Key takeaways
- Pro: 11-strap system with quality buckles that hold through 30-plus mph winds
- Pro: Air vents positioned to break the vacuum seal when wind lifts the cover
- Con: Heavier than necessary for indoor or seasonal storage where wind is irrelevant
A bass boat sitting in the driveway for six months without a proper cover is a bass boat losing value by the season. UV breaks down gel coat, rain works its way into wiring harnesses, and leaf litter stains the interior faster than most owners realize. I have watched a 17-foot Tracker that looked showroom-fresh in April turn chalky and pitted by October because its owner trusted a thin tarp from a big-box store.
The difference between a cover that protects and one that merely exists comes down to fabric weight, how the attachment system handles wind, and whether the vents actually let moisture escape instead of trapping it underneath. Over the past two seasons I have pulled covers off boats in July heat and February ice, checked stitch lines, tested strap buckles with wet gloves, and tracked how each fabric aged. The results below reflect what held up in 2026 and what I would not recommend parking a boat under.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date shown and are subject to change.
Quick Picks
| Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Boat Covers 17-19ft 1200D V-Hull | Full-size Tracker owners wanting max strap security | $99.99 |
| Boat Cover 16-18.5ft 1200D V-Hull | Mid-size bass boats needing heavy-duty protection | $89.99 |
| 17-19FT Trailerable with Motor Cover | Owners who tow frequently and need elastic-hem fit | $89.09 |
| 20-22FT Trailerable with Motor Cover | Larger bass boats up to 100-inch beam | $99.99 |
| Bass Boat Cover 17-19ft 900D | Buyers prioritizing lowest entry price | $67.99 |
| Boat Cover 20-22ft 1200D V-Hull | Biggest Tracker models requiring 13-strap security | $109.99 |
| Trailerable Boat Cover 17-19ft 900D | Value-minded trailering boaters wanting fade resistance | $68.58 |
| Boat Cover 14-16ft 1200D V-Hull | Smaller jon or bass boats under 16 feet | $69.98 |
How We Picked
Three criteria drove every ranking decision here: denier and fabric construction (1200D consistently outlasted 900D in sun exposure), attachment reliability under wind load (strap count and buckle quality mattered more than raw tie-down instructions), and whether the motor cover was integrated or a separate nuisance to secure. We also weighted vent placement for moisture management because trapped condensation corrodes electronics faster than rain does.
The 8 Best Bass Boat Covers in 2026
Boat Covers 17-19ft, 1200D Waterproof V-Hull, Black
This is the most complete package in the lineup for anyone storing a full-length Tracker outside year-round. Eleven straps distribute tension across the entire hull, meaning a gust that peels a cheaper cover off barely shifts this one. The included motor cover is the right shape and actually fits flush rather than ballooning in wind.
- Pro: 11-strap system with quality buckles that hold through 30-plus mph winds
- Pro: Air vents positioned to break the vacuum seal when wind lifts the cover
- Con: Heavier than necessary for indoor or seasonal storage where wind is irrelevant
Skip this if your boat is shorter than 17 feet — the extra fabric pools and wrinkles, trapping water.
Boat Cover 16-18.5 ft, 1200D Waterproof V-Hull, Black
Nearly identical construction to the 17-19 foot version but trimmed for mid-size hulls. If you own a 175 Pro or similar model that sits at the boundary of this range, the slightly narrower beam fit eliminates the billowing that causes premature wear on strap attachment points.
- Pro: Tighter fit on 16 to 18.5-foot hulls reduces flapping and fabric fatigue
- Pro: Same 11-strap security and UV resistance as the larger sibling
- Con: Not suitable if your boat is closer to 19 feet even by a few inches
Skip this if you regularly trailer your boat — the hem lacks the elastic contouring that keeps the cover taut over a transom during highway speeds.
17-19FT Bass Boat Cover with Motor Cover, 1200D PU Waterproof Trailerable
Built explicitly for trailering. The elastic hem hugs the hull and motor in a way that prevents the cover from lifting at speed, and double stitching along every seam means it survives repeated folding and strapping without unraveling. The PU waterproofing layer adds a margin of safety against pooling water.
- Pro: Elastic hem and double-stitched seams handle the abuse of frequent loading and unloading
- Pro: Accommodates beams up to 96 inches, fitting most mid-range bass boats
- Con: Single secure-strap system is less wind-resistant than the 11-strap rivals
Skip this if your primary use is static outdoor storage in an open yard with high wind exposure.
20-22FT Bass Boat Cover with Motor Cover, 1200D PU Waterproof Trailerable
The same trailerable design scaled for bigger boats. A 100-inch beam allowance covers most 20 to 22-foot bass boats without stretching the fabric to its limits, and the material weight still allows one person to manage the cover without fighting it. The elastic hem is critical here because longer boats flex more on a trailer tongue.
- Pro: Handles larger beams without excessive fabric weight
- Pro: PU coating provides reliable waterproofing even when water pools on the cover
- Con: Higher price than non-trailerable options with more strap points
Skip this if you store the boat on a lift indoors — you are paying for a feature set you will not use.
Bass Boat Cover 17-19 ft, 900D Heavy Duty Waterproof, Black
The budget entry in this group and the only non-trailerable cover that gets honest value points at under seventy dollars. The 900D fabric is lighter and will age faster under direct sun than 1200D rivals, but for three-season use in moderate climates the difference is minor. It fits V-hull, fishing, and runabout-style boats.
- Pro: Lowest price with a waterproof claim that actually holds for typical rain events
- Pro: Simple design with fewer failure points than strap-heavy alternatives
- Con: 900D fabric shows fading and loss of flexibility noticeably sooner than 1200D
Skip this if you live in a high-UV southern climate and store outdoors year-round — the fabric will degrade within two seasons.
Boat Cover 20-22 ft, 1200D Waterproof V-Hull, Black
The most strap-secure option in this entire roundup at thirteen tie-downs. For a 20-plus-foot boat with more surface area catching wind, that extra strap count is not overkill — it is necessary. The 1200D fabric and motor cover match the quality of the smaller siblings, making this the logical choice for larger Tracker owners.
- Pro: 13 straps provide unmatched wind resistance for bigger hulls
- Pro: Same UV and tear resistance as the proven 1200D platform
- Con: Highest price in the group at $109.99, though it earns that premium
Skip this if your boat is under 20 feet — the excess fabric creates a sail effect that strap count alone cannot fully mitigate.
Trailerable Boat Cover 17-19ft with Outboard Motor Cover, 900D Fade Resistant
Works on V-hull, tri-hull, and runabout styles, which broadens its appeal beyond pure bass boats. The fade-resistant treatment on the 900D fabric performed better than expected in my comparison, holding color noticeably longer than untreated budget covers. The motor cover is sized for outboards rather than inboard motors, so verify your power configuration.
- Pro: Multi-hull compatibility makes this a flexible choice for mixed-fleet owners
- Pro: Fade resistance outperforms expectations for the 900D weight class
- Con: Lighter fabric means less abrasion resistance against rough dock lines or branches
Skip this if you own an inboard motor — the motor cover shape is designed around outboard cowling.
Boat Cover 14-16 ft, 1200D Waterproof V-Hull, Black
The same proven 1200D platform scaled down for smaller boats, with eleven straps and a motor cover included. For a 15-foot jon or small bass boat parked in a driveway, this is overbuilt compared to thinner tarps but underbuilt compared to nothing at all. The size range is the limiting factor — if you measure over 16 feet, look at the other options in this group.
- Pro: Heavy-duty construction at a price that makes sense for smaller boats
- Pro: 11 straps on a short hull means extremely low flapping risk
- Con: Very narrow fit range — only 14 to 16 feet with no flexibility above
Skip this if your boat is 16.5 feet or longer even with an overhang — you will leave the bow or stern exposed.
Buying Guide
Fabric Weight: 900D versus 1200D
Denier measures the thickness of individual threads, and in practical terms 1200D resists UV breakdown roughly twice as long as 900D under direct southern sun. That said, if you store under a carport or in a garage, the gap narrows. For full outdoor exposure, spend the difference on 1200D. For covered or indoor storage, 900D is adequate and saves money.
Strap Count and Attachment Quality
More straps distribute wind force across the hull rather than concentrating it on two or three points that eventually tear through. In my testing, covers with 11 or more straps showed no seam pulling after a full summer of afternoon storms. Buckle quality matters as much as count — look for metal or reinforced nylon hardware, not cheap plastic that cracks after one freeze-thaw cycle.
Ventilation and Moisture Management
A waterproof cover that traps condensation underneath is worse than no cover at all for your electronics and upholstery. Air vents allow the cover to breathe during temperature swings that create internal moisture. Position matters too — vents near the bow shed warm air that rises, while flat-bottom covers with no ventilation develop mildew within weeks.
Our Verdict
The Boat Covers 17-19ft 1200D V-Hull is the top pick for most bass boat owners — its 11-strap system and proven fabric handle everything from a thunderstorm to a week of high winds without shifting. The budget pick is the Trailerable Boat Cover 17-19ft at $68.58, which delivers fade resistance and multi-hull compatibility at the best value-per-dollar in the group. If you primarily trail your boat and your storage is secondary, the 17-19FT Trailerable with its elastic hem and double stitching will outperform the others on the road.
FAQ
Can I use a bass boat cover while trailering?
Only if it is rated trailerable with an elastic hem and a secure strap system designed to stay taut at speed. Non-trailerable covers will flap, tear at attachment points, or slide off entirely. The two trailerable options in this roundup are built for exactly that use.
Do I need a separate motor cover?
If your storage cover does not include an integrated motor cover, yes — a bare outboard or sterndrive exposed to rain and UV degrades its cowling and lower unit seals within a season. All products in this list include a motor cover, so that is already handled.
How do I measure my boat for the right cover size?
Measure from the bow tip to the stern transom, excluding any outboard that extends beyond the transom line. Then measure beam at the widest point. Most covers in this group are forgiving within their stated range, but a boat that exceeds the top of the range by more than a few inches will not be fully covered.
Will a black cover cause more heat damage to my boat?
Black absorbs more radiant heat than lighter colors, but the temperature difference under a breathable cover with vents is minimal compared to the UV protection gained. The real risk is trapping heat against gel coat without ventilation — which is why vent placement matters more than fabric color.
Write Your Review
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!