Pontoon boats are a great way to spend quality time with your family and friends. They are easy to operate and have room for everyone to indulge in their favorite water activities in comfort. While it is relaxing and entertaining there are cleaning and maintenance involved with owning a pontoon boat. To minimize the amount of time preparing for an outing and maximize the time you are out on the water, invest in a pontoon boat cover that will best fit and protect your pontoon. This should be the first pontoon boat accessories that you purchase. Not only will it make taking out your boat a breeze, it will protect your investment and increase your resell value.
Before purchasing a cover for your pontoon boat, there are a few things to look for to insure you are purchasing the right cover. Because of their unique shape, pontoon boats covers require some special fit considerations. This article will explain the features to consider when purchasing a pontoon boat cover.


Types of Pontoon Boat Covers
It is important to take a little time to measure your pontoon boat, to be sure you get the best fit possible. A good fit is important, particularly if you plan to trailer your boat. Once you have the measurements, you can decide what sort of cover you want. Most of the pontoon boat covers on the market are will be Semi-custom designed to fit many brands of pontoon boat that share common dimensions and style. You may be able to find a Custom pontoon cover through your pontoon boats manufacturer, but be prepared to pay a premium.
If you select a Semi-Custom pontoon boat cover, youll want to look for the style that best matches your boat. Do you have a fully fenced deck, or do you have open deck space for or aft of the fenced area? Does you boat have a fold down hard top, or other unique features that may make covering it more difficult? Do you want to cover your whole deck or just the fended Play Pen area? The right Semi-custom Cover will offer the fit and protection you need without blowing your budget.

Pontoon Boat Cover Fabric
The most popular fabrics for pontoon boats today are marine grade polyester, designed specifically
for boat covers. Youll find most manufacturers feature this type of fabric, although it may be under a variety of trade names. The important features of any boat cover are that it is:

Water Resistant To provide protection from rain and snow
UV Resistant To protect your cover from fading and breaking down due to the sun
Breathable Allowing any trapped moisture on your pontoon to escape, preventing mold and mildew. Remember, a truly waterproof cover will trap moisture under the cover leading to problems.
Mildew Resistant Your cover will constantly be expose to moisture, having a mildew resistant cover will save you from cleaning mold and mildew often

Support Poles for Pontoon Boat Covers
It is wonderful to be on a pontoon boat and feel like you are in a living room floating down the river. But due to the size and openness of the living room, the large cover for your pontoon boat will need support. Unsupported, your pontoon cover will sag and collect water, snow and debris which will shorten the life of your cover, and impede its effectiveness. The support poles will tent the cover allowing water and debris to run down the sides. Because of the size of the cover, multiple supports poles are ideal. For pontoon boats under 16 feet, 2 poles should suffice, 16-22 pontoon boats will typically use 3 poles or a Pole and strap Pontoon support system. If your boat is over 22 long, youll probably want 4 poles or a pole and strap pontoon cover support system. If you are using free standing poles, look for snap in pads built into the pontoon boat cover for easy installation and adjustable support poles. Without the support poles you risk water and debris collecting on your cover creating a pool, weighing your cover down and eventually pulling the cover off of your pontoon while dumping water and leaves inside. Even if the cover doesnt pull off, the water and dirt may damage the cover and lead to its failure.

Tie-Downs for Pontoon Boat Covers
To keep the cover on your pontoon boat, use durable tie-down straps to secure the cover onto your trailer. Youll typically want between 8 and 12 straps. The straps will secure the cover, keeping it snug and in place. When properly secure, you can trailer your pontoon boat knowing that it is protected. If you are using your pontoon boat cover as a mooring cover, use milk jugs of sand connected to the tie down loops in place of the tie down straps. Its a little extra work, but it will help assure that
your cover is still on your boat next time you go to use it.

As you can see, there are important characteristics to consider when purchasing a cover for you pontoon boat. Choosing the right cover will not only protect your boat from un-necessary cleaning and maintenance but it will allow you to use the same boat cover year after year.By: Colton AveryArticle Directory: http://www.articledashboard.comA good Pontoon Boat Cover is the most important pontoon boat accessory that you invest in. Find more information on href="http://www.savvyboater.com/c-107-pontoon-boat-covers.aspx">Pontoon Boat Covers at Savvyboater.com.