Pontoon boats are a prized possession and they must be well protected when not in use. Compared to conventional tie-down pontoon boat covers, snap-on covers provide a very secure fit thanks to the snaps that tightly hold the cover in place. This secure fit ensures the pontoon boat remains protected in windy and rough weather conditions.
Covering the pontoon boat protects it from rain, wind, sun, dirt, debris, and even snow. Keeping a pontoon boat covered will not only extend the lifespan of the upholstery but also keep the flooring in the best condition. A custom, heavy-duty snap-on pontoon boat cover is inexpensive, durable and will protect the pontoon for years to come.
Snap-on pontoon boat covers are made by seasoned craftsmen using high-quality marine fabric. They come in different sizes with fabric qualities geared to protect the pontoon boat. Some covers utilize a shock cord, tied like a bungee throughout its entire helm, so people can install and remove it with ease.
In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of snap-on pontoon boat covers, and we’ll also provide an overview of the best manufacturers.
Advantages of Snap-on Pontoon Boat Covers
Easy To Use
Compared to conventional tie-down covers, snap-on pontoon boat covers are much easier to use. These covers fit into the installed snaps generally in the boat’s gunwale area. The snaps are either pre-installed by the boat manufacturer, or installed by a boat dealer who sells boat covers. The number of snaps and the distance between snaps will vary depending on manufacturer.
Not Prone To Flapping
Snap-on pontoon boat covers are not prone to flapping or dislodging in strong winds. This is a huge advantage as repeated flapping can cause the cover to be abrasive and scratch the boat’s surfaces and paint. Unlike snap-on covers, conventional tie-down covers are secured with bungee cords that wrap around the bottom of the boat. As a result, some parts of the cover are not entirely secure allowing them to flap about in the wind. Additionally, the bungee cords are more prone to failure potentially leaving the boat exposed.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Snap-on covers look more aesthetically pleasing because they don’t have any exposed bungee cords or straps. Also, the snaps can installed under the edge of the pontoon deck making them more hidden.
Long Lasting
Another advantage to using snap-on pontoon boat covers is that the snaps last a really long time. If they snaps were to fail, they can easily be replaced. You can replace them yourself (with proper tools) or take them to a seamstress or tailor.
Disadvantages of Snap-on Pontoon Boat Covers
Below are a couple of disadvantages associated with snap-on pontoon boat covers.
- If a snap receives an unusual amount of stress, then the fabric will rip at the snap resulting in a difficult repair.
- If your boat doesn’t have the “female” end of the snap installed, then these snaps will have to be installed by a dealer (added expense) in the proper location.
- Should a snap break free in strong winds or while trailering your boat, then the snap can cause pretty serious paint damage. You must stop and fix the problem right away. To prevent this issue, many people recommend removing pontoon boat covers when trailering your boat.
Manufacturers of Snap-on Pontoon Boat Covers
Canvas Craft
Canvas Craft is known for manufacturing world class and perfect fitting boat covers for 40+ years. All their products are Made in the USA, specifically in Minnesota. They customize and design pontoon boat covers with snaps as per the boat’s specifications. While designing the cover they consider all the bulges and curves, motors and ladders to ensure a perfect fit. Their covers are backed by a two-year warranty.
Permatop
With over four decades of experience, Permatop is another manufacturer of snap-on pontoon boat covers. The covers include adjustable tentpoles and can be fitted to match the existing snaps. The covers may also be customized to shield the bow area of boat by extending the snap line. The materials available for the covers include Aquatime, Sunbrella and Top Gun. The best part about Permatop (other than their high quality and custom covers) is that they also remake old covers. All you have to do is ship them your old cover. This means that you don’t have to live near Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota to get a custom snap-on pontoon boat cover from Permatop!
Conclusion
In conclusion, snap-on pontoon boat covers offer a superior solution for protecting your boat, thanks to their secure fit, ease of use, and enhanced durability. Unlike traditional covers that may shift or allow water pooling, snap-on covers ensure your boat stays well-protected from the elements, debris, and potential damage. Their custom fit and quick installation make them an ideal choice for boat owners looking for both convenience and long-lasting protection. By choosing a snap-on cover, you’re investing in the safety and longevity of your pontoon, allowing you to enjoy worry-free boating for years to come.
