After my first trip on the river this spring, I could see so much neglect on boats and pontoons that have been sitting at the docks since last summer. The upholstery on the pontoons and jet skis is cracking and peeling and the foam seating is exposed; therefore, it is rotting away. It’s hard to believe, but a great deal of damage occurs on a boat when it is not in use. Whether due to the elements or to the fact that things do fall apart, your boat will decline in condition even when it’s just sitting around unused. If you want your boat to last 5 years, 10 years, and beyond, you need to invest in a nice cover.

Nothing can completely preserve your boat, but using a pontoon boat cover can go a long way toward this goal. A cover keeps the floors and upholstery in top condition. When looking for a pontoon cover, it is necessary to have one that allows the air to circulating when your pontoon is covered. Without air vents in the cover, the result will be mold and mildew that create unpleasant smells and discoloration of the seats. To prevent this from happening, you need a pontoon boat cover that is specially designed to protect your boat and make sure that it stays in top condition when stored for several months on end. You need a heavy-duty fabric that has maximum water resistance and repellency, won’t shrink or stretch, and is resistant to mildew and UV damage.

I know the cover doesn’t seem like the most important thing you need for your boat especially in the beginning, but three years from now when the upholstery is cracked, torn, and uncomfortable to sit on, you’ll wish you had taken care of this. Not only will it keep your boat safe, but it will also save you money. Several years ago my husband & I purchased a 10 year old pontoon boat. The pontoon had been sheltered but after 10 years the seats were in terrible shape. After searching the area for a marine seamstress we found that it is not easy to find someone who can re-upholster your pontoon seats and it is even harder to find one who will do it for a price you can afford. The quote we received for four pontoon’s seats was $1200. Of course, this could have been avoided. A pontoon cover ranges in cost from $100 to $180 (depending on the size of your pontoon boat) and it has a four year warranty.

In addition you should consider spending a little more (up to $300) that keeps your boat safe during transit. Consider purchasing a high-strength marine canvas with a five year warranty that is designed for extra durability and all weather protection. An integrated buckle & strap system with adjustable straps will give you a tight custom fit for storage and you can trailer your pontoon back and forth to the river. A boat that is trailered without a cover will age very quickly, even if it only travels short distances. In the long run, doing this over and over will cause the boat to decline much more rapidly than it otherwise would.