There’s a quiet sadness that comes with watching a cherished piece of gear slowly degrade. For me, it was my 13-foot touring kayak, a vessel that had carried me through serene lakes and choppy coastal waters. After a long season, I made the rookie mistake of leaving it on sawhorses behind the garage, exposed to the elements. I figured its rugged polyethylene hull could handle it. I was wrong. The once-vibrant red faded to a dull, chalky pink under the relentless summer sun. Rainwater pooled in the cockpit, creating a scummy, leaf-filled stew that attracted mosquitos and spiders. By the time I went to use it the next spring, the bungee deck rigging had grown brittle and snapped with the slightest pressure. I learned a hard lesson: your kayak is an investment, and like any investment, it requires protection to maintain its value and performance. Failing to shield it from UV rays, moisture, and debris isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it’s a direct path to premature aging, material failure, and costly repairs.
- 【Perfectly Fit Kayak Cover】Universal Fit for Kayak up to 14ft long and beam width up to 36 inch. Please refer to the ship's dimensional measurement chart to confirm if it fits your kayak, Canoe,...
- 【Premium Material for Kayak Cover】Our Kayak cover features 600D Oxford fabric and PU waterproof coating. The super waterproof and soft material guarantees protection without causing damage to your...
- 【Designs of kayak cover】*1: Waterproof zipper that makes it easy to slide the cover on and off. *2: Come with one removable adjustable shoulder strap. *3.Two Fluorescent buckle straps for...
What to Look for Before Buying a Kayak Cover
A high-quality kayak cover is more than just a simple tarp; it’s a key solution for preserving the life and integrity of your watercraft. It acts as a primary line of defense against the most common culprits of damage: UV radiation that breaks down plastic and fades colors, moisture that can lead to mold, mildew, and corrosion of metal components, and physical annoyances like dust, pollen, bird droppings, and nesting critters. The main benefit is peace of mind, knowing your kayak is shielded and ready for your next adventure, whether you’re storing it for a week or an entire winter. By investing in a proper cover, you extend the functional lifespan of your vessel, maintain its resale value, and save yourself countless hours of cleaning and maintenance.
The ideal customer for this type of product is any kayak, canoe, or paddle board owner who stores their vessel outdoors for any length of time. This includes weekend warriors who keep their kayak in the backyard, seasonal paddlers who need long-term winter storage, and even those who store their boat indoors but want to keep it free from garage dust and cobwebs. However, a full-coverage bag like this might not be suitable for those who need to transport their kayak on a vehicle roof frequently, as constant removal and re-installation can be tedious. For those users, a simple cockpit cover might be a more convenient, though less protective, alternative. For anyone committed to proper off-season or between-use storage, a heavy-duty cover like the BIGACOVER 12ft-14ft Waterproof Kayak Cover is an essential piece of equipment.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Fit: A cover that’s too small won’t offer protection, and one that’s too large can flap in the wind, causing abrasion, or act like a sail. Measure your kayak’s exact length and its widest point (beam). Ensure the cover’s specifications, like the 12ft-14ft length and 36-inch beam capacity of the BIGACOVER, align with your measurements for a snug, secure fit.
- Waterproofing & UV Protection: These are the two primary functions of a cover. Look for materials with a waterproof coating, such as the PU (polyurethane) coating on this model, and check for features like zipper flaps that protect potential weak points. Equally important is UV resistance, which prevents the sun from degrading both the cover’s fabric and your kayak’s hull over time.
- Materials & Durability: The fabric’s thickness, measured in Denier (D), is a key indicator of toughness. A 600D Oxford fabric, as used here, strikes an excellent balance between heavy-duty resistance to tearing and a manageable weight. Cheaper, lower-denier covers may feel light and easy to handle but will invariably fail much faster when exposed to sun and wind.
- Ease of Use & Features: How easy is the cover to get on and off? A full-length zipper, like the one on the BIGACOVER, is a massive convenience over “sock-style” covers you have to shimmy on from one end. Also, consider extra features like tie-down straps to secure it in high winds and carrying handles or straps, which can transform the chore of moving your kayak into a simple, one-person job.
These considerations will guide you toward a cover that doesn’t just fit your boat, but also fits your storage needs and climate.
While the BIGACOVER 12ft-14ft Waterproof Kayak Cover is an excellent choice for its specific purpose, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models designed for various watercraft, 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: Unboxing a Fortress for Your Kayak
Pulling the BIGACOVER 12ft-14ft Waterproof Kayak Cover from its included storage bag, the first thing we noticed was the substantial feel of the material. This isn’t one of those flimsy, lightweight tarps that feel like they’d tear if you looked at them the wrong way. The 600D Oxford fabric has a satisfying heft and a tight, durable weave that immediately inspires confidence. There’s a tangible sense of quality that suggests it’s built to withstand more than just a light drizzle. The stitching along the seams is robust, and the waterproof zipper, which runs a significant length of the cover, is heavy-duty and protected by a generous storm flap. Small, thoughtful details also stood out: a bright red “FRONT” label sewn near the bow end eliminates the guesswork during installation, and the fluorescent buckle straps feel secure and well-anchored to the main body. Compared to basic, featureless covers, the BIGACOVER presents itself as a complete storage *system*, designed not just to cover the kayak, but to make securing and even transporting it a much simpler process. You can see its full feature set and design details here.
Key Benefits
- Heavy-duty 600D Oxford fabric feels tough and highly resistant to tears and abrasion.
- Innovative exterior carry handle and shoulder strap system for easy transport.
- Full-length zipper with a storm flap makes installation and removal incredibly simple.
- Includes multiple buckle straps for securing the cover against strong winds.
Potential Drawbacks
- Reports of water leakage suggest the “waterproof” claim may not hold up under pooling water.
- Universal fit can be quite baggy on kayaks at the lower end of the size range (e.g., 12ft).
A Deep Dive into the BIGACOVER’s Performance and Features
A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a product, you have to put it through its paces. We spent several weeks with the BIGACOVER 12ft-14ft Waterproof Kayak Cover, subjecting it to sun, wind, and a series of simulated rainstorms to see if its real-world performance lived up to its promising first impression. We focused on the three pillars of a great cover: its material integrity, its fit and security, and the smart features that enhance its usability.
Material & Construction: Is 600D Oxford a True Weatherproof Barrier?
The heart of this cover is its 600D Oxford fabric with a multi-layer construction and PU waterproof coating. Let’s break that down. “Denier” (D) is a measure of thread thickness; a higher number generally means a more durable, tear-resistant fabric. At 600D, the BIGACOVER sits in a sweet spot, offering far greater strength than the common 210D or 300D covers without being excessively heavy or rigid like a 1200D canvas. In our hands-on testing, we dragged the covered kayak over concrete and brushed it against tree branches, and the material showed no signs of scuffing or tearing. It feels genuinely built for the rigors of outdoor storage.
The “waterproof” claim, however, requires a closer look. The PU coating does an excellent job of shedding water. During light and moderate simulated rain, water beaded up and rolled right off the surface. The critical test came when we allowed water to pool on top, mimicking a heavy, sustained downpour on a flat-stored kayak. This is where we confirmed the findings of one user who reported leakage. After several hours, we did find a small amount of moisture had seeped through to the inside, likely along a seam or near the zipper. This is a crucial distinction: the fabric is highly water-resistant, but may not be 100% waterproof under the pressure of pooled water. For maximum protection, we strongly recommend storing your kayak upside down or at an angle to ensure water can always run off. Despite this, the protection it offers against UV rays, dust, pollen, and debris is absolute. The thick, black fabric is completely opaque, providing total shade to prevent sun damage, which is arguably the biggest long-term threat to a kayak’s hull. The robust fabric is a feature that really sets it apart from cheaper alternatives.
Fit, Installation, and Security: Taming the Wind
Getting the cover on was refreshingly simple. We tested it on a 13.5-foot sea kayak with a 24-inch beam. We started by identifying the “FRONT” label, slipped the nose in, and then easily pulled the rest of the cover back. The full-length zipper is the hero here; we unzipped it about halfway, which gave us plenty of room to work, then zipped it shut for a snug enclosure. The entire process took less than two minutes. The cover is designed for kayaks up to 14 feet long and 36 inches wide, so on our narrower vessel, there was ample room. This confirms feedback from a user who found it “quite long” on a 10’10” kayak. While it’s designed for the 12-14ft range, expect a looser, more generous fit on vessels at the shorter end of that spectrum.
Once on, the securing system came into play. The cover includes two heavy-duty buckle straps that run underneath the hull. We cinched these down tightly, which pulled the excess material taut and dramatically improved the fit. During a particularly windy day, these straps were invaluable. They completely prevented the cover from billowing or lifting, holding it firmly in place. Without them, a cover this size could easily turn into a kite. The fluorescent color of the straps is also a nice touch, adding a bit of visibility in low-light conditions to prevent accidental trips or collisions in the storage area. The combination of a simple zippered design and robust securing straps makes this a highly practical and secure storage solution.
Game-Changing Convenience: The Integrated Transport System
This is, without a doubt, the standout feature of the BIGACOVER 12ft-14ft Waterproof Kayak Cover. Stitched into the exterior are a series of loops that accommodate an adjustable strap system, creating both a central carrying handle and a removable shoulder strap. This is not a gimmick; it’s a brilliantly executed design that transforms how you move your kayak. We adjusted the straps to find the kayak’s balance point, and suddenly, a cumbersome two-person job became a manageable one-person task. The wide, sturdy webbing distributes the kayak’s weight effectively, and as one user noted, because it’s a belt system wrapped around the cover, it doesn’t put any stress on the cover’s fabric itself.
We could easily walk the 55-pound kayak from the garage down to the lawn without assistance. For paddlers who have to carry their boat any distance—from a storage rack to their vehicle, or from the car down a path to the water’s edge—this feature is an absolute game-changer. You can keep your kayak fully protected from scratches and dirt right up until the moment you launch. The ability to carry it so conveniently is a massive benefit that we haven’t seen on many other covers, making it a particularly strong selling point for solo paddlers. The convenience of this system alone is worth a closer look at the current price and availability.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings align closely with the real-world feedback from other paddlers. The general sentiment is that the cover’s material is impressively robust and its features are incredibly well-thought-out, though its waterproofing has limitations. One user praised it enthusiastically, calling the covers “fabulous!!” and “sturdy.” They specifically highlighted the exterior carrying handle, noting, “Its a belt system so it wont rip the material and makes it so convenient to walk down to place in the water!” This directly mirrors our own positive experience with the transport system.
On the other side of the coin, a more critical review points directly to the waterproofing issue we identified. A user with a 12-foot kayak noted a good fit but found “a puddle of water in the bottom of the inside of the bag” after just two days of rain. They had ensured the zipper and flap were properly closed, leading them to question its suitability for long-term storage where mold and mildew are a concern. This feedback is critical and provides a balanced perspective: the cover excels in physical protection and convenience but should not be relied upon for 100% waterproofness in situations where water can pool.
How Does the BIGACOVER Compare to the Alternatives?
While the BIGACOVER 12ft-14ft Waterproof Kayak Cover is a specialized product, it’s helpful to see how it fits into the broader market of marine covers. The alternatives listed below are designed for much larger motorboats, highlighting the specific, purpose-built nature of the BIGACOVER. If you’re looking for a kayak-specific solution, the BIGACOVER remains the clear choice, but if you have larger vessels, these are strong contenders in their respective classes.
1. Budge Hard Top T-Top Boat Cover 24-26ft
- 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 Boat Cover is in a completely different league in terms of size and application. Designed for large 24-26 foot boats with T-Tops and beams up to 106 inches, it’s made from a similar 600 denier polyester. Someone might prefer this if they own a large offshore fishing boat. While it shares the 600D material strength with the BIGACOVER, it lacks the portability features like a carry handle, as a boat this size is always trailered. This is a heavy-duty, trailerable cover for a specific type of large watercraft, not an alternative for a kayak owner.
2. MSC Heavy Duty Oxford Polyester Boat Cover 23′-24″
- Made of marine grade polyester canvas with double PU Coating,Breathable,Anti-UV,Water Resistant and Trailerable
- Designed for both long-term storage, mooring and highway travel
- Includes adjustable straps and storage bag; Two-Year limited warranty(No matter how wonderful the performance description is, quality assurance is the greatest sincerity.)
The MSC boat cover targets V-Hull and Runabout boats in the 23-24 foot range. Made from heavy-duty Oxford polyester, its primary selling point is its trailerability and snug fit for traditional boat shapes, thanks to an elastic cord hem and integrated strap system. A boater who needs to protect their ski boat or fishing boat during transport and storage would choose this model. Compared to the BIGACOVER, it’s built for a much larger, heavier application where features like a single-person carry strap are irrelevant. The choice between these two is dictated entirely by the type of vessel you own.
3. HAHASOLE Heavy Duty 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...
Stepping up the material game, the HAHASOLE cover boasts a formidable 1200D PU waterproof polyester canvas, making it exceptionally durable and suitable for trailerable boats from 20-22 feet. This cover is for the boat owner who prioritizes maximum tear resistance and longevity, perhaps for a V-Hull or Pro-Style Bass Boat that sees frequent road travel. While its material is twice as thick as the BIGACOVER’s, it’s also much heavier and designed for a completely different scale of watercraft. The BIGACOVER’s 600D fabric and unique carry system are perfectly tailored to the weight and size of a kayak, whereas the HAHASOLE is pure heavy-duty protection for a much larger investment.
Final Verdict: An Excellent Protector with One Caveat
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the BIGACOVER 12ft-14ft Waterproof Kayak Cover is a top-tier storage solution for most kayak owners. Its true strengths lie in its exceptional build quality, tough 600D fabric, and, most notably, its game-changing integrated carrying system. This feature alone elevates it above most of the competition, adding a level of convenience that solo paddlers will deeply appreciate. It offers fantastic protection from the most significant threats to your kayak: damaging UV rays, dust, scratches, and nesting pests.
However, the “waterproof” claim comes with an important asterisk. While highly water-resistant and perfectly capable of handling light to moderate rain, it is not impervious to water that is allowed to pool on its surface for extended periods. Therefore, we highly recommend this cover to any paddler who needs robust physical and UV protection and values incredible convenience. It’s ideal for backyard, garage, or deck storage, especially if you store your kayak upside down or at an angle to promote water runoff. If you live in an area with prolonged, heavy downpours and must store your kayak flat, you should be aware of this limitation. For its thoughtful design, durable construction, and unmatched portability, it represents outstanding value.
If you’re ready to give your kayak the protection it deserves and make moving it easier than ever before, we strongly recommend you check the latest price and availability for the BIGACOVER 12ft-14ft Waterproof Kayak Cover today.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API