How to Make a Canoe Cover

Canoes can deteriorate fast, especially if you don't store them properly. Covering your watercraft when not in use will lengthen its life and quality, especially if you store them outside. It's best to store your boat inside or under a protective shade away from sunlight. Ultraviolet rays can degrade just about any type of canoe hull material including fiberglass, plastic and epoxy-coated wood. With just a few materials that you can find from a hardware store, you can make your own canoe cover for off-season storage.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Boat tarp
  • Marker
  • Heavy-duty scissors
  • Heavy-duty staple gun
  • Tarp straps with attached hooks
  • Brass grommets and washers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the tarp over the canoe and trace the shape of the boat on the tarp. Line the shape of the boat as accurately and as carefully as you can with the marker.

    • 2

      Lay the tarp flat and use a marker to double trace the canoe shape. This makes a stronger and clearer outline that's easier to follow. Use the tape measure and make a second, outer outline of the same shape, 10 inches farther from the first line.

    • 3

      Follow the outer line and cut the entire material to the shape of your boat. Fold over 1 inch of the edge and staple neatly every 2 inches. Use galvanized, water-resistant staples. Staple all the way through and make small, neat folds around the corners to keep the shape.

    • 4

      Attach the self-piercing grommets 1 inch from the edge of the tarp. Attach a grommet every 8 inches; adjust the grommet length spacing depending on the length of your boat.

    • 5

      Place the cover on top of the boat. Thread the rope or tarp straps through the grommet holes starting from the stern to the bow. Wrap the rope around the boat and tarp as you go along.