The only thing better than a brand new, beautiful boat is a boat that stays brand new and beautiful for years and years. And the best way to make sure that your boat stays gorgeous is with a quality boat cover. Most of the time you own your boat, it is going to be sitting. Be sure to see our winner of the best boat cover for the money on Amazon.
Our Top Picks |
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The Overall WinnerBudge 1200
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The Economy WinnerStormPro Heavy-Duty
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Honorable MentionMSC Heavy Duty
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Sure, the best of times are when you’re on the boat but, by the clock, your boat will spend more time alone. But this doesn’t mean that it’s completely safe from harm. You’re going to want to make sure that your boat is protected from the elements – sun, wind, rain, hail, birds, tree sap, meteors. (Okay, fine, a tarp won’t save your boat from a meteor.) At the very least, you will want to keep your boat from accumulating dust. Because of this, you are going to want to find the best boat cover for the money that you can.
When looking for a boat cover, you are going to want to keep several characteristics in mind.
First and foremost, you’re going to need the right size. Obviously, a cover that is too small won’t protect your whole boat but a cover that is too big also poses problems. The extra material will let your cover billow in the wind if there is any and won’t look sharp when stretched out over your boat. So, getting the right sized cover is a prerequisite for any purchase. (For the purpose of comparing prices, all of the covers on this list are 20 to 22 feet long.)
Second, we want to make sure that our cover is polyester. Polyester boat covers are the best for a few reasons. First, they’re the right amount of stretchy. They aren’t so stretchy that they come off in the wind but are stretchy enough to make them easy to pop over the top of the edges of your boat when you go to put it on. The stretchiness is also good for keeping the cover from ripping like other materials. Additionally, polyester is durable so you won’t have to worry about your boat cover tearing open while it is out of sight during the winter. Lastly, polyester covers just look nice and clean while it does the actual job of keeping your boat clean.
With our attention on these features, we have assembled a list for the best boat cover for the money at a few different price points.
Best Boat Cover for the Money
Budge 1200 Denier Boat Cover
This V shape boat cover comes at pretty steep price of $305. But you’ll definitely get what you pay for. This 100% waterproof boat cover comes in gray or blue and is made of 1200D polyester, making it sturdy enough to resist plenty of abuse.
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This cover will give you excellent protection from UV light, protecting your boat’s upholstery from fading. This cover, though, has a few extra features that you may not find on other options. It comes with straps and buckles for tying down the cover to keep it from coming off. This cover also has an added feature of a sleeve that goes around the buckles to prevent the hull of your boat from the buckles themselves. Because of this, you won’t have any wear on the underside of your boat after year over year of storage.
 Budge 1200 Highlights
- Fits v-hull fishing boats 20′-22′ (240″-264″) Long, beam width up to 106″
- 100% waterproof and made from 1200 denier polyester
- This heavy duty boat cover will defend against all matter of outdoor elements like sun, rain, snow, dirt, dust, tree sap, falling leaves, bird droppings and more
- Provides excellent UV protection to help prevent your boat’s upholstery from fading
- Comes with straps and buckles to help keep the cover secure to your boat
Grab The Budge 1200 Denier Boat Cover on Amazon
Budge 600 Denier Boat Cover
At $180 for the 20 to 22 foot version, another Budge product makes it onto our list. At about half the price, the strength of this cover offers about half of the strength in the polyester strands. So this is a bit of a “you get what you pay for situation” as far as durability goes.
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Fortunately, though, this cover will protect your boat just as well as its more expensive, older brother. It comes in the same color and even in the same sizes. The protection from the elements, including the necessary UV protection, works just the same with this 600 denier polyester.
Budge 600 Features
- Cover fits v-hull fishing boats 17′-19′ (204″-228″) Long, beam width up to 102″
- 100% waterproof boat cover made from 600 denier polyester
- Protects from all sorts of outdoor elements like sun, rain, snow, and more
The cover also has the same straps sewn into the edges to aid the bungie around the bottom edge that keeps the cover on the boat. The same sleeves are even present to protect your boat from harm that the buckles may cause. However, this model does lack the pocket flap that allows moisture to escape. While the cover may keep water out, it may keep it in just as well.
Buy the Budge 600 on Amazon
So, for those looking to get a Budge product on a budget, the 600 Denier Boat cover may the best boat cover for the money in your eyes.
StormPro Heavy-Duty Boat Cover
From StormPro, this boat cover comes in at $130. This cover is specifically designed to stay in the same shape that it came out of the box in. StormPro says it won’t shrink, won’t stretch, and won’t rip.
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The polyester of this cover is coated with StormPro’s special blend for maximum water repellency, UV protection, and mildew resistance. This cover has the added benefit of including a support pole to place on the topside of your boat to create a teepee-like shape. This will prevent water from pooling onto the top of your boat cover.
StormPro Highlights
- Won’t shrink or stretch, designed for extra durability
- Fabric coating technology for max water repellency, UV protection, mildew resistance and all-weather protection
- Included support pole prevents pooling water and the rear vents allow water vapor to escape
- Elastic cord gives a tight, custom fit and the integrated buckle and strap system makes for easy fitting and trailering
- Fits most boats 20′ – 22′ L x 106″ W with or without windshield and including V-hull runabouts, outboards and I/O, and others
- Support pole, storage bag, tie-down straps, and 5-year hassle-free warranty all included
Grab the StormPro Now at Amazon.com
There are even air vents on the back of the cover to prevent wind pressure and let moisture escape. This cover comes with buckles and straps, making it easy to actually place over your boat. Additionally, this cover specifically mentions that it is trailerable so you can still protect your boat on the move. All told, there should be no doubt that this StormPro cover is the best boat cover for the money at this price point.
MSC Heavy Duty 600D Marine Grade Polyester Canvas
This cover comes to us from MSC and is definitely a great offering. For $105, you’ll be able to protect your boat from the elements with marine grade polyester that has a double PU coating. This cover is great for long-term storage, mooring, and trailering.
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It’s resistant to mildew and UV damage, letting you breathe with ease that your boat is safe while you’re away. This cover comes in four attractive colors and is sure to look sleek atop your boat. Thankfully, this cover has the straps and buckles sewn into its lining that will keep your cover on, even in the wind.
MSC Overview
- Made of marine grade polyester canvas with double PU Coating
- Designed for both long-term storage, mooring and highway travel
- Resistant to mildew and UV damage
- Includes adjustable straps and storage bag; 3 Year limited warranty
Buy the MSC Boat Cover at Amazon.com
Looking at reviews of the MSC boat cover, you’ll notice that almost all boaters that use this cover are completely satisfied. In fact, some reviewers outright state “This is the best boat cover for the money!” So, with reviews in hand, we will quietly agree with MSC’s customers.
Brightent Boat Cover Heavy Duty 600D
The cheapest option on our list at $80, this cover is certainly not to be counted out as poor quality. It is made of the same 600D material that most of the covers on this list are – just for less.
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This polyester cover is marine grade with a PU coating, making it very nearly waterproof. The cover is built to stay on via two different tactics. It has the typical straps that you see on most boat covers but also has an elastic strap around its bottom to keep the cover tight to the boat.
Additionally, this cover features a strap that runs the length of the boat along the hull to keep the cover tight in this direction. Pointing to reviews of the product, we see that customers are generally satisfied with this cover. Some even point out that it is a great value for the price that they bought it for. So, it only makes sense that this Brightent cover belongs on our list.
Buy the Brightent Boat Cover on Amazon
Wrap Up
Clearly, there are a lot of options on the market for the best cover for the money. And truthfully, the size of your wallet may choose a cover for you. But, rest assured, whether you go all out and buy the most expensive cover possible or see if you can get away with a cheaper option, you are sure to find great protection out of a product on this list.
Polyester is an outstanding material for covering your boat because of its durability, stretchiness, and relative affordability. Of course, 1200D is probably going to give you a bit more durability than 600D. Otherwise, though, personal preference (and properly fitting your boat) will be the keys to finding the best boat cover for you. From $300 options to $80 options, this list covers a wide spread and lets you choose what you think is best for you in your boat covering needs.
See you out there!