There’s a certain sadness in seeing a once-vibrant kayak left to the mercy of the elements. I remember my first canoe, a classic Old Town Discovery, which I foolishly left uncovered on sawhorses behind my shed for a single season. By the next spring, the brilliant red hull had faded to a chalky pink, the vinyl gunwales were cracking, and a family of spiders had taken up permanent residence in the cockpit. It was a hard lesson learned: your investment in a watercraft doesn’t end when you pull it from the water. Sun, rain, dirt, and nesting creatures are relentless adversaries, slowly degrading the materials and turning your prized possession into a faded, brittle shell. A quality cover isn’t just an accessory; it’s the single most important piece of maintenance equipment for preserving the life, value, and readiness of your canoe or kayak.
- Made of extremely tough and waterproof marine grade 600 denier polyester, heavy duty tear-resistance material provide durable and all weather protections
- Protective fully cover for canoe and kayak with 5 sizes options, designed to fit canoe and kayak boat with Girth up to 96" -110" in 10ft, 11ft - 12ft, 12-14 feet, 14-16 feet to 16-18 feet long
- Breathable material to vent and prevent moisture build-up; UV protection cover provides maximum protection against sun damage, rain, dirt, and pollution which will help extend the life of the canoe...
What to Consider Before Buying a Boat Cover
A boat cover is more than just a simple tarp; it’s a key solution for safeguarding your vessel from the most common causes of degradation. Its primary benefits are threefold: shielding the hull from UV radiation which causes fading and material breakdown, preventing water from pooling inside which can lead to mildew and structural damage, and creating a physical barrier against dirt, debris, and unwanted pests. A good cover effectively puts your boat into hibernation between adventures, ensuring it’s in the same pristine condition you left it in. When we started looking for a full-enclosure solution, the EliteShield Canoe Kayak Cover Waterproof UV Resistant Gray immediately caught our eye with its promises of heavy-duty, all-weather protection.
The ideal customer for this type of full-enclosure, zippered bag is someone who stores their canoe or kayak outdoors for extended periods and needs comprehensive protection from all angles. It’s for the paddler who wants to completely seal their boat off from rain, blowing leaves, insects, and even small animals looking for a home. However, it might not be the best solution for those who simply need a quick, temporary dust cover for garage storage, where a simpler “cockpit cover” might suffice. Likewise, if you need a cover rated for highway trailering, you would need to look for a different product specifically designed with strap systems to handle high winds.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: This is the most critical factor. Measure your boat’s total length from tip to tip and its girth (the circumference at the widest point). A cover that’s too small simply won’t fit and risks tearing when forced, while one that’s too large can flap in the wind and collect pools of water. Always check the manufacturer’s sizing chart and, as we discovered, pay close attention to user feedback regarding fit.
- Weather Resistance: Look for clear specifications on waterproof and UV-resistant capabilities. Terms like “waterproof” can be misleading; a material can be waterproof, but if the seams are not sealed, the cover will leak. Similarly, strong UV protection is essential to prevent the cover itself from becoming brittle and disintegrating after a season in the sun.
- Materials & Durability: The material’s denier—a measure of fiber thickness—is a good indicator of toughness. A 600D (denier) polyester, like that used in the EliteShield, is considered heavy-duty and marine-grade, offering good resistance to tears and abrasions compared to lighter 150D or 300D alternatives. Also, check for features like double-stitched seams and rot-proof thread, which contribute significantly to longevity.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A cover you dread using is one you won’t use. Features like full-length zippers, carrying handles, and an included storage bag make the process of covering and uncovering your boat much easier. For long-term care, ensure the material is easy to clean and that you always store it completely dry to prevent mildew.
While the EliteShield Canoe Kayak Cover Waterproof UV Resistant Gray is an excellent choice for full-enclosure storage, 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 and Key Features of the EliteShield Canoe Kayak Cover Waterproof UV Resistant Gray
Upon receiving the EliteShield Canoe Kayak Cover Waterproof UV Resistant Gray, our first impression was of substance. Pulled from its included mesh storage bag, the 600D marine-grade polyester has a reassuring heft and a rugged, canvas-like texture. It feels significantly more durable than the flimsy, tarp-like covers we’ve tested in the past. The gray color is practical and less likely to show dirt than lighter shades. We noted the double-stitched seams and the use of what appeared to be heavy-duty, rot-proof thread, aligning with the product’s claims of enhanced durability. The heavy-duty zipper runs a significant portion of the cover’s length, designed to make slipping it over a large canoe or kayak a manageable task. The inclusion of stitched handles at both ends is a thoughtful touch, clearly intended to aid in both installation and carrying the boat while it’s inside the bag. On paper and in hand, the cover presents as a premium, well-conceived solution for total boat protection. You can explore the full feature set and available sizes to see if it matches your craft’s needs.
What We Like
- Heavy-duty 600D marine-grade polyester feels tough and durable.
- Full-zip design, in theory, allows for easy installation and complete enclosure.
- Integrated handles at both ends are very useful for carrying and positioning.
- Provides an excellent barrier against insects, snakes, spiders, and debris.
What We Didn’t Like
- Proven to be not waterproof; seams and fabric leak significantly in moderate rain.
- Sizing is extremely inaccurate, requiring customers to order at least one size up.
- The rectangular shape is not contoured, leading to a baggy, “burrito-like” fit.
- Concerns about the long-term durability of the zipper and fabric under stress.
In the Field: How the EliteShield Cover *Really* Performs
A product’s true character is revealed not by its spec sheet, but by its performance under real-world conditions. We put the EliteShield Canoe Kayak Cover Waterproof UV Resistant Gray to the test over several weeks, subjecting it to sun, wind, and a series of rainstorms. Our goal was to determine if its impressive first impression translated into reliable, long-term protection. The results, however, were a mix of fulfilled promises and significant disappointments that paint a complex picture of this product.
Sizing and Fit: The ‘Order a Size Up’ Imperative
The first and most immediate challenge we encountered was the fit. We selected the 17 ft-18 ft model to cover our 17.5-foot sea kayak. The process was a struggle. Despite the long zipper, getting the cover over the boat was an exercise in pulling and stretching that required two people. The fit was drum-tight, putting what seemed like excessive strain on the seams and the zipper. We were immediately concerned that any sharp edge or protrusion on the boat could cause a tear.
Our experience was not an isolated incident. It perfectly mirrors a torrent of user feedback that forms a clear, undeniable consensus: the advertised sizing is inaccurate. We read accounts from multiple users facing the same issue. One owner of a 13.75-foot canoe found the “up to 14 ft” cover was simply too small to fit. Another, more cautious user, bought the 15-16 ft size for their 14-foot canoe and still described the fit as “very snug.” The advice is unequivocal from us and the user community alike: if you decide this cover is for you, you absolutely must order at least one size larger than your boat’s maximum length. Failing to do so will likely result in a cover that doesn’t fit, or worse, one that tears during the first installation attempt, as one disappointed user documented with photos. It’s a critical flaw that undermines the entire user experience from the moment of unboxing. When selecting your size online, be sure to make this crucial adjustment.
Material and Durability: A Tale of Two Realities
The 600D marine-grade polyester is, without question, the star feature of the EliteShield Canoe Kayak Cover Waterproof UV Resistant Gray. The fabric feels robust and has a tangible thickness that inspires confidence. We have no doubt that it provides excellent protection against the sun’s damaging UV rays, which is a primary reason for buying a cover. It also serves as an formidable barrier against dirt, bird droppings, falling leaves, and—as one user was pleased to discover—uninvited guests like snakes and spiders. For keeping a boat clean and critter-free, it excels.
However, there’s a troubling paradox between the material’s perceived toughness and its real-world durability under stress. One user reported that the fabric tore the very first time they tried to put it on their undersized canoe. This suggests that while the denier rating is high, the fabric may lack the tensile strength to handle the strain caused by the problematic sizing. Furthermore, the zipper became a point of concern. While ours held up during testing, another user reported their zipper broke within five minutes of use. Though it was covered by warranty, it points to potential quality control issues with the hardware. It’s a cover built with seemingly tough material, but one that appears to have a critical vulnerability to tearing and hardware failure when stressed.
The Waterproofing Paradox: A Cover That Becomes a Water Balloon
This is where the EliteShield Canoe Kayak Cover Waterproof UV Resistant Gray fails its most critical test. The product is explicitly advertised as “waterproof,” yet our testing and a significant volume of user reports prove otherwise. After zipping our kayak into the cover, we left it out during a night of steady, moderate rain—less than an inch total. The next morning, we saw the fabric sagging. Upon unzipping the bag, we were shocked to find several gallons of water had pooled inside, creating a “giant water balloon” as one user aptly described it.
The water wasn’t coming from an unzipped opening. It appeared to be penetrating directly through the seams and potentially even the fabric itself. Our findings are echoed repeatedly in user reviews. One owner drained over a gallon of water after three weeks. Another found three liters inside after a 14-hour storm. A particularly diligent user even tried applying marine-grade sealant to all the seams, but it didn’t solve the leakage problem. This is a catastrophic failure for a product marketed as a waterproof storage solution. Instead of protecting the boat from water, it actively traps it against the hull, creating a worse environment than no cover at all by promoting mildew, mold, and potential water damage to outfitting. The only function it serves in the rain is to collect it. Some users have resorted to drilling pinholes in the bottom for drainage, an ingenious but sad testament to the product’s fundamental flaw.
What Other Users Are Saying
Synthesizing the broad spectrum of feedback, a clear picture emerges. On the positive side, users who prioritize protection from sun, dust, and pests, and who store their boats under a carport or in a garage, are generally satisfied. One user specifically praised the cover for its ability to “completely keep out snakes and other uninvited guests.” Another noted that after a hurricane, the water seemed to bead up and run off, though they hadn’t yet checked inside.
However, the negative feedback is consistent and centers on the two major issues we identified. The most common complaint, by far, is the failure of its waterproofing. Users are frustrated and disappointed, with comments like “My kayak now sits inside a giant water balloon” and “I drained over a gallon of water out of the cover.” The second major point of contention is the sizing. Numerous reviews warn others to “MAKE SURE you order 1 size up.” The sentiment is one of a product with great potential in its material and design concept, but one that is severely let down by poor execution in its most critical performance areas.
How Does the EliteShield Compare to Other Boat Covers?
While the EliteShield Canoe Kayak Cover Waterproof UV Resistant Gray is a specialized full-enclosure bag, it’s useful to compare its material and construction quality to other heavy-duty covers on the market, even if they serve different types of watercraft. This helps to contextualize its value and features within the broader category of marine protection.
1. Budge T-Top Boat Cover 24-26ft 600 Denier
- 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 is designed for large center console boats and, like the EliteShield, uses a 600D polyester material for UV and water resistance. The key difference is in its design philosophy. The Budge cover is a “drape-over” style meant for trailering, featuring a heavy-duty shock cord hem and strap systems to secure it tightly against wind. Someone would choose this over the EliteShield if they own a large powerboat and need a cover that can withstand the rigors of highway travel. It highlights that “marine-grade” can apply to very different applications, from static storage to dynamic trailering.
2. JETPRO Trailerable Waterproof Heavy Duty 3-Seater Jet Ski 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 PWC cover is another example of a 600D polyester cover built for a specific purpose. It’s tailored to the shape of a 3-seater jet ski and emphasizes trailerability with multiple straps and an elastic cord for a snug fit. Unlike the EliteShield’s simple bag design, the JETPRO is contoured. A buyer would choose this for its form-fitting design and trailering capabilities, which prevent the “sad burrito” look that the EliteShield can suffer from. This comparison shows the importance of a contoured fit for both aesthetics and performance in the wind.
3. Mancro 17-19ft Waterproof Boat Cover
- Waterproof and UV Resistant Design: Mancro bass tracker boat cover is made of sturdy Marine Grade Fabric. Waterproof and UV resistant coating could strongly keep your boat in best condition, and...
- All around Protection: This trailerable boat cover have two thread stitching and elastic cord designed for secure and snug fit. Adjustable 11pcs straps and easily release buckle can be better put on...
- Heavy Duty Fabric: Heavy duty Oxford fabric jon boat cover is designed for both long term storage and travel. The boat cover also is rip resistant and anti-uv thanks to this sturdy material
The Mancro cover is designed for V-Hull and fishing boats and, again, is made from heavy-duty, marine-grade material advertised as waterproof and UV-resistant. Similar to the Budge and JETPRO, it relies on a system of straps and buckles to achieve a secure fit for travel. The Mancro is a direct competitor for general-purpose boat covers and would be chosen by someone with a traditional V-hull fishing boat. When compared to the EliteShield, it reinforces the idea that for most boating applications outside of static kayak storage, a robust strapping system is considered a standard and necessary feature, one that the EliteShield lacks.
Our Final Verdict: Is the EliteShield Canoe Kayak Cover a Worthwhile Investment?
The EliteShield Canoe Kayak Cover Waterproof UV Resistant Gray is a product of contradictions. On one hand, it is constructed from a genuinely heavy-duty 600D marine-grade polyester that offers excellent protection from UV rays, dust, and pests. The full-zip, full-enclosure design with integrated handles is a fantastic concept for anyone wanting to completely seal their boat away. If your primary goal is to store your kayak or canoe indoors, under a covered patio, or in a very dry climate, this cover might serve you well—provided you heed the universal advice to order at least one full size larger than your boat.
However, we cannot recommend it for anyone who needs reliable protection from rain. Based on our direct testing and the overwhelming chorus of user feedback, its claim of being “waterproof” is simply not accurate. The tendency for the seams and fabric to leak, trapping gallons of water against your hull, makes it a liability in wet conditions. For this reason, if dependable, all-weather outdoor storage is your goal, you should look elsewhere. The product’s potential is high, but the execution on its most important promises—fit and water protection—is deeply flawed. If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and still feel it’s the right choice for your specific storage situation, you can check the latest price and confirm your upsized selection online.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API