6 Reasons You Need a Boat Cover

6 Reasons You Need a Boat Cover If you're one of the 22.6 million Americans who own a boat, make sure it's properly protected before you put it to bed for winter." 1 Prevent scratches, dents & fading 2 Pay fewer repair and replacement costs Keep out bugs, critters, bird droppings & debris A boat cover can increase boat life by 30% 37.8% A of former boaters no longer keep a boat due to maintenance & storage costs Spend less time cleaning before launching your boat 5 Avoid casual theft of parts and equipment Ensure a longer boat life and higher resale value Top 3 items stolen from boats: 1. Electronics 2. Outboards 3. Outdrives ? 20% of owners are considering trading in their boats for a new model Where Do You Store Your Boat in the Off Season? HOW MUCH MONEY did you spend on boating in 2011? On a trailer at primary residence 11.2% (including maintenance and repair) On a trailer at a storage facility/marina In the water at a private dock at primary residence 100 수 9.3% 8.4% Over $5,000 80- 14.4% $2,000-$4,999 7.9% H In the water on a private dock at a secondary residence less than 1 hour from primary residence 52.1% 12.1% $1,000-$1,999 60 7.4% On a trailer at vacation/second residence 17.7% $500-$999 6% 4.7% E In the water at a marina less than 1 hour from primary residence 40- 46.5% Under $500 At home in a garage/barn/basement 20 아 SOURCE: Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation SOURCE: Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation Choosing a Boat Cover What type of boat cover is best for you? Here's a look at how the most common boat cover materials stack up: ACRYLIC COATED POLYESTER 65% POLYESTER, 100% MARINE-GRADE 100% MARINE-GRADE MATERIALS 35% COTTON POLYESTER ACRYLIC WEIGHT 11 oz. 6.5 oz. 8 oz. 9.25 oz. WATER RESISTANCE MILDEW RESISTANCE UV RESISTANCE BREATHABILITY TEAR STRENGTH TENSILE STRENGTH COLORFASTNESS ** HOT, HUMID CLIMATES ** HOT, DRY CLIMATES COOL, MOIST CLIMATES COOL, DRY CLIMATES How to Measure Your Boat for a Cover O STEP 1 O O STEP 2 STEP 3 Always measure in a straight line, not up over the Measure the length from the tip of the bow to the center of the transom. Measure the beam at the windscreen or other fixtures. widest point of the hull. CENTER LINE LENGTH BEAM WIDTH Swim Step OO STEP 5 Measure the length, height and width of your trolling motor, center console, jack plate, aftermarket pulpit or anchor davit, if you have them. STEP 4 If you have a swim step, take a second measurement from the point of the bow to the back center of the step. SOURCES: Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation; U.S. Coast Guard; Boat Owners Association of the United States SAVVYBOATER Copyright © 2012 SavvyBoater Infographic designed by Mad Fish SEO www.SavvyBoater.com