Why You Should Check on Your Boat After Winter Weather Hits
Susan J
Doesn’t it feel good to know that your boat is safely covered and tucked away for the season? Now all you have to do is wait for the world to thaw so you can uncover it and resume reeling in the big ones. In the meantime, don’t forget to go “visit” your covered boat, just to make sure it’s still safe and happy. It is especially important to check on your boat after the first snow or after an extended period of rain.
Visual Inspection
Check the cover for any signs of damage such as rips, tears, holes, or unsewn seams. Should you find that there is some damage to your cover, our Boat Cover Reinforcement/Repair Kit will allow you to patch any areas that show signs of wear.
Installation Check
Make sure cover is positioned correctly on your boat and that it is properly supported. Tie down straps should be spaced evenly around the boat and should be tight. Ideally, there should be 4 straps on either side, 2 toward the front of the boat and 2 at the back. One 12-strap kit is sufficient for a boat up to 24’. If you have a pontoon or if your boat is longer than 24’, a second tie-down kit is required.
Maintenance
You should check the cover periodically to make sure water is not pooling on top of the cover. If you see areas of pooling, additional support is needed in that area. Consider a y-strap support system or the addition of a support pole.
The boat pictured below is equipped with a support system and the water just runs off the cover!
Snow and Water
Snow loads should be removed from the cover to avoid any unnecessary weight or moisture. Any areas that need attention should be taken care of to ensure the cover can perform to the best of its ability.
Exposure to the elements can diminish the water repellency of boat cover fabrics over time. The water repellent finish used on most boat cover fabrics allows water to bead and run off. If you notice that your cover is not beading water like it once did, we recommend the use of 303 High Tech Fabric Guard after a thorough cleaning to restore the water repellency of your cover. Better yet, consider purchasing our Fabric Guard and Cleaner Combo Kit to get the most life from your cover.
As long as the cover has been properly installed and the necessary precautions have been taken to ensure the cover is supported and tied down, a Carver cover will serve you well all year round.
Give us a call at 1-866-626-8377 or use our Live Chat option for assistance with any questions or to order accessories. We are here to help!
