How to Choose the Best Fabric for Your DIY Boat Cover

Choosing the Right Marine Cover Fabric

There isn’t a single "best" fabric — only the best option for your specific needs. Your choice should depend on factors like climate, boat usage and durability requirements. Below, we break down the most important features to consider when selecting fabric for your boat cover.

Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant Fabrics

Many boaters assume waterproof and water-resistant fabrics are the same, but there’s a crucial difference:

Waterproof fabrics always repel water, regardless of age. They are typically vinyl, vinyl-coated or laminated materials. However, waterproof fabrics are not breathable, meaning moisture can become trapped underneath, leading to mold and mildew. To prevent this, install boat cover vents. Top waterproof options: Stamoid™ and Weblon Regatta®.

Water-resistant fabrics rely on a protective coating that can wear off over time, requiring reapplication. Water pooling on these fabrics can lead to leaks. However, they are more breathable than waterproof options. To maintain water resistance, re-treat the fabric with products like 303® Fabric Guard or Aqua-Tite® every few years. Best breathable, water-resistant options: Sunbrella® Marine Grade, Sattler® Marine Grade, Top Notch® 9 and SureRite™.

Hybrid options like Top Gun®, Top Gun® 1S and Odyssey® offer near-waterproof protection while still allowing some breathability. These fabrics require ventilation for best results.

Chafe Resistance vs. UV Resistance

Your location plays a big role in determining whether UV resistance or chafe resistance should be your priority.

If you boat in coastal areas or offshore, UV resistance is crucial due to year-round sun exposure. Top UV-resistant fabrics: Sunbrella Marine Grade and Sattler Marine Grade. For added durability, reinforce high-wear areas with Shelter-Rite® vinyl patches.

If you boat inland or in four-season climates, chafe resistance may be more important. Inland boats are often stored in winter, reducing UV damage, but frequent covering and uncovering can cause wear. Best chafe-resistant fabrics: Top Notch 9, Top Gun, Top Gun 1S, SureRite and Odyssey.

Fabric Strength Over Time: Polyester vs. Acrylic

When deciding between polyester and acrylic, consider long-term durability:

• Polyester is initially stronger, more abrasion resistant and more dimensionally stable. However, it loses strength over time — within five years (or up to eight years for Top Notch fabrics).
• Acrylic retains its strength and integrity for up to 10 years, even in high-UV environments. However, it requires chafe-resistant patches in high-wear areas.

Recommended Fabrics:

• For acrylic covers: Sunbrella Marine Grade and Sattler Marine Grade.
• For polyester covers: Top Notch 9, Top Gun, Top Gun 1S, SureRite and Odyssey.

Other Factors to Consider

Fabric Weight

• If you frequently remove and install the cover, opt for a lighter-weight fabric.
• For long-term storage covers, choose a heavier fabric for increased durability. Fabric weights are listed on product pages for easy comparison.

Colorfastness

To prevent fading, choose a solution-dyed fabric, where color permeates each fiber. These fabrics maintain vibrant colors longer under UV exposure. Top solution-dyed fabrics: Sunbrella Marine Grade, Sattler Marine Grade, Top Notch 9 and SureRite.

Thread Choice

Even the best fabric won’t last if the stitching deteriorates. If UV resistance is a priority, use lifetime thread, as standard polyester thread weakens in sunlight. Learn more in our "Selecting the Right Lifetime Thread" guide.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right marine cover fabric takes careful planning, but the effort ensures a long-lasting, protective cover for your boat. Once you’ve chosen the ideal fabric, browse our Marine Fabrics category to find the best match.

Ready to start your DIY boat cover project? Check out our marine DIY blog section for expert tutorials and video guides!