Boat Covers & Enclosures
Your Trusted Industry Leader in the Finest Custom Marine Canvas…
Protect yourself and the investment in your boat with our quality canvas covers, enclosures, tops, dodgers and more. Established in 1961. Boatswain’s Locker produces the finest custom and OEM (factory) custom marine canvas products. Boatswain’s Locker has earned its place in the industry as a leader in design concepts that are innovative and user friendly, as well as those that maintain the tradition and integrity of each boat. Boatswain’s Locker either provides or has provided “custom-looking” factory installed boat canvas for companies such as; Sea Ray, Mainship, Regal, Luhrs, Meridian, Hinkley, Boston Whaler, Monterey, Cobalt and Universal Studios. Additionally, we house an extensive line of original equipment patterns for Sea Ray, Meridian, Monterey, Cobalt and more. We help customers and boat lovers all over the country create functional and stylish boat covers and enclosures either through our custom canvas products or factory replacement. Depending on location, if you are in the Jacksonville or surrounding areas, we can design new or replace your existing canvas items. We can come to you to ensure your boat gets the best fit it deserves and you receive the best design and quality product you want.With our commitment to quality and years of experience, we can meet your needs for off the shelf or custom designs and can even come to your boat’s location to complete the job. Whether you are looking for award-winning innovative designs or classic traditional looks, Boatswain’s Locker is your full service, one-stop marine canvas shop for exterior or interior projects for your boat. For more information, we welcome you to have a look around the site, call us at 904-388-0231, fill out our online contact form or chat online with a friendly and knowledgeable Boatswain’s Locker staff member who is dedicated to your canvas needs.
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Understand What You Are Buying
Choosing the best boat covers and enclosures for your needs shouldn’t be taken lightly. There are numerous variables to consider. For example, although a one-size-fits-all universal cover may seem like a great money-saving idea, seldom will it fit tightly enough to protect your investment when towing or storing your vessel. Most of the cheaper boat covers and enclosures are made from nylon or cotton polyester blends that are often extremely lightweight. Unfortunately, they provide far less protection and are not durable enough to last a full season of boating. When it comes to the longevity of your boat cover, a heavier marine canvas will provide the best protection over the long haul. Moreover, many cheaper boat covers are mass-produced overseas and are not correctly hemmed, seamed, or double-stitched. Another easy way to tell whether you are buying a quality marine canvas is to check the attachment hardware. Since it is important to get a tight fit for maximum protection, avoid covers that use elastic to hold the cover in place. A factory-quality boat cover will have connectors located in the right places and will use rope draw cords to securely cinch the cover where needed. As for whether or not you should invest in a custom-fitted cover, boats have many different shapes and a marine canvas made for your boat is certain to do a better job.
How to Select the Right Fabric
If you try to get by with a cheap boat cover, you will likely be disappointed by your decision. In addition to a less perfect fit, cheaper covers seldom offer good water resistance and proper ventilation for long-term protection. Although it may seem contradictory, you want your boat cover to fit tightly but it is important for it to breathe. If your boat cover does not breathe, you can expect to have a mold and mildew problem, especially in warm, humid climates where the interior of the cover can sweat. So, selecting the right fabric for your storage needs is critical in protecting your boats’ wiring and expensive electronic equipment. You should make sure when your boat is put in dry storage that it stays dry regardless of sudden changes to the surrounding environment. With many of today’s universal boat covers and third-party replacement covers being produced in China, there is a long list of textiles being used in manufacturing. Nonetheless, marine canvas, polyesters, and acrylics offer the best protection with good breathability and a long lifespan at a reasonable cost. Acrylic material, like that used by Sunbrella, offers UV protection and is surprisingly fade resistant. The material you select for your boat covers and enclosures should not only be strong, but it should be very resistant to the effects of salt and fresh water. Quality marine canvas protects your boat from UV radiation and is extremely colorfast to keep your investment looking great both on and off the water.
Best Marine Canvas for Your Boat
The right marine canvas boat cover is one that is made for the exact year, model, and manufacturer. When you purchase a cheap boat cover (or universal marine canvas), it might seem like you are saving a lot at the point of purchase, but in the long run, it is a mistake that will likely cost you money and time. A factory replacement cover from Boatswain’s Locker will fit snugly and prevent water and debris from ruining your boat’s interior. Moreover, our boat covers and enclosures are made from only the highest quality of materials that is waterproof, UV resistant, and protects against harmful mold and mildew. If you are planning to store your boat dockside, it needs to have a cover that fits correctly to help protect it from inclement weather and bird droppings. If you are planning on storing your boat inside, it still needs to be covered with the right marine canvas. A good boat cover will protect your investment from dust, debris, insects, mice, and wharf rats. Whether you are buying your first boat cover or replacing an older factory marine canvas, it is important to check out the various options you have. Thanks for visiting Boatswain’s Locker online and please continue to browse as you do your research on buying the best cover for your boat. If you are unsure as to which cover you need for your boat, give us a call, or use this website’s convenient contact form for a prompt response.
