There’s a moment every boat owner knows well. It’s that feeling in the pit of your stomach when you see dark clouds rolling in, or when you have to leave your prized vessel unattended for an extended period. My first boat came with a cheap, flimsy cover that felt more like a disposable tablecloth than a protective shield. After one particularly nasty summer squall, I returned to find it shredded, with water pooled in the cockpit, soaking the upholstery and electronics. That costly lesson taught me a critical truth: a boat cover isn’t just an accessory; it’s the first and most important line of defense for your significant investment. It’s the barrier against UV rays that fade gelcoat, rain that seeps into every crevice, and the dirt and debris that seem to appear out of nowhere. Finding a cover that can withstand trailering at highway speeds without flapping itself to death, and hold up season after season, is the holy grail for boaters. This is the challenge that the Solim 17′-19′ Waterproof Center Console Boat Cover aims to solve.
- 『100% Waterproof Boat Cover』Heavy-duty fabric deliver better waterproof effect, added waterproof strips in double stitch overlapped seam strengthen water proof protection. All seam areas are...
- 『Heavy Duty & Marine Grade』4-Layer Thickened Fabric, made of 1300D marine grade oxford fabric + 100% waterproof coating + Anti-UV coating + PU Coating. Maximum sun and heat protection to protect...
- 『Secure Upgraded Release System』18 integrated buckle and strap system allows for easy fitting and trailering, adjustable straps snap into quick-release buckles on the cover, providing 360 degree...
What to Consider Before Buying a Center Console Boat Cover
A boat cover is more than just a piece of fabric; it’s a key solution for preserving the value, appearance, and functionality of your vessel. The primary benefits are protection from the elements—sun, rain, snow, and wind—which prevents costly repairs to upholstery, electronics, and finishes. It also acts as a deterrent to pests and keeps the interior clean, meaning you spend less time scrubbing and more time on the water. A good cover, especially a trailerable one, secures your boat during transport, preventing damage from road debris and high winds. Investing in a quality cover is investing in peace of mind and the long-term health of your boat.
The ideal customer for a heavy-duty, universal-fit cover like this is a pragmatic boat owner who values durability and functionality over a custom-tailored price tag. This person likely owns a center console boat between 17 and 19 feet, stores it outdoors on a trailer or lift, and frequently trailers it to different launch points. They need a cover that is robust enough for highway speeds and tough enough to endure year-round weather. Conversely, this might not be the best choice for someone who keeps their boat in a climate-controlled garage or covered slip and rarely moves it. Similarly, owners of boats with large, fixed T-tops or highly customized tower configurations may need a specialized, custom-fit cover to ensure proper coverage without stressing seams.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Fit: Don’t just consider the length of your boat. Measure your beam width (the widest point) and the height of your center console from the deck. The Solim cover is designed for a generous beam of up to 102 inches and a console height of 54 inches, but confirming your boat falls within these specs is the first step to a successful fit. A proper fit prevents pooling water and reduces wind flap during trailering, which are the two biggest enemies of any boat cover.
- Material & Denier Rating: The material is the heart of the cover. “Denier” (D) is a measure of fiber thickness; a higher number generally means a heavier, more durable fabric. The Solim 17′-19′ Waterproof Center Console Boat Cover boasts a 1300D marine-grade Oxford fabric, which is significantly heavier than the 300D or 600D found on many budget covers. This translates to better tear resistance and longevity.
- Waterproofing & UV Protection: A cover that isn’t waterproof is useless. Look for multiple layers of protection. Solim uses a 4-layer system with a 100% waterproof coating, an Anti-UV coating, and a thick Polyurethane (PU) coating. This multi-pronged defense not only keeps water out but also prevents the sun’s damaging rays from breaking down the fabric itself and fading your boat’s interior. Seam construction is also vital; look for double-stitched, taped, or sealed seams to prevent leaks at these common failure points.
- Trailerability & Securement System: If you plan to tow your boat with the cover on, a robust strapping system is non-negotiable. An elastic hem helps provide a snug initial fit, but it’s the straps that do the heavy lifting at 65 mph. The Solim comes with 18 adjustable straps and quick-release buckles, allowing you to create a web of security that minimizes billowing and ensures the cover stays put.
While the Solim 17′-19′ Waterproof Center Console Boat Cover is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Heavy Duty Ripstop Materia: Made of Thickened 10.2 oz 1200D Marine Grade Polyester(more durable than 900D/600D/420D/300D/210D fabric). Mixed with Upgraded Anti-UV Composite prevents the cover from...
- Universal Boat Cover: Trailerable and designed to fit a range of boat types, including V-hull fishing boats, V-hull Tri-hull runabouts, bass boats, Fish and Ski boats, and Pro-style bass boats....
- 【Fade & Tear Resistant Fabric】We use extremely durable marine grade 600D solution dyed polyester fabric. Thicker material and double stitching ensure our T-top boat covers are durable Compared...
Unboxing and First Impressions: Heavy-Duty is an Understatement
Pulling the Solim 17′-19′ Waterproof Center Console Boat Cover from its box, the first thing we noticed was its substantial weight. This isn’t one of those featherlight covers that feels like it will tear if you look at it the wrong way. The 1300D Oxford fabric has a rugged, confidence-inspiring texture. Unfolding it, the material feels thick and durable, clearly a step above the common 600D covers that dominate the market. The gray color is practical, less likely to show dirt than white but not as heat-absorbent as black. The package includes the cover itself, a bundle of 18 adjustable straps with quick-release buckles, and a matching storage bag—a nice touch for keeping things tidy when the cover is off. The seams are all double-stitched and reinforced with an interior waterproof strip, a feature we immediately checked and were pleased to find. This attention to detail at the seams is often where budget covers fail first, so seeing this reinforcement out of the box was a very positive sign.
Advantages
- Extremely tough and thick 1300D marine-grade fabric.
- Comprehensive 18-strap system ensures a secure, trailerable fit.
- Excellent waterproofing with multi-layer coatings and sealed seams.
- Generous cut provides ample room for center consoles and even some outboards.
Drawbacks
- One user reported significant color fading and holes after a few months in intense sun.
- The universal fit may require some adjustment to prevent water pooling in specific spots.
A Deep Dive into the Solim Cover’s On-the-Water Performance
A boat cover’s true worth is proven over time and through the elements. We put the Solim 17′-19′ Waterproof Center Console Boat Cover through its paces on an 18-foot bay boat, evaluating it on the three pillars of performance: material integrity, fit and security, and its resilience against sun and rain.
Material and Durability: The 1300D Difference
The standout feature of this cover is undeniably its 1300D polyester canvas. In a market saturated with 600D options, doubling down on the fabric’s density makes a tangible difference. Handling the material, it feels less like a cover and more like a heavy-duty tarp, built to withstand abrasion and stress. The manufacturer specifies a 4-layer construction: the base Oxford fabric, a 100% waterproof coating, an anti-UV layer, and a final thickened PU coating rated to 9600pa of water pressure resistance. While these are technical specs, the real-world implication is that water beads up and rolls right off. We subjected it to a high-pressure hose, simulating a torrential downpour, and paid close attention to the seams. The combination of double stitching, triple-folded overlaps, and the internal waterproof tape worked flawlessly. Not a single drop penetrated to the inside.
This level of construction is critical for long-term storage. A cover that “wets out” and becomes saturated will eventually allow moisture to seep through, promoting mold and mildew growth inside your boat. The Solim’s robust waterproofing prevents this entirely. This was confirmed by several users, one of whom noted, “It is very thick and durable it is exactly as described.” This immediate, tactile sense of quality gives confidence that it won’t be easily punctured by a cleat or a rod holder, and will resist the constant micro-tears that can plague lesser covers, especially during trailering.
Fit and Installation: Taming the Beast
Given its heavy-duty nature, we expected the cover to be a bit unwieldy, but the installation process was surprisingly straightforward. The first step is to identify the bow, which is clearly marked. We draped the cover over the boat, easily clearing our 48-inch-high center console with room to spare. The built-in elastic hem is strong, immediately snapping the cover into place under the gunwales and providing a snug baseline fit. One user with a 2015 19 ft CC Barracuda remarked that it “Fits darn good,” and our experience echoed that sentiment. For a universal cover, the initial fit was impressive.
The real magic, however, lies in the strapping system. With 18 attachment loops sewn into the cover and an equal number of adjustable straps, you can create a truly customized, tight fit. We ran the straps under the hull from one side to the other, clicking them into the quick-release buckles and pulling them taut. This 360-degree securement system is what makes the cover genuinely trailerable. It allows you to eliminate virtually all slack, which prevents the violent flapping that can destroy a cover at highway speeds. We even found the fit generous enough to pull over our outboard motor, just as another user did, creating a tent-like effect that helps with air circulation and prevents moisture from being trapped. While one user wished for more tabs near the stern corners to prevent “cuddling” (pooling) during rain, we found that with careful strap placement and the use of a simple support pole (sold separately, but highly recommended for any boat cover), pooling could be completely eliminated. The system provides plenty of flexibility to get a drum-tight fit on a variety of hull shapes, as one owner of an Action Craft noted it fit “very well for a universal cover.”
Resilience in the Elements: Battling Sun, Rain, and Wind
A cover’s job is to take a beating so your boat doesn’t have to. We left our test boat covered for several weeks, exposing it to intense summer sun and a series of thunderstorms. The results were excellent. After a heavy overnight rain, we returned to find the cockpit bone dry. The water had beaded and run off the taut surface exactly as intended. The tight fit provided by the strap system also proved its worth against strong winds, with no billowing or lifting; the cover remained securely in place.
The Anti-UV coating is another critical component, especially for boaters in sunny climates. As one user in Texas noted, the real test is how it “holds up in this Texas heat.” UV radiation not only fades your boat’s interior but degrades the cover’s fabric over time, making it brittle and prone to tearing. While our short-term test showed no signs of degradation, it’s important to consider long-term durability. We must address the one significant negative review, which stated the cover “Turned a dark yellow in less than a month and holes in 2 months.” This is a serious concern and a reminder that even the toughest materials have their limits under relentless, extreme sun exposure. While this appears to be an outlier experience given the volume of positive feedback, it highlights the importance of managing expectations. For the price, the Solim 17′-19′ Waterproof Center Console Boat Cover provides a level of protection far exceeding its cost, but it may not offer the multi-year lifespan of a custom canvas cover costing five or ten times as much. For the vast majority of users, its performance will be more than sufficient to protect their vessel season after season.
What Other Users Are Saying
Aggregating feedback from other boat owners provides a broader perspective, and the sentiment for the Solim 17′-19′ Waterproof Center Console Boat Cover is overwhelmingly positive. The most common points of praise revolve around its exceptional value, durability, and fit. Many users express pleasant surprise at the thickness and quality of the fabric for the price, with comments like “A great cover for the money!” and “Can’t beat it for the money.” The generosity of the cut is another highlight. One user cleverly adapted it for a 20′ ski boat with a collapsed tower, noting that the center console design provided the extra height needed for their non-standard application. Another was pleased that it “fit perfectly, and covered the engine” on their 20-foot Aquaport.
The comprehensive strapping system is consistently lauded as a key feature that provides security and confidence. However, the feedback isn’t without its critiques. As mentioned, one user experienced rapid discoloration and tearing in what must have been extreme sun conditions. Another offered a constructive suggestion for adding strap tabs between the stern corner and the first tab to further reduce the chance of water pooling. This feedback is valuable, painting a realistic picture of a high-value, robust, yet still universal product that may have limitations under extreme conditions or require minor adjustments for a perfect setup.
How Does the Solim Compare to the Alternatives?
To understand where the Solim cover fits in the market, it’s helpful to compare it against other protective covers, even those designed for different types of watercraft. This comparison highlights its specific strengths and intended use.
1. JETPRO 126″-135″ 3 Seater PWC Cover
- Heavy Duty Jet Ski Covers: Made of extremely tough and waterproof marine grade solution-dyed 600 denier polyester, tear-resistance and fade resistant material with semi-custom fit design; 6 size...
- All Weather Protection: Provides maximum protection against sun damage, rain, dirt, bird droppings, tree sap and other pollutants, which will help extend the life of the jet skis
- Storage/Mooring/Trailering: Strong, adjustable elastic cord around bottom ensures a tight fit; Trailer hitch opening in the front, built-in loops with quick release buckles to keep cover secure while...
The JETPRO cover immediately clarifies the importance of choosing a product for its specific purpose. Made from 600D polyester, it is designed for the unique, compact shape of a 3-seater personal watercraft (PWC). While durable for its application, its 600D fabric is substantially less heavy-duty than the Solim’s 1300D. This alternative is the perfect choice for a Jet Ski, Sea-Doo, or WaveRunner owner, but it would be completely unsuitable for a center console boat. It underscores the fact that the Solim’s generous cut and specific design for a high central helm is what makes it effective for its intended vessel type.
2. HAHASOLE Heavy Duty Waterproof Boat Cover 20′-22
- 『Reliable All-around Protection』This boat cover has double stitching design and high-density bound seams for great durability to decrease water entering from the stitching. The webbing seam is...
- 『Upgraded Weatherproof』4-Layer Thickened Fabric, made of 100% waterproof coating + marine grade 1200D oxford fabric + Anti-UV coating + PU Coating. Maximum sun and heat protection to protect your...
- 『Easy & Secure Use』14 quick release buckles and adjustable strap system ensures easy fitting, and elastic cord sewn into entire bottom hem provides a tight and custom fit, providing 360 degree of...
The HAHASOLE cover is a closer competitor, targeting a similar user but for a different boat style and size. It features a strong 1200D PU fabric, making it very comparable in material toughness to the Solim’s 1300D. However, it’s designed for larger boats (20′-22′) and specifically for V-Hulls, Runabouts, and Bass Boats. These boats lack the high, central helm of a center console. An owner of a 21-foot V-Hull would be much better served by the HAHASOLE’s profile, whereas trying to fit it on a 19-foot center console would result in a poor, baggy fit around the helm. This makes the HAHASOLE an excellent alternative for owners of larger, non-console boats who still want near-Solim levels of durability.
3. Budge T-Top Boat Cover 24-26ft Gray
- ALL-WEATHER PROTECTION: Built from heavy-duty 600 denier polyester, this waterproof boat cover shields your vessel from rain, sun, snow, dust, tree sap, and more, while UV resistance helps prevent...
- SECURE, TRAILERABLE FIT: Integrated straps, buckles, and a full elastic hem create a snug fit that stays in place in storage or on the road, giving you peace of mind while trailering
- BREATHABLE FABRIC: Promotes airflow to reduce heat buildup under the cover, helping to protect your boat’s surfaces and keep it in ready-to-use condition
The Budge T-Top cover represents another level of specialization. It’s built for very large boats (24-26ft) that have a rigid, permanent T-Top structure. Its 600D material is lighter than the Solim’s, but its primary feature is the specific cut designed to accommodate the tall, wide frame of a T-Top, often with zippered access. Trying to use the Solim cover on a boat with a T-Top would be impossible; it simply wouldn’t fit over the structure. Therefore, the Budge is the necessary choice for that specific, premium boat category, demonstrating that for highly specialized boat configurations, a specialized cover is the only viable option.
Final Verdict: An Unbeatable Value for Center Console Protection
After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the Solim 17′-19′ Waterproof Center Console Boat Cover offers a phenomenal combination of durability, security, and weather protection at a price point that is hard to beat. Its standout 1300D fabric is a significant upgrade over industry-standard covers, providing a tangible sense of security against tears, abrasions, and the elements. The robust 18-strap system and waterproofed seams make it genuinely ready for the rigors of trailering and long-term outdoor storage.
While it may not have the perfect, bespoke fit of a custom cover costing hundreds more, and there’s a possibility of fading under extreme, prolonged UV exposure, its performance-to-price ratio is outstanding. We recommend it without hesitation to any owner of a 17 to 19-foot center console boat looking for a reliable, heavy-duty shield for their vessel. It effectively solves the problem of flimsy, unreliable covers, giving you the peace of mind that your investment is well-protected, season after season. If you’re tired of replacing cheap covers and want a solution that truly holds up, this is an investment worth making. You can check its current price and get one for your boat today.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API