Trailering your boat exposes it to a unique set of hazards, from road debris and high winds to relentless sun and sudden rain showers. A quality trailerable boat cover is an essential piece of gear, acting as a mobile shield to protect your investment during transit and while stored on the trailer. The right cover will secure snugly, resist abrasion, and withstand the elements, ensuring your boat arrives at the ramp or rests at home in the same condition it left.
With many options on the market, selecting the best cover involves considering fit, material durability, and securing features. A cover that flaps excessively can cause damage, while one that traps moisture may lead to mildew. This roundup highlights eight of the best trailerable boat covers, each offering robust protection, secure fitment, and thoughtful designs for different boat types and towing needs.
Our Top Picks for Trailerable Boat Covers
- iCOVER Trailerable Boat Cover- 20′-23′ Heavy Duty Waterproof Tarp
- MSC Heavy Duty Oxford Polyester Trailerable Boat Cover
- Ogrmar Heavy Duty Trailerable Waterproof Boat Cover with 2 Air Vents
- North East Harbor Thick Heavy Duty Fabric Boat Cover, 22′-24′
- iCOVER Outboard Motor Covers, Trailerable Full Boat Engine Cover
- Classic Accessories StormPro Heavy-Duty Trailerable Boat Cover
- iCOVER Trailerable Boat Cover with Ratchet Tie-Down System
- Leader Accessories Trailerable Boat Cover with Zippered Motorwell
iCOVER Trailerable Boat Cover- 20′-23′ Heavy Duty Waterproof Tarp
This iCOVER model is a versatile universal cover designed to fit a wide array of popular boat styles, including V-hull fishing boats, tri-hull runabouts, bass boats, and fish and ski models. It accommodates boats from 20 to 23 feet in length with a beam width up to 100 inches, making it a suitable option for many boat owners. Its universal design prioritizes broad compatibility without sacrificing a secure fit.
Constructed from a durable canvas fabric with a PVC coating, this cover provides reliable waterproofing and UV resistance. It is engineered to resist tearing, fading, and cold cracking for year-round use. A heavy-duty elastic cord sewn into the hemline helps create a snug fit, while the integrated buckle and adjustable strap system simplifies installation and removal, ensuring your boat stays protected during transit and storage.
MSC Heavy Duty Oxford Polyester Trailerable Boat Cover
The MSC cover is meticulously designed for a precise fit across numerous boat types, including v-hull, tri-hull, runabout, bass, and ski boats. Available in a wide range of sizes from 12 to 26 feet in length and up to 108 inches in width, it aims to closely adhere to your boat’s contours. This close fit is crucial for trailering, as it minimizes cover displacement and wear caused by wind flapping.
Made from high-quality Oxford polyester, this fabric offers excellent water resistance, UV protection, and windproof qualities. The dense weave helps prevent water penetration, while the UV-resistant properties guard against sun fading and material aging. Thoughtful design details include reinforcements at high-stress areas and a user-friendly one-piece buckle and strap system that allows for quick installation and removal, even by a single person.
Ogrmar Heavy Duty Trailerable Waterproof Boat Cover with 2 Air Vents
Ogrmar’s cover is built from marine-grade polyester canvas with a 600D PVC coating, promising heavy-duty waterproof and UV-resistant protection. It is sized to fit boats approximately 17 to 19 feet long with a beam width up to 96 inches. The inclusion of two air vents is a key feature, designed to reduce moisture buildup and wind lofting by allowing air to circulate underneath the cover.
This cover is constructed to resist tearing, fading, and cold cracking for all-season use. An adjustable strap tightening system makes installation and securing the cover straightforward. The elastic cord sewn into the hemline works in tandem with the straps to provide a secure and snug fit, offering full protection whether your boat is in long-term storage, moored, or being trailered.
North East Harbor Thick Heavy Duty Fabric Boat Cover, 22′-24′
The North East Harbor cover is engineered for ultimate durability, using a thickened 8.5 oz, triple-layered 600D Oxford polyester fabric. This construction is tearproof and rip-resistant, with a high tensile strength rating. For added resilience in critical areas, it features seven-layer reinforced panels under the bow and stern where abrasion is most common during trailering.
This cover offers a semi-custom snug fit that performs well in windy conditions and at highway speeds. Integrated quick-release buckles and adjustable nylon straps ensure it stays securely in place. It is coated for waterproofing and UPF 50+ sun protection, with double-stitched seams and vented panels to manage moisture, providing comprehensive all-weather protection for your boat.
iCOVER Outboard Motor Covers, Trailerable Full Boat Engine Cover
This product focuses on protecting a critical and expensive component: your outboard motor. The iCOVER Outboard Motor Cover is a trailerable, full-coverage design that completely encloses the engine. It comes in eight size options to fit a broad horsepower range, from small 6-15 HP motors up to large 250-300 HP engines, accommodating major brands like Mercury, Yamaha, and Honda.
Unlike partial covers, this design provides 360-degree protection from road debris, dust, water, and UV rays during transit and storage. Crafted from heavy-duty Oxford polyester with a waterproof PVC coating, it shields the motor from snow, hail, rain, and wind. By safeguarding the engine’s exterior and internal components from the elements, this cover can help extend its operational lifespan.
Classic Accessories StormPro Heavy-Duty Trailerable Boat Cover
From a trusted name in marine protection, the Classic Accessories StormPro series is built for demanding trailering conditions. These covers are known for their rugged construction and are designed to stay securely in place at highway speeds. They typically feature a reinforced fabric in high-wear areas and a robust strapping system to handle the constant stress of road travel.
Expect features like integrated vents to reduce wind lift, waterproof and UV-resistant coatings, and reinforced hems. The fit is often tailored to provide good coverage for specific boat styles, minimizing loose material that can flap and cause wear. For boat owners who frequently travel long distances, the StormPro’s reputation for durability makes it a strong contender for reliable en-route protection.
iCOVER Trailerable Boat Cover with Ratchet Tie-Down System
This iCOVER variant distinguishes itself with an integrated ratchet tie-down system. Ratchet straps provide a significant mechanical advantage, allowing you to cinch the cover down with exceptional tightness and security. This is particularly valuable for ensuring the cover does not shift or loosen during extended trips or in exceptionally windy conditions.
Beyond the ratchet system, it incorporates the brand’s durable, waterproof, and UV-resistant materials. The combination of a snug elastic hem and the ultra-secure ratchet straps offers peace of mind that your boat is firmly protected. This design is ideal for boat owners who prioritize maximum security and a taut fit above all else for their trailering adventures.
Leader Accessories Trailerable Boat Cover with Zippered Motorwell
The Leader Accessories cover features a practical zippered motorwell access panel. This design allows you to fully cover your boat while still providing easy access to the stern and outboard motor area without removing the entire cover. This is convenient for performing checks, maintenance, or securing lines without compromising the cover’s overall protection.
Constructed for trailering, it includes reinforced stress points, adjustable straps, and weather-resistant fabrics. The zippered panel is typically built with durable, waterproof zippers and storm flaps to prevent water ingress. This thoughtful feature combines the full coverage of a travel cover with the accessibility often needed for preparation at the launch ramp or for maintenance in storage.
How to Choose the Best Boat Storage Cover for Trailering
Picking the right cover for your boat when it’s on the road is a different game than choosing one for long-term storage. I’ve learned that the wrong cover can be a real headache, flapping itself to shreds or letting road grime sneak in. The goal is to protect your investment from the unique challenges of trailering: constant high-speed wind, abrasive dust and debris, and sudden rain showers. Let me walk you through what I always look for.
First, material is everything. For trailering, you need a fabric that’s tough, lightweight, and breathable. I steer clear of heavy vinyl or tarps for this job—they trap moisture and can scratch your gel coat. The sweet spot is a woven polyester fabric with a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating or a laminated layer. Look for terms like “marine-grade polyester” or “poly-cotton canvas.” The best ones have a high denier count (like 600D or higher), which indicates thread thickness and overall durability against highway speeds.
Fit is the next big deal. A universal cover might save money, but a semi-custom or custom-fit cover is worth its weight in gold for trailering. It should be snug to minimize wind flap, which is the number one cause of wear and tear on the road. Features like elastic hems, adjustable straps, and reinforced tie-down points are non-negotiable for me. They let you secure the cover tightly to the trailer frame, preventing it from becoming a parachute.
Finally, examine the construction details. Double-stitched or, even better, heat-welded seams are crucial for preventing leaks. Look for reinforced areas at stress points like the bow, corners, and where the tie-downs attach. A good trailering cover should also have soft, non-abrasive backing or flannel lining in key contact areas to protect your boat’s finish. Ventilation is still important to prevent condensation, so a couple of built-in vents are a great addition. Remember, the best boat storage covers for trailering are built to be aerodynamic, secure, and tough enough to handle the highway, not just sit in your driveway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my regular storage cover for trailering?
I don’t recommend it. A standard storage cover is designed for a stationary boat and often lacks the reinforced tie-down points, ultra-snug fit, and heavy-duty fabric needed to withstand constant 60+ mph winds. Using it for trailering will likely lead to premature wear, tearing, and potentially failing while you’re driving.
How tight should the cover be when trailering?
It needs to be drum-tight. You want to eliminate as much loose material as possible to prevent wind from getting underneath and causing violent flapping. Use all the provided straps, buckles, and tie-down cords to secure it directly to the trailer’s frame. A good test is to give it a firm push; there should be very little give or movement.
Are waterproof covers breathable?
This is a common point of confusion. Modern, quality covers use breathable, water-resistant fabrics. They shed rain and prevent water from pooling, but they also allow trapped moisture from inside the boat (condensation) to escape. A truly “waterproof” plastic tarp is not breathable and will trap condensation, leading to mildew. For the 8 best boat storage covers for trailering, breathability is a key feature.
How do I prevent scratches from the cover?
The cover itself should have a soft inner lining in high-contact areas. Before putting the cover on, I always make sure the boat’s surface is clean and free of grit. For extra protection on long trips, you can use a soft moving blanket or a dedicated cover liner over sensitive areas like the windshield or console before putting the main cover on.
What’s the most important feature for a trailering cover?
If I had to pick one, it’s a secure, aerodynamic fit. All the durability in the world won’t matter if the cover billows up like a sail and rips off on the interstate. A semi-custom or custom fit, combined with a robust strapping system, is the absolute foundation of good trailering protection.