Do you have a jon boat that you plan to use for fishing, hunting, or just leisurely cruising? If so, it is important to ensure that it is properly covered and protected from the elements.
A jon boat cover can help extend the life of your boat and keep it in good condition.
In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to cover a jon boat.
We’ll discuss how to measure your boat, choose the right cover, clean it before covering, and secure it properly.
We’ll also show you how to attach the cover with straps and ratchet straps, as well as how to secure it with bungee cords or rope.
Finally, we’ll provide tips for maintaining the cover regularly.
Read on to learn more!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Covering a jon boat typically involves measuring the boat and cutting a piece of canvas to fit the size of the boat.
The canvas should be treated with a water-resistant material, like a marine-grade wax or a waterproofing solution, and then attached to the boat using snaps, screws, or other fasteners.
If the boat is going to be stored outdoors, it is also recommended to cover the boat with a tarp to provide extra protection from the elements.
Measuring Your Jon Boat
Measuring your jon boat is one of the most important steps of the boat cover process.
This step will ensure that you purchase the right size cover for your boat.
To get an accurate measurement, you will need to measure the length of your jon boat from bow to stern, and then the width of the boat at its widest point.
You should also measure the height of your jon boat so you can select a cover that fits properly.
Once you have these measurements, you can then select the right size cover for your jon boat.
It is also important to measure the distance from the water line to the highest point of the boat, as this will ensure the cover fits correctly and is not too loose or too tight.
To get an accurate measurement, you should measure from the water line to the highest point of the boat when it is sitting in the water.
This will ensure that the cover fits properly and will not be too loose or too tight.
When measuring your jon boat, it is important to account for any additional items that may be mounted on the boat, such as a trolling motor, outboard motor, or accessories.
These items can affect the size of the cover and should be taken into account when measuring.
Additionally, if you plan to use your jon boat in different types of weather, you should also consider purchasing a cover that is designed to withstand different types of weather.
Measuring your jon boat is an important step in the cover selection process, as it will ensure that you select the right size and type of cover for your boat.
With the right measurements and the right cover, you can ensure that your jon boat is properly protected from the elements and ready for any adventure.
Choosing the Right Cover for Your Jon Boat
When looking for a boat cover for your jon boat, it is important to choose the right size and material.
The cover should fit the boat snuggly, without being too tight.
The material should be durable and waterproof, such as a polyester or canvas.
Additionally, it should be UV resistant to prevent fading and cracking from prolonged exposure to the sun.
Additionally, you may want to choose a cover that is designed specifically for a jon boat, as this will ensure that it is the right size and shape for your boat.
Once you have chosen the right cover, it is time to move on to the next step.
Cleaning Your Jon Boat
Cleaning your jon boat is an important step in the boat covering process.
Before you install a cover, you should take the time to give your boat a good scrubbing.
This will help to remove any dirt, debris, and other contaminants that could damage the cover or cause some of its features to not work as intended.
Start by using a soft brush and mild soap to scrub the surface of the boat.
Then, use a hose to rinse off the soap and any dirt that was removed.
To finish, use a cloth to dry the surface of the boat.
Once your boat is clean, you are ready to move onto the next step in the boat covering process.
Cleaning your boat is an important part of the process for boat covering, as it will ensure that your cover lasts longer and fits better.
Take the time to give your boat a good scrub so that you can get the best results possible when it comes to boat covering.
Securing the Boat Cover
Once you have the cover in place, you will need to secure it to ensure that it stays in place.
This is the last step in the process of covering a jon boat.
If the cover is not securely fastened, it could easily become loose or even fly off during a windy day.
The best way to secure the cover is to use bungee cords or rope.
Bungee cords are ideal because they are adjustable and can be easily secured around the boat to ensure a snug fit.
To secure the cover with bungee cords, attach the hooks at each corner of the boat and loop the bungee cords through the hooks.
Pull the bungee cords tight and secure them with a knot at each corner.
If you don’t have bungee cords, you can also secure the cover with rope.
Use a strong rope, such as marine rope or nylon rope.
Measure the circumference of the boat and cut the rope to the appropriate length.
Attach the rope to the hooks at each corner of the boat and secure it with a knot.
Pull the rope tight and secure it with additional knots.
Once the cover is secured, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your boat is safe and protected from the elements.
With a few simple steps, you can easily cover a jon boat and enjoy many years of safe and enjoyable boating.
Attaching the Cover with Straps and Ratchet Straps
Attaching the cover to your jon boat is a crucial step in the process of covering it, and there are a few different methods you can use.
Straps and ratchet straps are two of the most popular options.
Straps are a great option if you need to attach a cover to a boat with a curved or irregular shape, because they can be adjusted to fit the boat’s contours.
Ratchet straps are also an effective way to secure a cover, as they offer a more secure fit than straps.
To attach the cover with straps or ratchet straps, start by attaching the straps to the front and back of the boat, and then pull them tight to secure the cover in place.
Make sure to use enough straps to ensure that the cover is firmly attached, as this will help protect your boat from the elements.
Once the cover is securely in place, finish the job by connecting the straps together with a buckle or tie.
With these steps, your jon boat will be covered and ready for any adventure.
Securing the Cover with Bungee Cords or Rope
When it comes to securing the cover to your jon boat, bungee cords and rope are two of the most popular options.
Bungee cords are great for providing a secure hold, as they have a stretchy design that allows them to fit snugly around the edges of the cover.
When using bungee cords, it is important to ensure that they are attached securely to the jon boat and the cover.
To do this, you can loop the bungee cords through the grommets or eyelets on the cover, and then tie them off on the boat.
Make sure that the bungee cords are not too tight or too loose, as this could affect the fit of the cover.
Rope is another option for securing the cover to the jon boat.
When using rope, you will need to tie it off to the grommets or eyelets on the cover, and then loop it around the boat and tie it off again.
You can also use rope to tie the cover down around the perimeter of the boat.
If you choose to use rope, make sure that it is thick and strong enough to hold the cover in place without stretching or breaking.
No matter which method you choose, it is important to ensure that the cover is securely attached to the jon boat.
This will help to prevent the cover from coming loose or blowing off in strong winds.
Additionally, be sure to inspect the cover regularly to make sure that the bungee cords or rope are still secure and that the cover is in good condition.
Maintaining the Cover Regularly
Maintaining the cover of your jon boat is important to ensure its longevity.
After the initial installation of the cover, it is important to inspect it on a regular basis to make sure it is still properly secured.
Check to make sure that all straps and buckles are still secure and tight, and make sure that the cover is not fraying or tearing.
If any part of the cover is damaged, it should be replaced to ensure that your boat is properly protected.
To keep the cover clean, it is important to rinse it off with clean water after each use.
This will help to prevent dirt, grime, and other debris from accumulating on the cover and damaging it.
Additionally, it is important to store the cover in a dry, dark place when it is not in use to help keep it in good condition.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your jon boat is properly covered and protected for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Covering your jon boat is an essential part of protecting it from the elements.
With the right measurements, materials, and techniques, it is a relatively easy task to accomplish.
Now that you know the steps, take the time to measure your boat, choose the right cover, and secure it with straps and bungee cords or rope.
With regular maintenance, your jon boat will be ready for your next adventure!