We Love the Sun, But Your Boat Doesn’t: The Ultimate Guide to UV Protection
If you own a boat, you know that protecting your investment from bad weather and harsh UV rays is the only way to prevent premature ageing. Beyond the aesthetic damage caused by bird droppings and tree sap, sun exposure is a silent devaluer that breaks down material integrity over time.
This guide provides the technical lowdown on choosing a cover that will actually last and implementing a professional "suncream" routine using August Race technology.
The Chemical Shield: August Race UV Protection
Think of August Race as high-performance suncream for your boat's most sensitive surfaces. Before you pull a cover over your hull, applying a chemical barrier ensures that even indirect heat and UV reflection don’t damage your materials.
August Race LR Sealer UV
A professional-grade treatment for gelcoats that provides a protective barrier against UV rays, actively preventing the fading and "chalking" that ruins a boat’s finish.
August Race Vinyl Bright
Marine upholstery is notoriously susceptible to UV stress; this formula keeps vinyl supple, preventing the drying and cracking that occurs after prolonged exposure.
August Race Liquid Rib
A mission-critical product for SIB and RIB owners that cleans and conditions PVC or Hypalon tubes while leaving a deep-seated UV protective layer.
The Science of the Shield: What to Look For
On the marketplace, you can buy a huge amount of different boat covers—different styles, fabrics, and weights. Here is how you pick a professional cover from a cheap alternative.
Fabric Weight & Mass
The weight of the cover is your first indicator of durability, often measured in ounces per square yard. While weight doesn’t instantly tell you the quality, a 6oz fabric is significantly better for outdoor protection than a thin 1oz budget cloth.
The Denier Breakdown
"Denier" is a unit of mass used to measure the weight of the thread used in the material. At Boatworld, we utilise 600 Denier across our Premium ranges to ensure a superior strength-to-weight ratio.
Material Composition
- Acrylic (The Gold Standard): Teflon Coated Acrylic is the best material available, but it comes at a very high price point.
- Urethane Coated Polyester (The Smart Choice): Our Boatworld Premium covers utilise this mid-to-high-end material, which is breathable, water-repellent, and mildew-resistant.
- Pigment Coated Polyester (The Budget Choice): These are fine for boats kept inside, but they will not last long if left outdoors in the direct sun.
The Boatworld Technical Series: Sports Boat Covers
Our universal sports boat covers range from 14 to 22ft in length and come in three levels of build quality depending on your required use.
Budget: The Indoor Guardian
- Material: 4oz nylon with a PU-backed cloth.
- Technical Details: Water repellent with an elasticated stretch hem to ensure a snug fit to the hull.
- Best Use: Designed specifically for dry indoor storage.
- Included: Comes with a 50-foot tie-down rope and 12 webbing tie-down loop points.
Premium: The All-Rounder
- Material: Heavy-duty 6oz 600 denier PU-backed polyester.
- Technical Details: UV-resistant, breathable, and water-repellent.
- Best Use: Perfect for both indoor and outdoor storage.
- Hardware: Features 12 sewn-in webbing tie-down loops and an elasticated stretch hem.
Super Premium: The Ultimate Marine Shield
- Material: 7.5oz 600 denier solution-dyed PU-backed polyester cloth.
- Advanced Ventilation: Includes 2 x air vents to prevent internal moisture build-up and mildew.
- Finish Protection: Features a Felt-Lined Inner specifically where the cover sits on the windscreen to prevent scratching.
- The Full Kit: Includes a Tie-Down Kit, a Pole Stand Kit, and a draw rope with a ratchet.
RIB & SIB Specialist Covers
Engineered for boats from 7.5 to 13.5ft, these covers are tailored for the specific geometry of inflatable tubes.
- Heavy Duty Specs: Made from 7.25oz 600 Denier PU backed polyester with double-stitched sewn seams.
- Engine Accommodation: Features a specific rear cut-out to accommodate your outboard engine.
- Universal Hull Fit: Includes 3 elasticated bow cut-outs to fit various SIB and RIB bow shapes.
- Security: Equipped with a 1/4 inch elastic cord around the hem for a tight fit and 4 heavy-duty tie-down straps.
- Included Accessories: Comes with a free anti-moisture storage bag and a spare strap for tying the cover when not in use.
Protect your boat. Protect your investment.
Whether you need the heavy-duty shielding of a Super Premium 600 Denier cover or the advanced chemical defence of August Race, Boatworld has the technical solutions to keep you ready for the 2026 season.
Not sure which cover fits your specific boat? Our technical team is on hand to help you find the perfect match for your hull or tubes.
1 comment
ian bun warren warren
just a word if you are putting a boat cover over your boat ,i tightened the cover down left it for 3 months came the spring covered grey green mould .Was able to get the crap off the boat with mould cleaner, anyway mind and have the boat ventilated. have a length of plastic pipe at the front & back worked perfect just a heads up
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.