Measuring your boat for a cover is one of the most important fundamentals when ensuring a cover that fits and functions properly. Once you understand the process, it becomes much simpler and easier to measure. Before you can buy a boat cover for your boat, you need to know exactly what size cover to buy. You also need to be sure that the cover will fit properly and protect your boat from the elements.
If you’re planning to get a cover for your boat and other boat parts from PartsVu, you must ensure it’s measured correctly. This can be a little tricky, so we’ve created a checklist to help you out.
First, make sure to put your boat on jack stands before doing any measuring. This will allow you to get the right measurements and keep the boat off any surfaces that might damage it while it’s being worked on.
Prepare to Take Measurements
Before you start measuring your boat, there are some things that you need to do. First, collect the necessary tools that you will need for the project. These include a tape measure, pencil and paper, a calculator, and a ladder. You should also have a measuring wheel if you have an unusually shaped boat. If you don’t have one of these tools available, you can use a tape measure instead.
Gather the Necessary Tools
Next, find a nice quiet spot where you can take measurements without interruption. This could be in your garage or driveway, but if it’s windy outside, this might not be the best place to get accurate results! Also, be sure that no one else is around while taking measurements because they might accidentally bump into your boat and mess up everything!
Now that we’ve got that out let’s start measuring! If at any point during this process something doesn’t feel right or seems off, stop immediately and go back over whatever step caused trouble, so it doesn’t happen again later on down the line when more expensive materials are involved!
Measure from Bow to Stern
When purchasing a boat cover, it is important to measure your boat before purchasing. This will ensure that the cover is a perfect fit for your boat and will last for years. It is recommended that you have a friend help when measuring your boat, as it can be difficult to get an accurate measurement while on the water. You must measure from the bow (front) to the stern (back). Make sure you do not include any cushions or seats with the boat.
This is important because it helps determine how much room you have for your cover to fit. Ensure you account for protrusions, such as outboard motors or trim tabs. Remember that this measurement is in feet, not inches, so if your boat measures 22 feet long, write down 22 feet (or 6 meters).
Measure from Port to Starboard
You will also want to measure from the port (left) side of the boat to the starboard (right) side of the boat. Note any differences between measurements if there are discrepancies between your vessel’s sides. Measure from the left side of your boat to its right side. Again, ensure you account for any protrusions that might be sticking into the water (e.g., an anchor or a fishing rod). If your boat measures 22 feet long but has a 10-foot fishing pole sticking out at an angle on one side, you should write down 22 feet and 10 feet when measuring from port to starboard.
Measure from the Centerline to the Beam
Another thing you’ll want to do when taking measurements for your boat cover is measure from the centerline of your boat, which is an imaginary line that runs down the middle of your boat to its beam. The beam is the widest part of your boat and will be measured at its widest point.
You mustn’t include any hatches or deck equipment when taking this measurement. Instead, measure the widest part of the hull below hatches or deck equipment.
Measure from the Pinnacle to the Keel (Centerline)
The next measurement you need to take is from the pinnacle (the highest point) on your boat’s bow (forward end) down to its keel (back end). This can be done by measuring vertically, then dividing that number by two and multiplying it by three-and-a-half feet (the distance between the bow and stern). The result will give you an inch measurement, which will be used in calculating other measurements.
Document Your Findings & Order Your Cover & Boat Parts from PartsVu
After you have measured your boat and its measurements, document these findings on paper. Use this paper to write down any other details about your boat that might be helpful when ordering a cover (e.g., if there’s a window in the cockpit).
Once you have documented your findings about your boat, go to PartsVu’s website, and check out our selection of covers! We have dozens of options in all sizes, so no matter how big or small your boat is, we have something that will fit perfectly. We have everything covered, from full-length covers to custom-fit covers designed specifically for certain types of boats (such as ski boats)! Buy other boat parts from PartsVu and get discounts on every deal!
