Kayaking is always fun. You get to explore the outdoors, play with friends in the water, and test out your paddling skills. It is why more people tend to hope for the next time they get to go out and have a good time in their kayaks.
What happens when you are done with kayaking? How do you store the kayak? And how do you keep it in good condition?
This is where getting the best kayak cockpit cover is essential. The cover will have many benefits, as we will see in the guide below. Let us dive in.
Quick Picks: The Top-Rated Kayak Cockpit Cover
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In a hurry? Check our best pick above, or keep reading for product reviews and buying guide!
What is a Kayak Cockpit Cover?
A kayak cockpit cover is simply a kayak accessory essential for covering the kayak during storage or transportation.
Depending on the cover type, some can be made of strong material that can resist different weather elements. It is crucial that you always pick the correct size for the cover to perform its job correctly.
Why You Need Kayak Cockpit Cover
If you are going off-season, it means you have to store the kayak for months. You would always want to protect it. As such, you need to get it the best kayak cockpit cover.
The cover will protect the cockpit from elements such as rain, dust, snow, and UV rays. It is easy to see how you would maintain the overall durability and look of your kayak when using a cover.
That is not all as you also have to consider transportation. When you have the kayak on the roof of the car or trailer, having a cover will reduce wind resistance. It is why more people would have the cover when carrying the kayak over long distances.
Without using a cockpit cover, you are likely to experience a lot of drag.
How to Choose a Kayak Cockpit Cover
The Materials
The materials used to make the best kayak cockpit cover will vary from one brand to another. What is crucial is that you get a model made of strong materials that can withstand outdoor use too. Let us say you plan on storing the kayak outdoors; the cover should handle the outdoor elements.
Size
The size will always be an important consideration for anyone who wants the best kayak cockpit cover. This is because the size will determine if the cover will fit over the kayak correctly.
First, measure the size of your kayak before heading out to buy the cockpit cover. Luckily, most manufacturers will have several size options to choose from when shopping for the best cockpit cover.
Also, the covers are often made of elastic materials. Such materials would make it possible to use one size of cockpit cover on kayaks of different sizes.
Ease of Fitting
Many people would want something that is easy to fit over the cockpit or the kayak as a whole. So, look at what the manufacturer claims to be the necessary tools to fit the cover over the kayak.
Many covers do not need any tools to install them correctly. So, it should be easy to fit the covers into position with ease.
Durability
The materials will generally affect the durability of a cockpit cover. Many manufacturers are now opting for high-quality materials as the users would expose the covers to various elements.
When looking for a cockpit cover, make sure it can withstand elements such as the sun rays, rain, snow, water, and so much more.
The material also needs to be tear-resistant. With many hazards outdoors, you need a cover that cannot easily tear apart.
Waterproofing
It would be nice to get a waterproof cockpit cover for your kayak. Nylon is often the best choice to make the cockpit cover waterproof. The last thing you want is for water to sit in your cockpit for long. It might lead to mold and other unpleasant smells.
Product Reviews of The Best kayak cockpit cover
This is a top choice for those looking for the best kayak cockpit cover. This is because the kayak cover is made of waterproof polyester material. This material is still good at reflecting the sun rays and keeping the dust from reaching the kayak.
It is easy to see that your kayak will remain in pristine conditions whenever you use this type of cover.
The material is elastic, making it a top choice for covering even the longer kayaks. The manufacturer recommends it for kayaks of size 7.8’ to 18’. At this point, it should cover a wide range of kayaks in the market.
The user does not even need tools to attach it to the kayak. You simply roll it over the kayak and clip it into position.
Its elastic drawstring makes the whole installation process easy. Since it comes in a carry bag, you can easily store it in the bag when you no longer use it for covering the kayak.
Pros
- It is good for dust protection
- It is water-resistant
- The cover fits a wide range of kayaks
Cons
- Durability could be better
If you like to play around with colors, then this camouflage kayak cover can be a great option to consider. Many people find it a multifunction cover as it offers UV protection, waterproof, snow protection, and remains anti-dust.
This best kayak cockpit cover is also durable. If you imagine something that has to protect your kayak from the elements for long, then consider durability too. That is not a problem with this cover. It can withstand continuous exposure to the sun, rain, and snow.
Its durability makes it a great choice for off-season storage of your kayak. The next time you go to use the kayak, you will find it is in great condition.
The operation is generally easy. You will not need any other tools to install this type of cockpit cover. It has two straps making the design easy. The straps will hold the cover in place even if you plan on storing the kayak for months.
Another benefit is the size options you get with the cockpit cover. The manufacturer offers up to 6 sizes. Always choose the right one based on your kayak size.
Pros
- Multiple size options available
- It is easy to set up
- The cover is UV resistant
Cons
- The material is not the easiest to clean
It is hard to go wrong with this best kayak cockpit cover. The manufacturer made it good in terms of quality. As such, it can work as both indoor and outdoor kayak cockpit cover.
The durable industrial-strength materials are responsible for ensuring you end up with a high-quality kayak cover. Considering it is not the cheapest model in the market, it better deliver on years of use.
Looking at the fit, the model is available in various sizes. The manufacturer recommends this product for kayaks of length 9ft to 12ft. Make sure to look at the size options from the vendor before picking the right one.
The fully adjustable strap makes it easier to install the cover. Being adjustable means you will not have to use a lot of strength to get the cover over the cockpit. The strap also comes with a thick shoulder pad to help deal with the muscle fatigue you would get when using a traditional dolly.
Having the buckles also help with proper fitment of the cockpit cover.
Pros
- It is easy to set it up over the kayak
- Impressive build quality
- Great design for ease of using
Cons
- Overall size coverage should be better for the price
If the budget is not an issue, then this is another best kayak cockpit cover to buy. The cover is made using 600 denier marine grade polyester material. Such material makes the cover tough against tears. It is still water-resistant and can withstand over 500 hours of UV exposure.
The contoured design and adjustable mid-deck will allow for covering even the large kayaks with ease. Even if your kayak has a large seat, it can still fit under this cover. Make sure that you pick the right cover size from the various size options available.
Having the bungee hem makes it easier to install the cover. No need to use any tools as the cover will easily wrap over the kayak cockpit with ease.
There are adjustable hull straps that keep the cover in place. As such, you should have confidence during transportation.
Pros
- The cover is made of strong material
- It is contoured to cover larger cockpits
- The straps hold the cover in place for better transportation
Cons
- It is pricey
Do not let the best kayak cockpit cover above scare you with its price. This one is more affordable. Budget buyers can always consider this one.
Even if it is an affordable kayak cockpit cover, it is still made of excellent materials. It comes made of 600D marine-grade waterproof fabric. This type of material will give you more durability while at the same time, remain tear-resistant.
Due to its performance, this cockpit cover is commonly used on different types of kayaks and even SUPs.
The adjustable bungee cord will wrap around the kayak hull to offer a secure fit. Even if you have to transport the kayak, you will not have to worry about the cover coming off easily.
There are also hooks on the cover important for attaching the cover correctly. They also help to prevent the drape from easily sliding.
Pros
- Available in different sizes
- It keeps the dust and rain out
- The cords can securely wrap around the kayak
Cons
- The model has limited color options
Quick Cockpit Cover Installation Steps
It is easy to set up your cockpit cover over the kayak. Here are some quick tips to get started.
- Place one side of the cover on one of the kayak’s edge
- Proceed to adjust the cover gradually until it covers the entire cockpit opening
- Ensure the cover grips onto the rim of the cockpit. This ensures that the whole cockpit will be protected.
As much as it might be slightly hard to install the cover if you are new to using cockpit covers, it still works out once you install it.
Manufacturers will also send you a copy of the instructions on installing the cover. Some will have YouTube videos for installing such covers. So, make sure to check them out.
FAQs
Are kayak cockpit covers worth buying?
Yes. They are an ideal way of protecting your kayak cockpit from the elements. This includes things such as snow, rain, dust, and UV rays protection.
Are kayak cockpit covers durable?
It will depend on the materials used to make the cockpit cover. If it is made of durable material and used properly, then the kayak cover can last for long.
Where can you store the cockpit cover when not in use?
Most kayak cockpit covers will come with a carry bag. The carry bag will provide a place for you to store the cover easily. Also, these covers do not take up much space. You can store them in your car or house.
Conclusion
So far, you can see why more people would want to get the best kayak cockpit cover for their kayaks. These covers are useful in making sure that the cockpit can remain in good condition all along. As a result, you should be able to maintain your kayak better.
It can still be a nice gift to get for someone who is into kayaks. They will always find it being useful equipment to own.