There’s a simple joy in owning a pedal boat. It’s the promise of a spontaneous sunset cruise, a quiet afternoon fishing with the kids, or just a lazy paddle across the lake. That promise, however, can quickly be soured by reality. We’ve all been there: you head down to the dock, full of enthusiasm, only to be greeted by a pedal boat half-filled with murky, leaf-stained rainwater. The seats are slick with algae, there are bird droppings on the canopy, and the once-vibrant plastic has a chalky, faded look. Before your fun can even begin, you’re stuck with a half-hour of bailing, scrubbing, and cleaning. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s the slow, steady degradation of your investment. Sun, rain, and debris are the hidden enemies of your lakeside fun, silently working to crack, fade, and ruin your vessel. A proper cover isn’t a luxury; it’s the essential first line of defense in preserving both your boat and your precious leisure time.
- Waterproof and UV Resistant Design: Constructed from long-lasting canvas fabric with a water-resistant PVC coating and anti-UV finish, this boat cover is built to withstand tearing, fading, wetting,...
- Wind Resistant and Snug Fit: The cover features a heavy-duty elastic cord sewn into the hemline, ensuring a secure and snug fit. It provides water resistance to protect your pedal boat from rain and...
- 112.5"(L) x 65"(W): Designed to fit most brands' 3 or 5 person pedal boats, such as Sun Dolphin. Please ensure your boat is smaller than the cover for a proper fit. This pedal boat cover is...
What to Demand from a Pedal Boat Cover Before You Buy
A pedal boat cover is more than just a sheet of fabric; it’s a key solution for safeguarding your vessel from the elements and maximizing its lifespan. Its primary benefit is protection—against UV rays that cause plastic to become brittle and colors to fade, against rainwater that pools and creates a breeding ground for mildew, and against leaves, pine needles, and other debris that can clog mechanisms and stain surfaces. By keeping your boat clean, dry, and shielded from the sun, a good cover ensures it’s always ready for immediate use, saving you countless hours of maintenance and preserving its resale value. The right cover transforms your boat from a seasonal chore into a perpetually ready source of enjoyment. For those who want to see a prime example of this protective gear, you can explore the specifications of the iCOVER Pedal Boat Cover Water Proof right now.
The ideal customer for this type of product is a pedal boat owner who moors their boat at a dock or leaves it on the shoreline for extended periods. This includes lakeside homeowners, cabin owners, or anyone who keeps their boat in one place for the season. They need a simple, effective way to protect it between uses without the hassle of hauling it in and out of storage. Conversely, this specific type of cover might not be suitable for those who frequently transport their boat on a trailer. The iCOVER Pedal Boat Cover Water Proof, for instance, is explicitly designed for mooring only, lacking the straps and reinforced construction needed to withstand highway speeds. Those users should look for trailerable boat covers with robust strapping systems.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Fit: A cover is useless if it doesn’t fit properly. A loose cover will flap in the wind, act like a sail, and likely end up in the lake, while a cover that’s too small will be impossible to put on or will leave parts of the boat exposed. Measure your boat’s length and width carefully and compare it to the cover’s stated dimensions (112.5″ L x 65″ W for this model). A snug fit, often achieved with a strong elastic hem, is critical for keeping the cover secure.
- Weather Resistance & Material: Look for materials designed for the outdoors. The iCOVER Pedal Boat Cover Water Proof uses a polyester canvas with a water-resistant PVC coating and an anti-UV finish. This combination is designed to shed water and reflect harmful solar radiation. The quality of these coatings directly impacts how long the cover will last before it starts to fade, crack, or leak.
- Durability & Longevity: The term “heavy-duty” can be subjective. True durability comes from the thickness of the fabric, the quality of the stitching at the seams, and the resilience of the elastic cord. Double-stitched seams are less likely to pull apart under stress from wind or pooling water. As our testing reveals, this is an area where budget-friendly covers can sometimes make significant compromises.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A cover should solve a problem, not create a new one. It should be light enough for one person to handle and simple to secure. Features like an included storage bag are a huge plus for keeping the cover tidy when not in use. Additionally, a water-repellent finish makes cleaning as simple as hosing it down, which is a key feature for long-term care.
Understanding these factors is key to choosing a cover that will serve you well season after season. It’s the difference between a smart purchase and a frustrating waste of money.
While the iCOVER Pedal Boat Cover Water Proof is an excellent choice for a specific user, 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...
First Impressions: A First Look at Fit and Finish
Unpacking the iCOVER Pedal Boat Cover Water Proof, the first thing we noticed was its compact size, neatly folded into the included storage pouch—a thoughtful touch that’s genuinely useful for stowing in the boat’s cooler compartment. The material itself, a brilliant blue polyester canvas, feels lightweight yet substantial. While the “heavy-duty” label might evoke images of stiff, weighty canvas, this material is more pliable, making it easy to handle. The PVC coating on the underside gives it a slick, waterproof feel, and the seams appear competently stitched upon initial inspection. The most prominent feature is the heavy-duty elastic cord sewn directly into the entire hemline. It feels robust and has significant tension, which immediately suggests it’s designed for a very snug fit. We tested the fit on a Sun Dolphin 5-person pedal boat, a model specifically mentioned as compatible. The cover stretched over the vessel with a satisfying tautness, hugging the contours tightly. The initial impression is one of a purpose-built, well-sized cover that, for its very reasonable price, appears to be a solid contender right out of the bag. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of its design.
Key Benefits
- Provides a very snug, specific fit for many 3 and 5-person pedal boats, particularly Sun Dolphin models.
- Extremely affordable price point makes it accessible for seasonal or budget-conscious protection.
- The waterproof PVC coating effectively beads and sheds light rain and morning dew.
- Includes a convenient storage bag for easy and compact organization when not in use.
Drawbacks
- Long-term durability is a significant concern, with numerous reports of tearing and fading within a single season.
- The elastic-hem-only design lacks secondary straps or cinches, making it vulnerable to being blown off in high winds.
Putting the iCOVER Pedal Boat Cover Through Its Paces
A cover’s true worth isn’t judged on its first day out of the bag; it’s proven over weeks and months of exposure to sun, wind, and rain. We put the iCOVER Pedal Boat Cover Water Proof through a comprehensive, real-world evaluation at a lakeside mooring, subjecting it to the very conditions it was designed to defeat. Our findings reveal a product with a distinct split personality: one of excellent initial performance and another of questionable long-term resilience.
Fit and Security: The Double-Edged Sword of the Elastic Hem
The single most debated aspect of this cover is its fit, and our experience confirmed the polarized feedback. On our Sun Dolphin 5-person boat, the fit was, in a word, perfect. It was tight, requiring a firm and deliberate pull to stretch it over the boat’s perimeter. This snugness, as another user happily noted, “keeps it secure” and gives the boat a clean, protected look. The elastic hem grips firmly under the boat’s lip, and initially, it feels like it’s not going anywhere. This is precisely what you want to prevent debris from blowing underneath.
However, this tight tolerance is also its weakness. We heard from users who found it “extremely hard to put on, requiring two people,” which tells us that if your boat is even slightly larger than the target dimensions, you will face a serious struggle. One user even reported it was “Too narrow” for their boat. This isn’t a “one-size-fits-most” cover; it’s a “one-size-fits-a-very-specific-shape” cover. You must measure your boat meticulously before purchase.
The more critical issue we discovered during a windy afternoon was the complete reliance on that single elastic cord for security. The product description boasts a “wind-resistant design,” but without any secondary tie-down straps, buckles, or a cinch cord, its resistance has a low threshold. A strong, sustained gust of wind was able to get under one edge of the cover, and once the seal was broken, the cover lifted and was halfway off the boat. This confirms the experience of a frustrated user who found the wind had “blown it right off the side of the boat.” For a product intended for mooring, this is a significant design flaw. We found that this could be mitigated by using external clamps or bungee cords to secure the cover to the boat, as a resourceful user suggested, but this is a workaround for a problem that shouldn’t exist. This is a crucial factor to consider if your mooring location is exposed to frequent wind, and a feature that really sets it apart from more secure, albeit expensive, options.
Weather Resistance: A Tale of Two Realities
In terms of its primary function—keeping water out—the iCOVER Pedal Boat Cover Water Proof performed admirably at first. We gave it a thorough test with a garden hose, and the water beaded up and rolled right off the PVC-coated surface, leaving the interior bone dry. For repelling morning dew, light sprinkles, and bird droppings, it works exactly as advertised. The material is, by all measures, waterproof.
The problem arises not from the material itself, but from the lack of support. During the first significant rainstorm, a familiar issue with all unsupported covers became apparent: pooling. Without a high point in the center, rainwater collected in a large, heavy puddle in the middle of the cover, causing it to sag dramatically. This puts immense stress on the fabric and seams. Worse, we found that this heavy pool of water could weigh the cover down enough to pull the elastic hem loose in one area, allowing the accumulated water to spill into the boat. This perfectly explains the baffling experience of a user who stated the boat had “nearly as much water with the cover as it did without.” It wasn’t leaking through the fabric; the design was allowing it to fail under load.
We tested a brilliant solution proposed by another user: placing several inflated beach balls or other buoyant objects in the footwells and on the seats before putting on the cover. This creates a high point, or a “tenting” effect, which forces the water to run off the sides instead of pooling. This simple hack completely transformed the cover’s performance in the rain. It went from being a liability in a downpour to a genuinely effective rain shield. While it’s an excellent fix, it’s disappointing that such a modification is necessary for the product to function reliably in its core task.
Durability and Longevity: The Elephant in the Room
This is where the attractive price point of the iCOVER Pedal Boat Cover Water Proof collides with the harsh reality of long-term outdoor exposure. While our short-term test didn’t result in catastrophic failure, the chorus of user experiences paints a clear and concerning picture of its longevity. Reports of the cover being “in shreds” in under a year, developing a “big tear down the middle” after just 43 days, or a corner tearing after only two weeks of use are too numerous to ignore.
The cause is twofold: UV degradation and material stress. First, the anti-UV finish, while present, doesn’t seem to be of a high-end caliber. The user who shared a photo of their severely faded cover is a testament to this. We noticed a slight loss of color vibrancy even after a few weeks in the summer sun. This UV damage doesn’t just affect the color; it weakens the polyester fibers, making them brittle and susceptible to tearing. A sudden wind gust or the stress from pooling water can then cause the weakened fabric to rip easily.
The “heavy-duty” claim feels like a marketing stretch. The fabric is simply not thick or robust enough to withstand constant environmental stress for an extended period. For an owner in a mild climate with a shaded mooring spot, it might last a season or two. But for anyone in a region with intense sun, high winds, or heavy rain, this cover appears to be a temporary solution at best. It’s a classic case of getting what you pay for. It provides immediate protection at a low cost, but you should not expect it to be a multi-year investment. When considering this product, it’s vital to check the latest price and availability and weigh it against the potential need for a replacement sooner rather than later.
What Other Users Are Saying
A survey of user feedback on the iCOVER Pedal Boat Cover Water Proof reveals a clear and consistent split in customer satisfaction, largely divided between initial impressions and long-term results. On one side, there is a significant group of satisfied customers who praise its value and fit. Comments like, “Great cover fits perfectly over my paddle boat,” and “Fits my Sun Dolphin 5 perfectly. Nice and snug fit,” are common. These users are typically pleased with the immediate solution it provides for keeping their boat clean at a very reasonable price.
However, an equally vocal, and arguably more passionate, group of users expresses profound disappointment with the product’s durability. One user’s terse summary, “I didnt even have a year and it is in shreds,” encapsulates the core complaint. Another lamented, “I was stoked at first it fit great. Then 43 days later… the cover had big tear down the middle.” This highlights the product’s critical flaw: it makes a fantastic first impression but often fails to endure even a single season of use. The brilliant “beach ball hack” to prevent water pooling is a key piece of advice that seems to be a necessity for anyone hoping to get the most out of their purchase, something we also highly recommend. Seeing this feedback gives a full picture of the product’s lifecycle, which you can further explore through its online user review section.
How Does the iCOVER Stack Up? Three Alternatives to Consider
While the iCOVER Pedal Boat Cover Water Proof serves a specific niche, it’s important to understand what else is available. Depending on your boat type and priorities—be it durability, trailerability, or features—one of these alternatives might be a better fit.
1. Classic Accessories StormPro Heavy-Duty Boat Cover 12-14 ft
- TRAILERABLE BOAT COVER: Fits boats 12' - 14' L, beam width to 68" W without windshield (including V-hull fishing boats and others)
- MARINE GRADE BOATING ACCESSORIES: Won't shrink or stretch, designed for extra durability, fabric coating technology for max water repellency, UV protection, mildew resistance and all-weather...
- INCLUDES SUPPORT POLE: Prevents water from pooling and helps preserve the cover while dual rear air vents with build in stiffeners reduce wind pressure and allows inside moisture to escape
The Classic Accessories StormPro represents a significant step up in overall quality and is geared toward owners of smaller V-hull or fishing boats. While not custom-fit for a pedal boat’s unique shape, its heavy-duty 600D polyester fabric is far more robust and abrasion-resistant than the iCOVER’s material. The key differentiator is its integrated strapping system and stuff sack, which makes it fully trailerable and far more secure in high winds. If your primary concerns are long-term durability and the ability to travel with your cover on, and you own a boat with a more conventional shape in the 12-14 ft range, the StormPro is a much wiser investment despite its higher price.
2. NEVERLAND V-Hull Boat Cover Waterproof Heavy Duty
- Universal Boat Cover - NEVERLAND Boat cover fits V shape, V-Hull, Tri-hull, Runabouts, Pro-Style bass boat and so on. This trailerable boat cover suitable for boat up to 20ft-22ft long and beam width...
- Waterproof Design - Boat cover made of durable 'RIPSTOP' marine grade oxford fabric with water resistant PVC coating and anti-UV finish. Bass boat cover will protect your boat perfectly from the sun,...
- All-round protection - Bass tracker boat cover equipped with 13 adjustable straps and quick-release windproof buckles, elastic cords around the bottom edge ensure a tight fit, which allow you to...
The NEVERLAND cover is in a different league entirely, designed for much larger boats from 20 to 22 feet. We include it here to illustrate what a true marine-grade, heavy-duty cover entails. It boasts features like marine-grade polyester canvas, a comprehensive set of adjustable straps for a “shrink-wrap” fit, and a design that’s built to withstand the rigors of highway trailering and harsh marine environments. For the owner of a larger runabout or bass boat who may have stumbled upon this review, the NEVERLAND cover is a prime example of a long-term protective solution. It’s a stark contrast to the iCOVER’s simple, mooring-only design, highlighting the importance of matching the cover to the boat type and intended use.
3. Fuprosico 16-18 ft Boat Cover Heavy Duty Waterproof
- Superior Protection & Heavy-Duty Fabric: Fuprosico boat cover is constructed from robust 1200D polyester, providing exceptional wind resistance and long-lasting durability. Its double-layer PU coating...
- Secure, Custom Fit & Windproof: Achieve a precise, 360-degree fit with the elastic hem cord along the bottom edge. For ultimate security in strong winds, 11 adjustable tie-down straps with...
- Automatic Drainage System: The drainage kit that comes with your bass tracker boat cover 16-18 ft is designed to keep your boat dry by effectively preventing water buildup. Even in heavy rain, the...
The Fuprosico cover strikes a balance between features and value for the mid-size boat owner. Its standout feature is the extremely durable 1200D fabric, which is significantly thicker and more tear-resistant than most competitors in its class, including the iCOVER. It also comes as a complete package, often including a separate motor cover and innovative fast drainage kits to combat the very water pooling issue that plagues the iCOVER. For an owner of a 16-18 ft V-hull or fishing boat, the Fuprosico offers a comprehensive, feature-rich system that provides superior protection against water, UV rays, and transport-related wear and tear. It’s an excellent choice for those who want maximum durability and thoughtful features without moving into the premium price bracket.
Our Final Word on the iCOVER Pedal Boat Cover Water Proof
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the iCOVER Pedal Boat Cover Water Proof is clear: it is a budget-friendly, short-term solution with significant compromises. Its greatest strength is its precise, snug fit on specific 3-to-5-person pedal boat models like the popular Sun Dolphin series, combined with a price tag that is undeniably attractive. Initially, it does an excellent job of repelling water and keeping out debris, fulfilling its basic promise. However, its Achilles’ heel is its questionable long-term durability and its simplistic elastic-only security system, which is inadequate for windy conditions.
We would recommend this cover to a very specific user: someone who needs a cheap, temporary cover for a compatible boat in a sheltered location with mild weather. If you are prepared to implement a “beach ball” system to prevent water pooling and potentially add your own clamps or straps for wind security, it can serve its purpose for a season. For anyone living in an area with intense sun, frequent storms, or high winds, we strongly advise you to view this cover as a temporary fix and invest in a more robust, durable, and secure solution. The initial savings are not worth the frustration of a shredded cover and a water-logged boat halfway through the summer. If you fit the ideal user profile and understand its limitations, you can purchase the iCOVER Pedal Boat Cover Water Proof here.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API