Best Boat Covers for Avalon Pontoons | Protect Against UV Damage, Rain & Mold
You just finished a perfect weekend on the water, but as you walk away from your parked Avalon, that nagging feeling hits — will the afternoon sun fade the seats, will tonight’s rain soak the deck, and are critters already finding their way inside?
TL;DR: A good boat cover is the cheapest insurance you’ll ever buy for your pontoon. Sun destroys vinyl, rain creates mold, and winter snow can collapse a mooring cover not designed for heavy loads. This guide breaks down cover types (playpen, mooring, travel, snap-on), compares materials (polyester, acrylic, canvas), and tells you exactly which cover works for how you store your boat — at the dock, on a lift, on a trailer, or in winter storage.
Key Takeaways:
- Mooring covers are great for docks and lifts during boating season — but CANNOT be used for winter storage
- Sunbrella acrylic offers the best UV protection and breathability, but costs more
- Polyester covers (especially 1200+ denier) are affordable and waterproof — great for trailering
- Playpen covers only protect the deck area, leaving the helm exposed — fine for short-term but not full protection
- Your boat MUST be bone dry before covering in humid climates — or you will get mildew
- Winter storage requires shrink wrap, indoor storage, or a heavy-duty custom cover — NOT your mooring cover
Why Your Avalon Needs a Cover (More Than Most Boats)
Here’s the thing about avalon pontoon boats — they’re packed with materials that hate sun and water. Those Premium Marine Vinyl Seating seats? UV rays break them down. That Non-Slip Marine Flooring? Standing water leads to stains and mildew. Those Built-In Audio and Entertainment Systems? Moisture is the enemy of electronics .
A bimini top helps while you’re on the water. But when you’re parked? The sun hits every surface from every angle. Your seats fade. Your dash cracks. Your carpet (if you have it) bakes.
One experienced boater put it bluntly: “The sun will fade your flooring, rails, and everything else in a hurry. Protecting your seats is important, but don’t forget everything else.”
Does your boat live outside between trips? You need a cover. End of story.
Types of Pontoon Covers: Which One Fits Your Life?
Not all covers do the same job. Some are for quick protection between weekend trips. Others are built for winter storage or highway towing. Here’s the breakdown .
Playpen Covers (Quick and Easy)
Think of playpen covers as the “good enough for tonight” option. They cover the deck area — seats, floor, furniture — but leave the helm and console exposed. They’re easy to throw on for a quick rainstorm or overnight protection.
Best for: Short-term protection, mild climates, boats that get used every few days
Not great for: Winter storage, heavy rain, or full UV protection
Mooring Covers (The Everyday Standard)
Mooring covers are what most Avalon owners use as their primary cover during boating season. They provide solid protection while the boat sits at the dock or on a lift. They’re designed to shed water and block UV rays, but they have limits .
Best for: Dockside and lift storage during spring, summer, and fall
Important warning: “Your mooring cover can repel most water but will collect water during heavy downpours. It is important that collected water be removed after a rain to help prevent tearing and staining.”
Also — and this is critical — mooring covers cannot be used for winter storage. They aren’t designed to handle snow loads. “Your mooring cover cannot be used for storage during the winter months. Your cover is intended to help reduce the effects of sun and dirt. It cannot withstand a snow load.”
Travel Covers (For the Road)
If you trailer your boat regularly, you need a travel cover. These are built tougher than mooring covers — reinforced seams, extra straps, and materials that won’t flap apart at highway speeds .
Best for: Boats that get trailered to different lakes
Look for: Top and bottom strap systems, 1200+ denier fabric, reinforced seams
One owner noted a common frustration: “I have noticed this boat sits differently behind my truck in tow. I feel like towing with the mooring cover will decrease the life of the mooring cover.” That’s why travel covers exist — they’re built for the wind and vibration of the road.
Snap-On Covers (The Custom Fit)
Some Avalon owners opt for snap-on covers that attach to snaps installed directly on the boat. These offer a tight, tailored fit that looks great. But they require professional installation of the snaps, and once they’re on, you’re committed to that cover brand .
Best for: Owners who want a sleek look and don’t mind permanent snaps on their boat
Cover Materials: What’s Actually Protecting Your Boat
The material matters — a lot. Here’s what each fabric does well and where it falls short .
Polyester: The Affordable Workhorse
Polyester is the most common cover material for good reason. It’s durable, affordable, and resists UV and mildew. A good polyester cover (look for 1200 denier or higher) can handle most conditions.
The good: Lightweight, easy to handle, affordable, decent UV protection
The catch: Not as breathable as other materials — can trap moisture underneath if not vented properly
One popular option is the Aqua Armor cover made from 1200 denier polyester. It’s described as “100% waterproof (not just resistant or repellent!)” with HydroTech technology that makes liquids roll right off .
Best for: Trailering, rainy climates, budget-conscious owners
Acrylic (Sunbrella): The Premium Choice
Sunbrella and similar acrylic fabrics are the gold standard for boat covers. They’re solution-dyed, meaning the color goes all the way through the fiber — so they resist fading better than anything else.
The good: Superior UV resistance, excellent breathability (reduces mildew risk), maintains color for years, resists mold
The catch: Expensive — significantly more than polyester
One owner who loves Sunbrella shared: “My Sea Ray’s dock cover, bimini and camper canvas is all Sunbrella and factory provided in 1995 with the boat. Still looks new to this day.”
Best for: Sunny climates, boats that sit outside year-round (in season), long-term investment
Canvas: Traditional and Breathable
Canvas is a natural fabric (cotton or linen) that offers excellent breathability and UV resistance. It can be treated with waterproofing agents for extra protection.
The good: Very breathable — prevents moisture buildup naturally, good UV resistance
The catch: Heavier than synthetics, requires more maintenance (re-treatment), can be expensive
Best for: Dry climates, owners who don’t mind maintenance
Nylon: Strong but Limited
Nylon covers are strong and water-resistant but don’t offer great UV protection and can stretch over time. Less common for pontoon covers .
Weather Matching: Your Climate Decides Everything
The “best” cover depends entirely on where you live and how you store your boat .
Hot and Sunny (Arizona, Texas, Florida):
- Prioritize UV protection and breathability
- Look for light-colored acrylic fabrics like Sunbrella
- Vents are essential to prevent heat buildup
Rainy and Humid (Pacific Northwest, Gulf Coast):
- Waterproofing is job one
- Marine-grade polyester with waterproof coatings
- Reinforced seams to prevent leaking
- CRITICAL: Boat must be bone dry before covering — “If you cover it wet you WILL see mildew develop”
Snow and Ice (Midwest, Northeast, Canada):
- Mooring covers are NOT for winter use
- You need indoor storage, shrink wrap, or a heavy-duty custom cover
- “Pressure from the weight of the ice can damage your wall railings and other components”
Coastal / Saltwater:
- Look for salt-resistant, mildew-resistant materials
- Rinse your boat and let it dry completely before covering
- “Since most salt water areas are very humid and hot it is imperative that the boat be dry before it is covered”
Winter Storage: What the Manual Says (Read This)
This is the most important section of this post. The Avalon owner’s manual is crystal clear about winter storage.
DO NOT use your mooring cover for winter storage. Period.
“Mooring covers should not be used for winter storage. Inside storage would insure the greatest preservation of quality.”
Your winter storage options:
- Indoor storage — best option. Heated or unheated, but out of the elements.
- Shrink wrap — professional shrink wrap creates a weather-tight seal that sheds snow.
- Heavy-duty custom cover — some owners have custom covers made specifically for winter. “If you desire a canvas cover that will also be able to withstand heavy loads, contact your dealer to get information on a custom storage cover.”
What happens if you ignore this warning? Snow accumulates. The weight presses down. Your wall railings bend. Your windshield cracks. Your warranty won’t cover it: “Wind and rain damage are not covered by your warranty.”
The Seat Cover Question: Full Cover vs. Just Seat Covers
Some owners ask: “Do I really need a full cover, or can I just use seat covers?”
Seat covers protect your Premium Marine Vinyl Seating from UV and bird droppings. They’re quicker to put on and take off . But they leave everything else exposed — your floor, your helm, your electronics, your rails.
One owner’s take: “The seat covers will protect your upholstery. But what about your seagrass flooring, rails, and everything else?!? That sun will fade it in a hurry!”
Another owner who uses both: “We use both. Seat covers are quicker most times and I like to protect my instruments as well. More than a week away, we’ll use the playpen. Both work well.”
The smart approach: Use seat covers for overnight or quick turnarounds. Use a full mooring or playpen cover for longer periods. Never skip full coverage in winter or heavy rain seasons.
Cover Comparison Table
| Cover Type | Best For | Water Protection | UV Protection | Winter Use | Trailering | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Playpen Cover | Short-term, mild weather | Moderate | Moderate | NO | NO | Very easy |
| Mooring Cover | Dockside, lift, boating season | Good | Good | NO | Not recommended | Moderate |
| Travel Cover | Trailering, highway towing | Excellent | Good | Limited | YES | Moderate |
| Snap-On Cover | Custom fit, appearance | Good | Good | NO | NO | Easy (once installed) |
| Shrink Wrap | Winter storage only | Excellent | N/A | YES | NO | Professional install |
| Custom Storage Cover | Heavy-duty winter use | Excellent | Excellent | YES | Limited | Professional made |
Pro tip: Many owners keep two covers — a mooring cover for summer and seat covers for quick trips, plus a separate winter solution .
Cover Material Comparison Chart
This chart compares how different cover materials perform across key categories — higher scores are better.
How to read this chart: Acrylic/Sunbrella dominates UV protection and breathability. Polyester wins on water resistance and value. Your choice depends on your biggest threat — sun or rain.
How to Make Your Cover Last Longer
A good cover is an investment. Here’s how to protect it .
Don’t let water pool. After a heavy rain, check your cover. If water has collected in low spots, remove it. Standing water stretches fabric, strains seams, and leads to tearing.
Let the boat dry before covering. In humid or saltwater environments, this is non-negotiable. “If you cover it wet you WILL see mildew develop.”
Secure it properly for trailering. A flapping cover destroys itself. Use all straps and tie-downs. Some owners remove their mooring cover for towing because highway speeds shorten its life .
Don’t use mooring covers for winter. Already covered this — but it’s worth repeating. Snow loads destroy mooring covers.
Store the cover properly when not in use. Fold, don’t crumple. Store in a dry place. Most covers come with a storage bag — use it .
What Owners Say About Real-World Use
On using the full mooring cover: “If I am using my Benny the next day, I don’t put a cover on. Otherwise I use the mooring cover — it’s about a 7 minute task. Our dock gets monsoons all summer, so a taut cover that is well secured is critical.”
On Blue Sky stretch covers: “BlueSky has been talked about a lot, some say a 3 minute install, but I have no personal experience and though some users report it stays put during wind and rain, I will stick with the OEM, it works great.”
On custom covers vs. universal: “Generic covers can be had for just a couple hundred dollars. That’ll work until I can get around to making my own custom cover.” But note — custom covers from a canvas shop can run $1,500-$1,800 .
On Sunbrella longevity: “My Sea Ray’s dock cover, bimini and camper canvas is all Sunbrella and factory provided in 1995 with the boat. Still looks new to this day.”
FAQ: Boat Cover Questions Answered
What makes Avalon pontoon boats different for covers?
Avalon’s Reinforced Aluminum Pontoons and Extended Swim Platforms mean covers need specific dimensions — universal covers may fit poorly. Factory or custom covers are recommended .
Can I use my mooring cover for winter storage?
NO. The Avalon manual explicitly states mooring covers cannot withstand snow loads. Use indoor storage, shrink wrap, or a heavy-duty custom cover .
What’s the best cover material for hot sunny climates?
Acrylic (Sunbrella) offers superior UV resistance and breathability, preventing heat buildup under the cover .
My boat lives in a wet area. What should I look for?
Waterproof polyester with reinforced seams, plus make SURE the boat is bone dry before covering — or you’ll get mildew .
Are seat covers enough instead of a full cover?
For quick overnight protection, yes. For longer periods or winter, no — seat covers don’t protect flooring, rails, or electronics .
How do I know what size cover to buy?
Measure your boat length and width, including the extended swim platform. Most aftermarket covers are sold by length range. For custom fit, contact your Avalon dealer.
What maintenance does a boat cover need?
Clean with mild soap and water. Never machine wash. Re-treat waterproofing as needed. Store dry and folded, not balled up.
Your Cover Action Plan
Here’s what to do based on your situation:
If you dock or lift your boat during the season:
Buy a quality mooring cover. Acrylic if you’re in a sunny climate. Polyester if rain is your bigger concern. Use it every time you’re not on the water.
If you trailer your boat:
Buy a travel cover (or a heavy-duty polyester cover rated for towing). Don’t use your mooring cover on the highway — it won’t last.
If you store outdoors in winter:
DO NOT use your mooring cover. Get shrink wrap, rent indoor storage, or have a heavy-duty custom winter cover made.
If you want quick protection between weekend trips:
Consider seat covers or a playpen cover for easy on/off. Use a full cover for longer periods.
Safety reminder: Never run your engine with a cover on — exhaust fumes need to vent, and covers can melt on hot engine components.
The best cover is the one you actually use. A $200 cover that goes on every time is better than a $1,000 cover that’s too much trouble to put on. But don’t cut corners on winter protection — that’s where the real damage happens.
What’s your favorite Avalon boat feature or on-the-water experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
References:
- Avalon Pontoons – Pontoon Boat Covers Overview
- Avalon Pontoons – Types of Covers and Materials Guide
- Avalon Technical Manual – Winter Storage and Mooring Cover Warnings
- Avalon Pontoons – Maintenance Tips
- Avalon Pontoons – Saltwater Use and Covering Guidelines
- Club Bennington – Owner Discussion on Covers vs Seat Covers
- EmpireCovers – Aqua Armor Pontoon Cover Specifications
