What is a mooring cover on a pontoon boat?

Asked by: Mark Hocking

A mooring cover, also known as a playpen cover, is the full cover that is included with most pontoon boats. This cover will typically ship with the boat right from the factory to your dealership. It includes the canvas cover and tent poles and it’s the main cover you would use while the boat sits at the dock.

What is a pontoon mooring cover?

You cover your pontoon boat with a mooring cover in a few different scenarios including when it’s in the water, being hoisted, or when placed on a trailer. They are larger than a cover you would use when towing and are manufactured to drain off water with no pooling of rain water.

What is a mooring cover?

A mooring cover protects the entire boat and is often used during trailering and off-season storage. It’s usually constructed out of hard-wearing fabric or plastic. Mooring covers sit on or beneath your boat’s rub rails and are tied with a rope or cinched into position with straps.

How do you cover a pontoon boat on the dock?

Every pontoon equipped with a boot cover this is what's going to go over the bimini canvas. And keep the sun off that. Fabric so there is an anchor light there is a hole already sewn into this cover.

Do you have to cover a pontoon boat?

A boat cover can prevent your pontoon boat from scratches and dents that can be caused by falling twigs and branches. A cover can also protect your boat from fading, blocking the harsh rays of the sun from your boat’s interior. Keep your pontoon boat bug, pest and bird dropping free.

Can you trailer a pontoon with the mooring cover on?

The quick answer is Yes… you can definitely tow your pontoon boat (or any boat) with the cover on. However, to tow safely as well as tow without damaging your pontoon cover you need to ensure you have the correct type of cover that is also the correct size as well as enough straps to keep it secure.

What is mooring boat?

Mooring Your Boat



Mooring refers to lassoing, tethering, tying, or otherwise securing your boat to a fixed object, such as a mooring buoy, rather than dropping an anchor to secure your vessel anywhere you fancy. You can moor your boat to a mooring buoy, dock, quay, wharf, jetty, or pier.

How do you secure a mooring cover?

Simply pull the cover below the rub rail keeping a little bit of tension laterally to hold it in place then pull the cover to the side. Pull it down over the rub rail and it will pop in place.

What are mooring covers made of?

Boat covers are made of a variety of materials including polyester, acrylic, nylon, and cotton-poly blends – each of which has its pros and cons.

What is a ratchet mooring cover?

Once the cover straps are attached to the boat, simply pull on the rope ratchet to create tension on the straps underneath. The straps rise up creating a ridged tent effect so that water will run off the cover and not puddle. This system is designed to be used for both storage & towing.

Is it OK to leave pontoon uncovered?

Covering the boat will also keep the animals, birds, etc., from residing in/on your boat. But, you need not worry about that if you are leaving the boat for a day or two without cover. So, if the weather is good and no insects around, it is OK to leave your boat uncovered for few days (only).

Do I need to cover my pontoon boat when it rains?

Not only will the rain damage a boat’s interior, but leaving it without a cover exposes it to the sun’s harmful rays. Boat covers are designed to help protect from falling sticks, animals, snow, and many other potential dangers. A boat left without a cover while not in use, will lose value very rapidly.

What do you call a cover for a pontoon boat?

Mooring Cover. A mooring cover, also known as a playpen cover, is the full cover that is included with most pontoon boats. This cover will typically ship with the boat right from the factory to your dealership.

What are the covers on a boat called?

A Bimini top is a canvas top that generally covers the helmsman of a boat. It can have 2, 3, or 4 bows. 2 bow tops are usually seen on small fishing boats.

What are the snap covers on boats called?

Bow Covers protect the recessed bow area of a boat. Bow Covers, sometimes called Tonneau Covers, are designed to snap onto the bow of the boat.

How do you cover a pontoon boat for winter storage?

First and foremost, your pontoon boat needs to be covered against the elements. Even if you plan on storing your boat inside, a good tight-fitting cover or seal will help keep out dust and insects. There are a few options for this, ranging from a quality waterproof canvas cover to shrink-wrapping the entire boat.

Can you leave a pontoon boat in the water in the winter?

During the winter months you should never leave your pontoon boat in the water. If you do, you’re leaving it at risk to the elements and can get hit with some expensive maintenance bills.

What do you do with a pontoon boat in the winter?

Tips for Winterizing and Storing Your Pontoon



Clean the boat inside and out. Apply mildew and rust protection, and ensure the boat is completely dry before it’s covered. Remove accessories, water equipment, and fishing equipment to prevent moisture build-up. Cover the boat whether it’s kept inside or outside.

Can you leave pontoon on lift in winter?

Many people choose to leave hydraulic boat lifts in over the winter. This is possible in areas where ice flows aren’t a concern. However, it is only possible so long as you properly flush the lines to ensure there is no moisture, and verify that the hydraulic fluid is formulated for winter weather conditions.

Can boat lift be left in water during winter?

Keep Your Dock Lift Out of the Water



Winterizing your boat lift is as easy as taking it out of the water. Leaving your boat lift in the water could result in damage from freezing conditions, especially if you live in an area where ice movement is common.

Can you leave wheels on boat lift?

The wheels are not rated for supporting the weight of a boat and should not be in play once the lift is in the desired position. We do recommend that the wheel be removed due to wave action slowly wearing the wheel away over the course of a season.

Can boat lifts be left in the water in the winter?

Leaving a Floating Dock in Over Winter



If your docks are in, or can be towed to, a calm protected bay where no ice shove occurs, you may be able to leave it in during the winter. In that case, be sure to disconnect all hinged connections.

Can you leave an aluminum dock in over winter?

Even though aluminum boats are built to withstand freezing temperatures and are durable and sturdy all-year-round, you need to remove and store them. You only need to remove your aluminum dock in the winter ice freezes around your boat dock.

Will ice damage a floating dock?

Ice formations: Ice can be very detrimental to anything in its path. If it forms on your dock, the pressure can cause costly damage. Floating ice formations on the water can also crash into your dock or gangway via strong currents, leaving behind scratches, scuffs or structural damage.

How do you winterize a boat lift?

And jiggling we can get the end of the hose off of course be sure to use paper towels don't let me feel spill. Then insert the end of the fuel.

Can you back into a boat lift?

1)Remove the lift, move the pilings back, and re-install the lift. 2)Try to back the boat in. There is plenty of water and more than enough cable to get the cradles down far enough to get the outboards over.

How should a boat sit on a lift?

The bunk placement the main thing you want to have your boat sit on the two-foot keel board and then your bunks on the side are your balance or support on the sides.