Installation, Use & Care
Everything you need to get the most out of your RedLeaf gear — from first install to years of use on the water.
Every product we ship is built to last, but getting the fit and setup right from the start makes all the difference. These guides walk you through installation, adjustment, use, and long-term care — written by the same people who designed and built what you're holding.
Find your product
Canoe Covers, Canoe Coats & Ultimate Covers
Installation, shock cord adjustment, and long-term care for every cover type.
Expedition Spray Decks & Splash Covers
Installation, body tunnel fitting, and on-water use guides.
Gunwale Bags, Tether Tabs, Paddle Pockets & More
Quick installation and use guides for every accessory.
Cover Installation & Care
Your cover was patterned to your specific hull design. Proper installation and care will keep it fitting and protecting for years.
The Original Canoe Cover
Our flagship stretch-fit cover in premium polyester or WeatherMAX 3D. Covers installation on the ground and on a vehicle rack, draw cord tensioning, shock cord adjustment, and seasonal care.
The Canoe Coat
Outdoor storage cover in Sunbrella Marine fabric with a 10-year UV warranty. Built for long-term protection on a rack or sawhorse. Covers installation, tensioning, and cleaning.
The Ultimate Cover
Full-zip Sunbrella Marine cover for kayaks, surf skis, and outrigger canoes. On in 60 seconds. Covers zipper operation, hull positioning, and long-term fabric care.
Spray Deck Setup & Use
Your spray deck was patterned to your hull and built for real conditions. These guides cover everything from first install to paddling in serious water.
Installation & Setup
How to install your spray deck for the first time — attaching the deck to the hull, adjusting the batten system, and getting the fit dialed in before you hit the water.
On-Water Use & Safety
Entering and exiting body tunnels, quick-release operation, paddling in conditions, and care between trips. Read this before your first paddle with the deck installed.
Accessory Installation & Use
Quick guides for getting your accessories installed and working. Most take five minutes or less.
Gunwale Bags
Attaches below the gunwale to keep essentials organized and within reach. Covers mounting options, positioning for solo and tandem canoes, and what fits inside the small and large sizes.
Paddle Pockets
Secures your spare paddle along the gunwale — out of the way and instantly accessible when you need it. Covers installation for standard and wide versions.
Tether Tabs
The portage system that keeps your gear attached to the boat during carries. Covers adhesive installation, placement strategy for your hull, and cord rigging for a clean portage setup.
Daisy Chains & Cargo Ladders
Webbing attachment system for securing gear inside the hull. Covers installation points, rigging patterns, and how to get the most out of the system on the water.
Taking Care of Your Gear
Built with marine-grade materials. Maintained with common sense.
Cleaning
Rinse with fresh water after saltwater or heavy use. For deeper cleaning, mild soap and a soft brush. No bleach, no solvents, no pressure washers — they degrade the fabric coatings that keep water out.
Drying & Storage
Always dry your gear before long-term storage. Mildew grows on dirt trapped in damp fabric, even on mildew-resistant materials like Sunbrella. Store loosely — avoid compressing covers or spray decks for extended periods.
Zippers & Hardware
Rinse YKK marine zippers with fresh water after salt exposure. For stiff zippers, zipper lubricant (not WD-40) restores smooth operation. Stainless hardware is corrosion-resistant but benefits from an occasional freshwater rinse.
UV & Weather Exposure
Sunbrella Marine carries a 10-year UV warranty. WeatherMAX 3D is inherently UV-resistant. Both are designed for the outdoors — but no fabric lasts forever in direct sun. When your boat isn't in use, covered storage extends the life of everything.
Shock Cords & Elastic
Elastic shock cords lose tension over time with UV exposure. If your cover's fit starts to loosen after a few seasons, replacement cords are available from us. It's the most common maintenance item and the easiest fix.
Repairs
If something gets damaged, reach out before attempting a repair. We can often fix or replace components at a fair price — and we'd rather do it right than have a field fix compromise the fit.
Questions? Just ask.
If something doesn't fit right, doesn't make sense, or just needs a conversation — we're here. Every call and email is answered by the people who designed and built your gear.