A boat cover is essential for protecting your boat from discoloration, moisture buildup, and harsh weather during winter. Not all boat owners have indoor storage, so when winter comes, the boats are exposed to damage caused by the elements. This is where winter boat covers come into play.
Custom boat covers can be quite expensive, which makes buying ready-made ones a better option. Our top 7 winter boat covers are as follows:
- iCOVER Trailerable Boat Cover – Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
- PrimeShield Heavy Duty Waterproof Boat Cover – Click here to see it on Amazon
- AmazonBasics Boat Cover
- Seamander Heavy Duty Trailerable Runabout Boat Cover
- Leader Accessories 600D Polyester Boat Cover
- Brightent Heavy Duty Boat Cover
- Kohree Trailerable Runabout Boat Cover
Read on to learn more about our top picks for the best winter boat cover, as well as the features and specs for each.
Also, we hope you find the links here useful. We may get a commission if you purchase something through a link on this page, so thank you!
Also, for an excellent cover, take a look at our top pick, the iCOVER Trailerable Boat Cover on Amazon:
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Best Winter Boat Cover – Our Top 7 Picks
1. iCOVER Trailerable Boat Cover
The iCOVER Trailerable Boat Cover is made of 600 Denier PU coated Marine Grade polyester that is also waterproof, tear-resistant, and UV resistant.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
This particular boat cover offers all-weather protection all year long. This is my #1 top pick for the best winter boat cover due to its durability, design, and price point.
It also comes with a heavy-duty elastic cord that is sewn around the hemline – this gives it a secure and snug fit. This winter boat cover is ideal for boat storage, mooring, and trailering. Easy-to-follow installation and care instructions are packed with this boat cover.
2. PrimeShield Heavy Duty Waterproof Boat Cover
The PrimeShield Heavy Duty Waterproof Boat Cover fits outboards, runabouts, and v-hulls, and many other types of boats. It is a durable and waterproof boat cover that will protect your boat from dust, rain, UV rays, and snow.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
The PrimeShield Boat Cover is also cold resistant up to -68 degrees Fahrenheit. This boat cover offers a snug fit over the whole boat, while the strap and buckle system secures it when you are transporting on a trailer.
3. Classic Accessories StormPro Heavy-Duty Boat Cover
The Boat Cover for V-Hull Runabouts and Bass Boat can protect v-hull runabout boats that measure 17-19 feet by up to 102 inches wide while storing or transporting.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Its material will not stretch nor shrink, which means a secure fit for your boat. This winter boat cover weighs 12 pounds and can be washed with warm water. It also comes with a limited one-year warranty from AmazonBasics.
4. Seamander Heavy Duty Trailerable Runabout Boat Cover
The Seamander Heavy Duty Trailerable Runabout Boat Cover is made of premium 600D oxford fabric, ensuring that the cover is really durable. It is waterproof, dustproof, scratch-proof, and has sun protection features.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
This boat cover has a built-in strap system that helps it fit easily onto your boat. It also comes with a strong bag for storage, as well as a 2-year limited warranty from your purchase date.
5. Leader Accessories 600D Polyester Boat Cover
The Leader Accessories 600D Polyester Boat Cover is made from 600D woven polyester material with PU coating. It is marine grade and offers excellent protection from water.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
This boat cover comes with an extra belt measuring 18 meters, which allows you to tighten it from the front to the rear of the boat. It also has an elastic bottom hem and 9 sets of belts: 4 upper ones, 4 lower ones, and an extra 18-meter belt.
6. Brightent Heavy Duty Boat Cover
The Brightent Heavy Duty Boat Cover is made of woven polyester material with a PU coating that provides excellent protection against water.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
It fits the following boat sizes:
- 14-16 ft, beam 90”
- 17-19 ft, beam 95”
- 20-22 ft, beam 100”
It comes with an 18-meter extra belt that you can use to tighten the cover from the front to the back of the boat, adding extra security. The cover is also sewn with a double stitch that helps make it much stronger.
7. Kohree Trailerable Runabout Boat Cover
The Kohree Trailerable Runabout Boat Cover is made of marine-grade polyester canvas that protects your boat from rain and UV damage. It also features interlocking double stitched seams using marine-grade thread.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
This winter boat cover also has quick-release buckles and a strap system that allows you to handle it easily. The Kohree Trailerable Runabout Boat Cover is designed for storing, mooring, and even for highway travel. Additional features include 9 adjustable straps, a storage bag, as well as a 2-year limited warranty from the purchase date.
See the below video for some more tips on the best winter boat cover material:
Where to Store Your Boat During Winter
There are many different places you can store your boat during winter. Let’s take a look at where you can store it, as well as the pros and cons of doing so.
| LOCATION | PROS | CONS |
| Driveway | No extra cost since it’s in your property | • Exposure to elements • Exposure to pests • Lack of security |
| Garage | • No extra cost since it’s on your property • Protection from the outdoor elements | • Reduced space in your garage • Exposure to pests |
| Docking | Easy access to your boat | • Docking fees • Exposure to elements • Barnacles |
| Self-storage Facility | • Easy access • Advanced security • Accessibility to just drive to the storage facility and get your boat | Varying prices |
Should You Shrink Wrap Your Boat?
Shrink-wrapping is the process where a layer of polyethylene is cut to fit over the top and around the boat. The polyethylene layer has UV protection, which will protect your boat if it is stored outside.
This shrink-wrapped layer is strong and offers a tight seal when installed correctly. It’s a great option in addition to winter boat covers if you don’t have indoor storage available.
One of the setbacks of shrink-wrapping your boat is the cost. It’s also not a DIY project you can do by yourself. You will need to get it professionally installed to reap the full benefits of shrink-wrapping. Also, once your boat is shrink-wrapped, you won’t be able to access the interior of your boat to perform any repairs or maintenance. You have to wait until the winter is over and you’re ready to use your boat again – it’s not reusable.
Before you shrink-wrap your boat, you also need to ensure that it is completely dry. Anything that holds moisture, like towels, water toys, life jackets, and other things that hold moisture, should be removed. Otherwise, you might get mildew forming during the winter.
Taking Care of Your Winter Boat Cover
Should the unfortunate happen and your winter boat cover should get holes and tears in it, you don’t immediately have to buy a new one. There are boat cover repair kits available for you to buy.
For example, you can buy a canvas repair kit that usually includes the materials you’ll need to sew a hole. You also have the choice to use canvas repair tape, which will help hold small loosened areas of thread in the fabric.
Some of the most important things you’ll need to know to take care of your winter boat cover are:
- Patching holes
- Removing mildew
- Removing rotten thread
- Repairing tears
If you don’t have the time, you can always have your boat cover professionally repaired. However, this would usually cost a lot more compared to buying repair products (or buying a new boat cover) and performing the repairs yourself.
What Is the Best Winter Boat Cover to Buy?
While there are a lot of winter boat covers out there, our 7 picks for the best winter boat cover are:
- iCOVER Trailerable Boat Cover – Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
- PrimeShield Heavy Duty Waterproof Boat Cover – Click here to see it on Amazon
- AmazonBasics Boat Cover
- Seamander Heavy Duty Trailerable Runabout Boat Cover
- Leader Accessories 600D Polyester Boat Cover
- Brightent Heavy Duty Boat Cover
- Kohree Trailerable Runabout Boat Cover
My top pick is the iCOVER Trailerable Boat Cover, but you can’t go wrong with any of these boat covers. They’re all excellent whether you’re buying a new one in preparation for storing your boat, or you’re replacing an old one. These are just suggestions, but the choice is always up to you depending on your budget, your personal preference, and other factors.
Although most of these boat covers come with a manufacturer’s warranty, it’s best to ensure that you follow the cleaning and care tips so that your boat cover lasts long. It’s also important to do so because if your boat cover has holes or tears, it will not completely protect your boat against the elements.
Related reading:
Best Boat Cover Material Plus Our Top 5 Covers
How to Store a Boat Outside in Winter
How to Winterize a Boat – Plus Winterize the Motor
