keep your boat looking nice for years to come. Choose one that is durable, lightweight, UV resistant, waterproof, and easy to put on and take off. Always cover your boat when it’s not in use, but don’t keep it covered while trailering. Arizona boaters need to be especially careful to protect their boats from the intense UV rays of the Arizona sun.