How to Choose
the Right Boat Cover
The wrong cover costs you time, money, and a boat that ages faster than it should. Here's what the crew at Fishing Superstore actually looks for.
A cover isn't an accessory
— it's an investment
Sun, salt, rain and bird droppings will destroy your boat's surfaces faster than most people expect. A good cover pays for itself in the first season.
Shop All Covers →UV Protection
Australia's UV index is brutal. Gel coat, vinyl and plastics fade and crack fast in direct sun. A UV-rated cover stops that from day one.
Water & Mould
Trapped moisture breeds mould under hatches and seating. You need breathability, not just waterproofing — or you'll cook the interior.
Dirt & Debris
Bird droppings and leaf litter hold moisture against surfaces. Long enough, and they etch permanently into gel coat and upholstery.
Resale Value
A consistent cover routine is one of the cheapest ways to protect your boat's resale value — season after season, year after year.
Know what
you're looking for
The right type depends on how and where your boat lives when it's not on the water. Get this wrong and even a quality cover won't perform.
Custom-Fit Covers
Cut to your exact make, model and year. No gaps, no bunching, no water pooling. If your boat lives outdoors on a trailer, this is the one — and it's what most of our customers end up with.
- Precision fit for your specific hull
- Locking strap system holds in wind
- No sag points to collect rainwater
- Available from Marine Tech Co. and Seamanship+
Semi-Custom Covers
Built for a range of hulls in a specific category. Better than universal, faster than full custom — strong value and the most popular mid-range choice.
- Fits a wide range of hull shapes
- Better coverage than universal fit
- Shorter lead time than full custom
- Strong value mid-range option
Universal Fit Covers
Sized by length, not hull shape. Fine for indoor or short-term storage — not ideal if your boat lives outdoors in Australian weather long-term.
- Lower entry price point
- Fits any boat of the right length
- Best for garages and sheds
- Wide size range available
Mooring Covers
For boats sitting in the water at a marina or jetty. Built to breathe and shed water without trapping condensation below deck.
- Vented for continuous airflow
- Marine-grade seams and hardware
- Wind and wake tie-down system
- For continuous-exposure mooring
Measure once,
buy once
The most common mistake is going by boat length alone. Here are the five things you need to measure before you order.
Overall Length
Bow tip to stern — not the waterline. Include any motor bracket that extends past the transom.
Tip to stern (m)
Beam (Width)
Widest point of the hull, measured across the gunwales. Account for any rubber rub rail.
Gunwale to gunwale (m)
Centre Height
Gunwale to the top of your tallest fixed point — windscreen, bimini frame, or console.
Gunwale to highest point (m)
Hull Style
Runabout, centre console, cuddy cabin, pontoon — hull shape affects how a cover drapes. Match category, not just length.
Motor Position
Outboard, inboard, or stern drive? Does the cover need to fit over the engine or under the motor flush at the transom?
Not sure? Our Cover Finder walks you through it.
Use the Cover FinderWhat's it made of —
and does it matter?
It absolutely does. Here's how the most common cover fabrics stack up in Australian conditions.
| Material | UV Resistance | Water Resistance | Breathability | Durability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600D Marine Polyester | Outdoor trailer storage, all-season use | ||||
| Ripstop Polyester | Windy conditions, light trailer use | ||||
| Marine Canvas (Acrylic) | Mooring, long-term outdoor storage | ||||
| Polyethylene (PE) | Short-term use, indoor/shed storage | ||||
| Solution-Dyed Polyester | Year-round harsh Australian sun |
Our Boat Cover Range
We stock covers from brands that actually stand up to Australian conditions — not just what looks good on paper.
Marine Tech Co.
Heavy-duty covers built for Australian waters
- Marine-grade coated polyester with high UV resistance and long-term water repellency
- Double-stitched, taped seams with reinforced stress patches at all tie points
- Breathable ventilated panels with soft inner lining to protect gelcoat and paint
- Backed by a 2-year warranty and local Australian support
Seamanship+
Custom and semi-custom marine covers
- Custom-fit to specific makes and models
- Solution-dyed, UV-stabilised fabrics
- Reinforced seams and locking strap systems
- Designed for long-term outdoor trailer storage
All Boat Covers
Every brand, every style, every hull type
- Filter by hull type, length, material and brand
- Universal, semi-custom and custom options
- Covers for trailers, moorings and storage
- Australia-wide delivery on all orders
Not Sure Which Cover
Fits Your Boat?
Answer a few quick questions and we'll match you to the right cover for your hull, your storage situation, and your budget.
FAQs
Straight answers to the things we get asked most.
