Best Snow Cover for Pontoon Boats in 2021

The best snow cover for pontoon boats in 2021 when protecting them from the winter elements are the covers that have a high denier rating, great stitching, UV protection, and are dark in color. As important as a cover that can handle snow is, it’s equally important to know how to cover a pontoon boat for the winter and how to use the proper support system. Here we’ll discuss the best covers for snow and how to put on a cover for the winter.

In short, for snow cover, you will want to consider polyester and acrylic fabrics, even though they are more expensive, because they are often the better long-term solution, especially when it comes to snow and long-term storage. Not only do they breathe but they also better resist the sun’s UV rays and even high temperatures. You’ll also note that the heavier duty covers are strong enough to handle trailering speeds. Also, keep in mind that polyester thread and straps will last longer in the sun.

best snow cover for pontoon boats don't puddle
Avoid puddling with a strong pontoon boat cover that can handle snow over the winter.

When protecting your boat from the snow, you will also want to consider a darker cover color.  Dark shades, like black, blue and green typically absorb more heat, and thus it will help to melt snow. In addition, they may last longer than lighter shades due to their higher amount of dye.

Thank for visiting, please check out our other pontoon boat cover and mooring reviews to help you make the right decision for your circumstance. You may also be interested in our recent posts about bumpers, fenders, and accessories, portable toilets & privacy enclosures, replacement flooring options, trailer guide ons, how to replace boat seats, and dock tie-up systems.

Best Pontoon Boat Snow Cover 2021 Summary

Pontoon Boat Snow Cover 2021 Summary
MaterialThe strongest covers will be made of coated polyester, polypropolene, or ripstop.
Denier1200 denier rating is best for snow.
ProtectionLook for a UV stabilized cover.
ColorDarker will absorb heat and should be better in the snow.
StitchingLook for reinforced stitching when possible.
SupportUtilize a support system so snow and water doesn’t collect in low areas.

How to Choose the Best Snow Cover for Your Pontoon Boat in 2021

Below are the 6 most important factors to consider when choosing a snow cover for your pontoon boat. No time? Skip the review and view our favorite snow cover and support system below:

Budge P-1200-3 Denier Pontoon Covers Blue Size PT4: 24' to 28' Long Waterproof, Heavy Duty, UV Resistant
EmpireCovers Aqua Armor Pontoon Boat Covers: Fits 24ft to 28ft L x 104in W
Budge P-1200-3 Denier Pontoon Covers Blue Size PT4: 24' to 28' Long Waterproof, Heavy Duty, UV Resistant
EmpireCovers Aqua Armor Pontoon Boat Covers: Fits 24ft to 28ft L x 104in W
$304.70
$349.99
-
Budge P-1200-3 Denier Pontoon Covers Blue Size PT4: 24' to 28' Long Waterproof, Heavy Duty, UV Resistant
Budge P-1200-3 Denier Pontoon Covers Blue Size PT4: 24' to 28' Long Waterproof, Heavy Duty, UV Resistant
$304.70
EmpireCovers Aqua Armor Pontoon Boat Covers: Fits 24ft to 28ft L x 104in W
EmpireCovers Aqua Armor Pontoon Boat Covers: Fits 24ft to 28ft L x 104in W
$349.99
-

We’re an Amazon affiliate and we hope you love the products we recommend! We may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page. These images are provided by the Amazon Product Advertising API.

1. Material: Choose Long Lasting Woven Polyester, Polypropylene Multilayer, or Acrylic Snow Cover Material

A polypropylene multilayer material that is UV treated for the sun, breathable and waterproof is the best type of material to use to cover your pontoon in the sun. A reinforced, woven fabric should be more resistant to tearing and ripping.

2. Denier: Use Ripstop or Heady Duty 1200 Denier Snow Covers for Pontoon Boats

1200 denier is the highest denier rating you will find online for pontoon boats and it will do the best in protecting your boat from the snow. The polyester for marine covers is woven into a tight weave of fibers and denier refers to the relative weight of the fabric for a specific length of the fiber. For marine-grade covers, fiber deniers in the range of 150 – 1200 denier are used by most manufacturers.

best snow cover for pontoon boat maintenance
Routinely clear snow off your pontoon cover over the winter.

We found that the higher denier fiber fabrics are stronger, more abrasion-resistant and will be the best snow covers for a pontoon boat. Look for marine-grade polyester that is also treated with a UV stabilizer to extend the life in high exposure environments. Some are commonly coated with either PVC, polyurethane or other coatings to increase water resistance. These fabrics can also have different finishes applied for specific features including water repellency, fade resistance or other target needs.

Separately, a Ripstop cover offers unmatched all-weather protection for your boat. This multi-layer material is made from durable Ripstop polyester, a woven fabric that is resistant to ripping and tearing. This material is 100% waterproof and features a UV resistant finish, providing your boat with ultimate weather protection. The middle layer of the cover is made from a breathable, waterproof membrane that will help prevent mildew or mold from forming.

The innermost layer of the cover features a microfiber fleece-like material that will pamper your boat’s paint. A sewn-in venting system allows an ample amount of airflow to prevent billowing, while straps and buckles keep the cover securely in place. Strong, durable and proven to protect, our Ripstop cover is one of a kind.

3. UV Protection: A UV Stabilizer will Extend Your Boat Snow Cover’s Life

UV stabilizers are substances that are used to prevent a chemical process referred to as “photodegradation” which occurs when ultraviolet radiation coming from an artificial light source or the Sun collapses chemical bonds within a polymer.

With the use of these stabilizers, the symptoms of physical destruction or corrosion are avoided, including:

  • Chalking
  • Cracking
  • Changes in color

4. Stitching and Straps: Choose Reinforced Stitching that can Carry More Weight from Snow and Rain

Sewn-in straps and buckles help keep cover secure in windy weather conditions and reinforced stitching will allow the cover to carry more weight from snow and water.

5. Color: Pick A Dark Color to Absorb Heat Better

Dark colors absorb a lot more heat than lighter ones because they absorb more light energy. In fact, the closer to black a color is, the more heat it absorbs from light sources. The thought is that when snow lands on a black cover, because it may be hotter from sunshine, the snow will melt quicker.

pontoon snow cover will increase the life of you pontoon
A properly mounted pontoon cover, with appropriate arches for the winter, will increase the life and enjoyment of your pontoon boat.

6. Support: Choose a Strong Pontoon Arch to Avoid Puddling

Creating an arch across your pontoon and under the cover for the winter is the best way to help keep snow and water from building up in certain areas. DO NOT USE A SINGLE POLE SYSTEM IF YOU ARE EXPECTING HEAVY SNOW IN THE WINTER. The Extreme Marien Products Anralls Arch System does the trick and has great ratings.

Notes about Arnall’s System:

  • Railing MUST be 1.25″ square and accessible from all sides. For boats up to 24′ long.
  • Includes 4 Sets of Support Brackets ONLY. The customer must provide PVC Pipe to cut to the width of the boat.
  • Made with STAINLESS STEEL RODS
  • Comes With Instructions – Plus Steps To Winterize and Strengthen

I had previously used a support system of center poles for my boat. With the center poles, wind would cause the tarps weight to shift and ultimately the poles to fall and the tarp to hold water. This allowed my tarp to tear. With the dual arch support system, I have had absolutely no issues. An F-1 tornado just went through my neighborhood and my tarp is still in place and holding no water. This system is a little pricey, but if you want to avoid replacing a very expensive tarp, it is the only way to go.

-ARNALL’S ARCH SYSTEM USER
Arnall's Dual Arch Support System for Pontoon Covers- 5 Sets
  • To see other styles of Arch Support Brackets, search "Pontoon Arch"
  • Railing must be 1.25" square
  • Includes 5 Sets of Dual Cover Arch Support Brackets

We’re an Amazon affiliate and we hope you love the products we recommend! We may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page. These images are provided by the Amazon Product Advertising API.

Best Snow Cover for Pontoon Boats

Budge P-1200-3 Denier Pontoon Covers Blue Size PT4: 24' to 28' Long Waterproof, Heavy Duty, UV Resistant
EmpireCovers Aqua Armor Pontoon Boat Covers: Fits 24ft to 28ft L x 104in W
Budge P-1200-3 Denier Pontoon Covers Blue Size PT4: 24' to 28' Long Waterproof, Heavy Duty, UV Resistant
EmpireCovers Aqua Armor Pontoon Boat Covers: Fits 24ft to 28ft L x 104in W
$304.70
$349.99
-
Budge P-1200-3 Denier Pontoon Covers Blue Size PT4: 24' to 28' Long Waterproof, Heavy Duty, UV Resistant
Budge P-1200-3 Denier Pontoon Covers Blue Size PT4: 24' to 28' Long Waterproof, Heavy Duty, UV Resistant
$304.70
EmpireCovers Aqua Armor Pontoon Boat Covers: Fits 24ft to 28ft L x 104in W
EmpireCovers Aqua Armor Pontoon Boat Covers: Fits 24ft to 28ft L x 104in W
$349.99
-

We’re an Amazon affiliate and we hope you love the products we recommend! We may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page. These images are provided by the Amazon Product Advertising API.