Why hull-specific patterning matters.
A generic cover — the kind sold by size range — is a compromise. It flaps at highway speed, sanding your finish with every mile. It pools water on flat spots. It leaves gaps where UV reaches the hull uncovered. It's built to approximately fit a category of boats, not to precisely fit yours.
We pattern each Original Cover to a specific hull design. That means the cover follows the rocker, the tumblehome, the carry thwart position, and the gunwale profile of your boat. It fits because it was made for your hull — not for "16 to 17 foot canoes."
The difference shows up on the highway, in preserved gelcoat, in Kevlar that doesn't darken, and in resale value that holds. A cover that fits is a cover that protects.
Two fabrics. One standard.
Both fabrics block more than 99% of UV light, breathe to release trapped moisture and heat, and use a structural woven knit that stretches just enough to follow your hull's contours — without elastic or lycra fibers that deform permanently.
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Premium Polyester
Included at base price
A durable, 100% polyester double-knit. Long-wearing and effective against UV damage, road grit, bugs, and strap rub. Breathable and quick-drying — water won't damage most canoe hulls, and the fabric dries fast.
Polyester is not waterproof, and it fades with prolonged sun exposure. We use a specific premium polyester that provides years of protection even as the exterior color softens over time.
Choose Polyester if:
You store your boat indoors or under cover and primarily want protection for transport, or you want a lower upfront cost.
Marine-Grade WeatherMAX 3D
+$116
A 100% solution-dyed, marine-grade fabric that combines form-fitting stretch with water resistance, breathability, and exceptional fade resistance. Solution-dyeing means the color goes through the fiber, not just on the surface — it lasts.
WeatherMAX 3D handles everything polyester handles plus year-round outdoor exposure, sustained rain, and the demands of wood gunwales and wood-canvas boats that need moisture protection.
Choose WeatherMAX 3D if:
You store your boat outdoors, you have wood gunwales or a wood-and-canvas canoe, your boat stays on the car through the paddling season, or you want the most economical choice over the long run.
What both fabrics share
Both block more than 99% of UV light. Both breathe to release moisture and heat. Both are structural woven knits — enough stretch to follow your hull like a glove, not enough to flap during transport or sag when wet. Neither uses elastic or lycra fibers, which stretch permanently and deform quickly. The difference is in weather resistance and longevity, not in fit or UV protection.
Construction details.
Hull-specific patterningCut to your canoe's exact make and model from our library of hundreds of patterns. Not adapted from a size chart.
Reinforced bow and stern
Double-layer fabric at the contact points that take the most abrasion during loading, transport, and storage.
Carry thwart slit
Positioned for your boat's carry handle or thwart so you can carry and tie down with the cover on. Measured to your hull or placed at the factory spec location.
Drawcord and bungee closure
Secures the cover at the stern without zippers or buckles that can scratch the hull. Quick on, quick off.
Sewn-on reflective tape
Visibility from behind during low-light highway driving. Sewn at the stern on most cover configurations.
Reinforced stitching throughout
All seams sewn with Gütermann thread and reinforced at stress points. Built to hold under highway wind loads and years of use.
Bow handle and tie-down access
The bow section is designed for easy access to your carry handle and bow tie-down point without removing the cover.
Why we ask for your carry thwart measurement.
We place a slit in the bow section of every cover so you can reach the carry thwart to lift and tie down your canoe with the cover on. Getting that slit in the right place matters.We have the factory thwart location on file for most patterns. But canoes are hand-finished, and thwart positions shift — aftermarket outfitting, restorations, custom orders, production changes over the years. A factory spec from 2015 may not match a boat built in 2008.
The surest way to get a perfect fit is to measure from the tip of the bow to the center of your carry handle and include that measurement with your order. It takes about 30 seconds with a tape measure. If you'd rather use the factory spec, that option is in the configurator — just know that we can't guarantee it will match your specific boat.
