When you decide to make a big-ticket purchase like a new boat, a lot of time and effort goes into researching the style, options, or engine size. Chances are, you’ll read reviews and ask for recommendations from other boat owners. You’ll consider whether you want a boat for fishing, water sports, or just leisurely rides around the lake. Other factors like safety, maintenance, and the life of the boat will also come into play.
Versatility is a big reason why many who are in the market for a new boat choose to go with a pontoon and it’s likely why pontoon sales continue to increase. Pontoons are stable, family-friendly vessels with longevity. Protecting your investment and getting maximum use from your boat were key factors when Vision Marine Products introduced the Easy Cover™ power pontoon boat cover in 2016. Since then, Easy Cover™ owners have been enjoying the convenience and protection it provides.
Joel and Lynn Bender of Vineyard Lake, in the Brooklyn, Michigan region have had their Easy Cover™ for one season and are thrilled with the increased amount of time they have used their pontoon this summer.
“What makes the Easy Cover™ so amazing is its convenience,” said Joel. “We probably use our pontoon boat three or four times more than we have in past years. And it’s simply because of the convenience of use. We can put it up and down in a matter of minutes, and there are no snaps! That is remarkable in and of itself.”
Once you have an Easy Cover™ installed onto your pontoon, you will want to take precautions to keep the power cover in proper working order and to clean and maintain it as you would with any other boating accessory.
Best Practices for Protecting for Your Easy Cover
Vision Marine Products, the manufacturers of the Easy Cover™, have developed some best practices to be followed to ensure its users get many years of enjoyment out of it.
- When towing the pontoon on the road, the Easy Cover™ MUST be in the Cover position and the four tow straps MUST be installed and securely attached. Place two tow straps in the front of the boat and two in the back.
- While your pontoon is docked and inclement weather is expected, place the four tow straps on the boat as you would if you were trailering it. The straps will protect the Easy Cover from wind up to 75 MPH.
When combined boat and wind speeds exceed 15 miles per hour protect your Easy Cover™ in each operating position as follows:
- Single Bimini: Attach two tow straps, one for each side, to the loops in the Front Top of the cover and through the loops on the fence rails.
- Double Bimini: Attach and pin the two double Bimini supports to the fence and the arms of the Easy Cover™. If the boat is equipped with Double Bimini position Loops in the Fence, also attach two tow straps, one for each side, to the loops in the Front Top of the cover and through the loops in the fence.
- Bridge: Do not operate the boat in the Bridge position when combined boat and wind speeds exceed 15 MPH.
- Keep the key fobs in a dry place.
- Take a picture of the “Easy Cover™ Alarm Codes” document with your phone so you have a reference in the event of a problem.
Cleaning The Easy Cover Cover –
To clean the Easy Cover™, Safety Components, the manufacturer of WeatherMAX” recommends the following:
“WeatherMAX Fabrics may be spot washed by using a soapy solution of a mild detergent and lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove soap and allow to air dry. For mildew stains, prepare a solution of one (1) cup of bleach plus (1/2) cup of mild detergent per gallon of water. Spray on the entire area and allow soaking. Rinse with clean water and allow to air dry.
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Be sure to fully rinse the bleach off of the fabric
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Protect non-WeatherMAX areas such as sewing thread and reinforcements so the bleach does not come in contact as it may be deteriorate non-WeatherMAX components.
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After cleaning, check the water repellency of the fabric to see if retreatment might be required.
Removing Oil
Oil can be effectively removed with an aerosol spot remover. We have found that Pull Out 2 by American Niagara works very well although there are other products available.
Retreating WeatherMAX
There are several well designed and effective aftermarket water repellent treatments available that work well with WeatherMAX. Follow the directions of the manufacturer.
- Starbrite Waterproofing with PTFE
- Formula 303 Fabric Guard
- Rust-Oleum NeverWet Outdoor Fabric Spray
- Marlen Aqua-tite • Kiwi Heavy Duty Water RepellentCover™ canvas.
Following Vision Marine Products’ best practices will ensure your Easy Cover™ will be kept in the best working order possible.