When it comes to boating, there are a few items that you just cannot do without. And one of these items is a Tarp. Tarps come in handy for so many things when you are boating; from covering your boat when it is not in use, to creating a makeshift shelter on shore, to protecting your supplies. So, what are the best tarps for boating? In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the more popular types and discuss their benefits and advantages.
Boating is a popular lifestyle in the United States. The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that there are approximately just over 25 million boats owned in this country of which a little more than 11.8 million are required to be registered vessels. Nearly 93% of these registered crafts are mechanically propelled. The states with the highest number of boats registered are Florida (959,000), Minnesota (819,000), and Michigan (785,000).
A recent study estimates that boats are operated on the open water for a total of close to 10.2 billion person hours annually (just over 84% represent motorized). The average number of days a boat is used each season is 19 days (29 days for motorized crafts and 12 days for human powered). An average boat trip is 3.8 hours with an overall average of 2.3 people aboard. Boating is a safest and more fun in numbers.
One of the more popular tarps for boating is the Polyethylene Tarp. Poly Tarps are made from a waterproof, strong, and durable synthetic material that is resistant to tears and weather damage. They are also relatively lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for boat owners who need a tarp that they can easily take with them on their travels.
Another popular option for boat tarps is a Vinyl Tarp. These types of covers are made from a heavy-duty material that is waterproof and UV resistant. This makes them ideal for protecting your boat from the elements, as well as providing a shelter in case of bad weather.
Waterproof Canvas Tarp are also a frequent choice for boat owners. The waterproof version of this style of tarp is made from a hybrid canvas and polyester fabric that is breathable and very weather resistant. They are also extremely strong and durable, making them ideal for covering your boat, using as a shelter, or protecting other boating accessories.
So, what is the best tarp for boating? The answer really depends on your needs and preferences. If you need a lightweight tarp that is easy to transport, then a Poly Tarp might be the best option for you. If you need a heavy-duty tarp that will protect your boat from the elements, then a Vinyl Tarp might be the better choice. And if you need a strong, durable tarp that can be used as a shelter, then a Waterproof Canvas Tarp might be the best option. Ultimately, the best Tarp for boating is the one that meets your specific needs and requirements.
More Information on Material Options for Boat Tarps
Poly Tarps – Poly Tarps are the most popular type of tarp used. These covers account for 56 percent of all tarp sales. They are made with polyethylene compounds (PE) that form a lightweight, waterproof, and fairly durable product. Boaters find this the most economical product along with being extremely easy to handle while providing the necessary protection against rain, wind, sun, dirt, and bird droppings as well as resisting mildew, UV rays, tears, and abrasion. The variety of Poly Tarps provides a wide range of features for what is needed for your boat application such as size, color (including clear), thickness, and options on some products such as reinforced and fire retardant. Poly Tarps are equipped with grommets (eyelets) spaced equally around the perimeter for easy and secure tying down of the covers.
Vinyl Tarps – Another very common and very solid and versatile cover for boating is the Vinyl Tarp. This type of Tarp is available in products for light, medium, heavy, and super heavy duty applications. Vinyl Tarps are 100 percent waterproof delivering tremendous protection while holding up consistently against tears, abrasion, UV ray, liquids, grease, oil, acid, and mildew. Vinyl Tarps are offered in a selection of specialty products including Clear Vinyl, fire retardant, coated, Neoprene, and Hypalon. They are available in a spectrum of convenient sizes, thicknesses, material weights, and colors along with custom sizing options.
Waterproof Canvas Tarps – Waterproof Canvas Tarps are an excellent choice for many boating applications. These covers are crafted from a silicone coated polyester thread that provides a waterproof product that is also extremely breathable, a benefit when airflow and anti-condensation is a requirement while also protecting against UV ray, mildew, rips, and tears. This type of canvas is typically two to three times stronger than traditional canvas fabric. Waterproof Canvas Tarps come in a number of popular colors, common sizes, and fitted with sturdy grommets for easy and secure tie down. Custom options are also offered.
Marine Grade Canvas Tarps – These Marine Grade Canvas Tarps are made with waterproof acrylic material that is ideal for the boat, canopy, pergola, gazebo, and other shelters. These tarps are made with made with a spectrum of vibrant colored fabric that hold up to the elements, especially the harsh UV rays emitted from the sun. The Marine Canvas Tarps are available in number of common sizes as well special custom size manufacturing.
Custom Tarps – Although there is a huge selection of the Tarps with standard sizing that is common to boating, you may have special and unique dimension that you need covers for. Regarding most of the material mentioned, Custom Tarps can be made to order. Sizing is important. Through the convenient Custom Size Tarp Builder app or through a print or drawing, your special Boat Tarp can be created to your exact specifications.
Camouflage Tarps – For the outdoor boating activities such as hunting, fishing, or photographing where camouflage is a necessity for the mission or you just like the aesthetics, Camouflage Tarps are available in a few Polyethylene and Vinyl sizes, material weights, and color pattern options. These provide all the benefits of the plain poly and vinyl materials just with the added camouflage color schemes.
Fabric by the Yard or Roll – For the do-it-yourself types most of the materials mentioned in the section (Poly, Vinyl, Clear Vinyl, Waterproof Canvas) are available by the Yard and Roll to be quickly shipped to your destination. For just enough material or for stock, you have the ability to purchase the amount of material that you need for the boating projects you are or will be working on.
The Benefits of Boat Tarps
Protection – It is no secret that one of the main reasons for Boat Tarps is to protect your boat and or surrounding equipment, furniture, and supplies. These lightweight yet durable covers deliver a vital shield protecting from the damage of the sun, elements, dirt, water, wildlife, and other people. They also help keep everything clean. You work hard to clean and maintain your watercraft, keeping it clean longer adds to the overall protection. Your boats and other possessions are valuable, Tarps provide the needed protection you deserve.
Easy to handle – Putting on and taking off Boat Tarps takes some effort. The one good thing is that these covers are all fairly easy to handle, a lot of times only requiring one person for the job. Poly Tarps are typically the lightest and easiest to work with.
Easy to clean – Boat Tarps are also very easy to clean. Their lightweight nature, durable construction, and manageable surface allow them to easily be cleaned and maintained. Often a little water is all that is necessary to clean up the cover. If a little more cleaning is needed, mild dish soap or Tarp Cleaner along with lightly brushing will do the trick in getting rid of the dirt, grime, vegetation, and bird droppings that may have accumulated. Boat Tarps will dry rather quickly in the sun and or wind.
Easy to store – Whether it is time to launch for the day’s outing or it is the beginning of the boating season, putting your Tarps away for a few hours or for an extended period of time is simple to do. By folding them or rolling them up, Tarps neatly are easy to store always ready for their next use.
Easy to Repair – All of these Boat Tarps are extremely durable and are made to do the job. Occasionally accidents happen or there is some wear and tear. In most cases the materials that these covers are constructed from are easily repaired. One extremely handy and effective tool for repairs is Tarp Repair Tape. These products will amazingly mend holes and tears towards a permanent fix. Another valuable repair product for some situations is Tarp Glue/Cement. This stuff is fast acting and holds firmly.
Easy to Order – Once you have done your research and know what kind or Boat Tarps that you need for your application, ordering your covers is easy online with Tarps Now at TarpsNow.com or by contacting the dedicated tarp crew in-person by calling (888) 800-1383 or emailing sales@tarpsnow.com. The experienced, friendly, and helpful team members on staff are ready to help you launch.
Tying Down and Securing Boat Tarps
After selecting the best type of material and Tarps for your boating applications, the next most important thing is putting them to use. Tying down and securing the tarps is what makes the protection work properly. By utilizing the grommets built into the tarps in partnership with something to help tie it down or attach to a structure is critical. You want the tarps to be tight but not too tight causing damage or not loose where it can flap in the wind and things get underneath.
Grommets – Grommets are ring shaped metal (usually brass, aluminum nickel, or stainless steel) eyelets that are firmly inserted in corners and in the hems equally spaced around the entire perimeter. It is these grommets that help tie the Boat Tarps down by inserting the implement for securing such as straps, bungee cords, zip ties, cord, rope, and wire. It is suggested to utilize every grommet for tying down or as many as possible in an equal tension around the Boat Tarp. Although they are incredibly strong, grommets can be abused and damaged by putting too much stress on one or a few by unequal tightening. Grommets can be replaced.
Bungee Balls – As a quick and easy way to tie your Boat Tarps down, Tarp Bungee Balls also known as Tarp Ball Ties are a commonly used securing tool. They consist of an elastic cord that is attached to a durable plastic ball. It works by simply sliding the elastic cord through the grommet of the Boat Tarp and then wrapping the cord around the item or surface and then slip the plastic ball through the eye of the cord. There is an amount of stretch to work the situation. These Bungee Balls are available in 6-inch (stretching to 8.5-inch), 9-inch (12.5-inch), and 11-inch (15.5-inch) sizes.
Rubber Tarp Straps – These Rubber Tarp Straps are strong yet thin black rubber with S-hooks attached to both ends used to secure and affix these covers. They are stretchable to make sure that they are secured as best as possible. The durable rubber straps and S-hooks are made for the long-term and for holding up to the weather, sun, and water.
Zip Ties – For the quick and easy connection of Boat Tarps, Zip Ties also known as Cable Ties can be used. These heavy duty black nylon ties are UV ray resistant and heat stabilized. They are provided in 8-inch, 11-inch, and 14-inch lengths.
Cord – A lot of cord and rope is used in boating including securing the boats to the dock. Cords can also be used to tie down the Tarps.
Additional Uses for Tarps in the Boating World
Boat Shade – Tarps can be put up on boats or on the dock as a panel to help block the heat and blinding rays of the sun. Securing the cover evenly and securely from the corners your immediate environment will reap the benefits of the shade.
Wind Block – For the same concept as the previous section, Tarps can be installed in areas on the boat or on the dock or land to help block the wind that may be an annoyance or an issue. Especially with the wind, it is important to make sure the Tarp is nice and secure.
Groundcover – Tarps can be utilized as groundcover for boaters in a number of situations to help keep areas clean, orderly, and organized. Applications include at the beach, cookouts, picnics, parties, and as a surface for cleaning and repairs.
Top Covers – It is no different than covering your boats, Tarps can be used to cover your other items in your boating world such as furniture, grills, dock boxes, bikes, rowboats, dinghies, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and other supplies. It is nice to keep everything in the best condition possible.
Shelter – Tarps are ideal for putting up temporary and fast shelters that include tents and shower enclosures.
Boat Sail – In a pinch, if the situation arises where a sail is lost or damaged, a Boat Tarp can skillfully be used as a sail.
A Boat – When a primitive frame is created, a Tarp can be used as the body of the boat. A waterproof Tarp that is tightly installed can be administered in an emergency situation or for fun.
Emergency Blanket/Wrap – In the event of an emergency situation, Boat Tarps can help the injured or sick keep safe and warm if proper blankets are not available.
Provide Cover for Damaged Sections – Just like a Roofing Tarp that provides cover and protection, a Boat Tarp on hand can help provide protection for a section of the boat that may become damaged in one way or another. Seldom is anything fixed immediately, especially if insurance is involved. It is often the damage that occurs after the initial accident that causes the most damage. The quicker any damage is covered and secured the better.
Whether you have a fleet or a single craft, Tarps Now is your Boat Tarps Source!
Boating is a lot of fun and provides a lifetime of thrills and memories. Boating is also a considerable investment from the watercraft itself to all the supporting equipment, supplies, and furniture. An additional small investment to protect your Boats should be in Boat Tarps. There are a number of quality covers on the market in materials such as Polyethylene, Vinyl, and Waterproof Canvas to protect and extend the life of your watercraft. Located right next to one of the Great Lakes (Lake Michigan), Tarps Now is the only source you will need to find the best Tarp solution for your boat and for the entire boating environment. Please do not hesitate to contact us when you are ready to order or with any questions. The highly experienced, friendly, and helpful tarp crew located at our Michigan headquarters can be reached at (888) 800-1383 or sales@tarpsnow.com. We look forward to hearing from you. Happy and Safe Boating this season!
