Boat Cover Support Poles: Available At Pep Boys?

Pep Boys is an auto center that provides a wide range of car accessories and services. They offer car covers, carports, canopies, and other exterior accessories. Additionally, they provide oil change services, car maintenance, and repairs. While Pep Boys has a variety of products and services, it is not clear if they carry boat cover support poles specifically. However, they do offer car and boat covers to protect vehicles from harsh elements and theft when stored outdoors.

Boat cover support systems

Purchasing a Support System

There are many boat cover support systems available to purchase online. Most are designed to achieve a universal fit, so you won't need to worry about finding the right size for your boat.

• NEXCOVER Boat Cover Support Pole: A pole that stands up to 54 inches, with a 9-inch diameter base and a 5-inch diameter cap. It comes with a 12-month warranty.
• Better Boat Store Boat Cover Support Poles: Poles that reach heights of up to 56 inches, with a universal fit. They are made from ultra-durable marine-grade materials and use rubber snap-on end caps to prevent the cover from slipping.
• TaylorMade Pontoon Boat Cover Support System: This system features a pole in the centre with webbing that stretches out from the pole to different points of your railing, giving a more tent-like structure.
• Carver 60008 Boat Cover Support System: This system requires two poles to completely support your pontoon boat cover. It features an intuitive design that eliminates all possible areas of water and dirt pooling. It fits boats up to 28 feet in length.
• ShoreTex Boat Cover Support System: This kit includes a telescoping pole and webbed straps to keep the cover supported throughout, from bow to stern. Runabout style boats require one support pole, while fishing boats may require two.
• Camco Boat Cover Support Kit: This kit features an easy-to-use telescoping design, with an adjustable height from 30-inches to 50-inches, and a 50-foot nylon strap assembly.
• APXL Boat Cover Support Poles: Height-adjustable 304 stainless steel support poles with a stable full-touchdown iron alloy base.
• ICOVER Boat Cover Support Pole: A telescoping support system with a tripod base and height-adjustable iron alloy support pole.
• Budge Boat Cover Support System: This system fits boats up to 27 feet in length and features a durable, collapsible aluminium pole and strap system.

Making Your Own Support System

If you would prefer to make your own support system, you can use PVC pipes, safety gloves, and goggles. Here is a basic guide:

• Measure out your PVC pipes. Most people use a single pipe running down the lengthwise midline of the pontoon boat, supported by two or three poles that raise it off the deck at a height of about three to four feet.
• Cut up the PVC material using a handsaw to get clean edges on each pipe.
• Glue down the pieces that you want to stay in place. Consider how you might want to collapse or disassemble the cover support system if you don't need it.

Boat cover support poles

There are a variety of boat cover support poles available on the market, with some designed for specific types of boats, such as V-Hull Style Boats, and others that are adjustable and can be used on multiple boat types. Some support poles are made from PVC pipes, which are easy to work with and can be cut and glued to create a custom support system. Other materials used include marine-grade materials and reinforced ABS plastic, which guarantee lasting performance.

When choosing a boat cover support pole, it is important to consider the size and type of your boat, as well as the number of poles that will be required for adequate support. For example, runabout-style boats typically require one support pole, while fishing boats may require two. It is also important to ensure that the support pole is easy to install and adjust, as this will make it more convenient to use.

In addition to support poles, there are other accessories that can be used to keep your boat cover taut, such as webbed straps and bungee straps. These straps can be used to secure the cover to the boat and prevent it from slipping or sagging. Another accessory is the boat cover vent, which allows trapped moisture to escape from under the cover, helping to keep your boat dry and preventing the growth of mould or mildew.

By investing in a boat cover support pole and other accessories, you can help to protect your boat from the elements and ensure that your cover lasts for many years.

Cover vents

Boat cover vents are an important accessory to have when using a boat cover. They help to keep the interior of your boat cool and well-ventilated, reducing moisture, heat, and mildew.

There are several options available for boat cover vents, which can be purchased alongside a support pole system or separately. Here are some of the top choices:

Taylor Made Products Boat Vent II

This boat cover vent is designed to provide ventilation for your boat when covered. It is made from black plastic and has a simple installation process. It is highly rated by customers, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Carver Vented Boat Cover Support Pole

This product combines a support pole and a boat vent in one. The telescoping anodized aluminum pole can be adjusted in height from 22 to 70 inches, allowing you to choose the perfect height to ensure proper ventilation and water runoff. The kit includes the pole, a boat vent, and easy-to-follow installation instructions.

Boat Vent III by Vico Marine

The Boat Vent III is another option for boat cover ventilation. It is designed for quick and easy installation and has dimensions of 4.75" width, 4.75" depth, and 2.00" height.

EZ-Xtend Boat Cover Vent

The EZ-Xtend Boat Cover Vent is a sew-in style vent that is used in conjunction with boat cover support systems and poles. It helps to provide proper ventilation for your boat when covered.

In addition to these options, there are a variety of other boat cover vents available from different brands, including Vico Marine, Tuszom, iCOVER, and more. These vents come in different styles, such as mushroom caps, screw-on vents, and adjustable telescoping poles with vents attached.

Remember, proper ventilation is key to maintaining a healthy environment for your boat during storage. By investing in a good boat cover vent, you can help prevent moisture buildup, reduce mildew, and keep your boat in optimal condition.

Tie-downs

Types of Tie-Downs

There are several types of tie-downs available for boat covers, including:

• Straps: These are typically made from durable materials such as nylon, polyester, or polypropylene, and feature a quick-release buckle for easy adjustment. They come in various lengths and widths to suit different boat sizes.
• Bungee cords: These are elastic cords with hooks on both ends, perfect for securing boat covers tightly. They come in different lengths and colours, and some have adjustable lengths.
• Suction cup tie-downs: These are great for securing boat covers without causing any damage to the boat's surface. They usually come with elastic ball ropes that can be tied down for added security.
• Ratchet tie-down straps: These straps have a ratcheting pulley system that allows for a more secure and tight hold. They are often used for hanging plants, grow lights, and various tie-down applications.
• Rope cinches: These are used to tighten and secure the boat cover, ensuring a snug fit.

Where to Buy Tie-Downs

Center support poles

The height of center support poles can vary, with some extending from 28 to 48 inches, while others can telescope from 22 to 70 inches, accommodating boats of various sizes. They are typically made from durable, corrosion-resistant materials such as anodized aluminum tubing or marine-grade nylon fittings. Some support poles also feature wheels at the base and top, as well as adjustable straps with quick-release buckles, for added convenience and stability.

When choosing a center support pole, it is important to consider the size and type of your boat. For example, the Oceansouth Boat Cover Support Pole Kit is suitable for boats up to 24 feet in length. Additionally, some support poles may be sold separately or as part of a kit, so it is worth checking what is included before making a purchase.

There are several reputable brands that offer center support poles, including Airhead, Attwood, Boat Vent, Garelick, Sea Dog, Taylor Made, and Vico Marine. When shopping for a support pole, it is recommended to consider purchasing additional accessories such as cover vents, tie-downs, and extra center support poles to ensure the cover is securely fastened and properly ventilated.

While pre-made support poles are available, some boat owners choose to create their own DIY support systems using PVC pipes, safety gloves, and goggles. This allows for customization and can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a ready-made system.

Frequently asked questions