Boat canopies keep the vehicle out of the sun and away from water for several months. As an ordinary boat shouldn’t be taken out on water below freezing, it should be kept in storage until the water is warm enough. Several options are advertised for storing boats, including shrink wrapping, tarping, and boat canopies. Appropriate storage protects the vehicle from UV and water exposure but also allows for some air circulation to prevent mold and dry rot from building up. Out of these three choices, boat canopies have all of these qualities, regardless of whether the shelter is set up in a backyard or near a dock.

Boat canopies are designed much like portable garages but on a smaller scale. Each shelter is made from a galvanized steel frame and a polyethylene canopy. As the shelter needs to give all-around coverage to the vehicle, the polyethylene material is used for the roof, walls, and roll-up or zipper door. As exposure to UV rays and water for a long period of time can fade and crack the surface, as well as cause mold to build up, the polyethylene canopy is treated to be waterproof and UV resistant, as well as dry rot, mold, and mildew resistant.

When using boat canopies to store your vehicle, both peak and rounded roof styles are available. However, when purchasing such a shelter, make sure that the interior has enough space inside to fit the boat and you. While the boat is in storage, you should be checking it often to make sure animals haven’t found their way inside. Additionally, the boat should be free from water before you put it in storage, and this includes checking the battery and motor for water and ice. A boat canopy can protect the exterior but, as frozen water can damage the interior, you should make sure the inside is fully clean before placing the boat in storage.