How to Make a Pontoon Boat Cover

There are two kinds of boat covers. A mooring cover is used in season when the boat is temporarily docked. It is easily slipped on and off of the boat and is made from a sturdy, water-resistant yet breathable fabric. This protects your pontoon from UV rays while keeping mold and mildew to a minimum. A cover is used when transporting or storing your pontoon out of season. It requires a tighter fit and reinforcements on the edges and corners. Sturdy waterproof fabrics are also recommended, but in this case it will be necessary to include air vents into the cover to prevent condensation which leads to mold and mildew.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Marine grade fabric
• Industrial strength sewing machine
• Duct tape
• Magic marker
• Scissors
• Grommets
• Strong elastic cord
• Weighted bags

Instructions

1. 

   Mooring covers are used when boats are temporarily not in use.

   Measure the length of your pontoon from bow to stern over all of the structures. Add 12 inches for ease. Measure the width of your fabric and subtract 2 inches. Divide the first calculation by the second one. This is the number of fabric panels you will need to sew together. The 2 inches are for a 1-inch seam allowance on either side of the panel.

2. 

   Naptime in Venice, Italy.

   Measure the width of your boat over the structures at each seam point. Add 6 to 12 inches for ease and hemming. Cut the panels as you go. The amount of ease you decide upon depends on which type of cover you are constructing.

3. 

   For storage over the winter months a sturdier, more fitted trailer cover is used.

   Sew the panels together in the correct order, right sides together, making sure that each panel is perfectly centered over the one next to it. On the back side of the cover, fold over the seam allowance to one side and top stitch it into place with matching thread. This reinforces the seam and prevents water from seeping in.

4. Center the cover over the pontoon inside out. Allow it to hang naturally. Cut vertical slits into the hem where it appears to hang awkwardly. Tape the cover to the hull every 18 inches or so. Mold the cover to the boat by pinching excess fabric outward and stapling in temporary darts and seams. Use marker to trace the points that rest against the boat structures. These points should be reinforced with extra fabric, especially if you are designing a trailer cover.

5. Trim excess fabric 1 inch beyond the staple lines. Remove the cover and sew in the new seams. Fold over seam allowances and top-stitch them to one side in matching thread. Reinforce the edges and rest points. Turn the cover right side out. Hem the bottom.

6. Add grommets and weighted bags if you are making a mooring cover. For a trailer cover, you can also use grommets but with a strong elastic cord laced through and tied tightly against the boat.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the same procedure to design a protective roof for your pontoon´s cockpit. In this case you would cover only the metal support structure and embellish as desired.

• Remove staples as you go to avoid breaking the sewing machine needle.

References

• "The Big Book of Boat of Canvas;" Karen Lipe; 1988
• Sailrite: Boat Cover Instructions
• Sailrite: Sail Cover Instructions
• Marine Fabricators Association: Care and Cleaning of Marine Canvas
• Discover Boating: Covers and Tarps
• Discover Boating: Tie Downs, Strapping

Resources

• Pontoon Boat Cover: Finding the Best Selection for Pontoon Boat Cover
• Glen Raven Fabrics: Marine
• Sunbrella Fabrics: On the Water
• Pontoon Stuff: Pontoon Boats 101
• Discover Boating: Storing Your Boat
• RV Covers: Hurricane Pontoon Boat Cover