The Best Jon Boat Covers for 2023

The jon boat is popular. It’s one of the most common boats preferred by boaters. Among many types of boats available in the market, the jon boat is the most prolific. It’s convenient, practical, and easy to maintain. Not only that, but it’s also the least inexpensive among the several sorts of boats.

Even though being the cheapest in the boat market, it requires the same care and attention as any boat. It may cost just in the hundreds instead of thousands of dollars, but it still needs your TLC to last a long time.

One way for you to be able to use your jon boat for a long time is to get a boat cover. A boat cover works just like a canopy for your boat. It protects it from harsh sunlight and rain. Your boat is made to stand weather elements, but prolonged exposure to these elements can be damaging.

To ensure your boat gets the right protection, you need to get the best jon boat cover. We’ve compiled 10 of the best boat covers in the market to help you decide better. So, let’s get started!

Best Jon Boat Cover Reviews of 2023

1. Classic Accessories Jon Boat Cover

We love Classic Accessories. It’s a trusted brand for all your boating hardware and equipment needs. Their products are strong, durable, and made from the highest quality. There is no exception to their jon boat cover.

The Classic Accessories Jon Boat Cover is among the best in the market. This cover is 100% polyester. Polyester, one of the most preferred textiles by manufacturers, is a type of material that’s usually made from petroleum.

Polyester is very resilient and made to stand frequent use. No matter how many times you use it, the Classic Accessories Jon Boat Cover is going to last a long time. Its material can withstand any weather condition and it won’t lose its color.

To ensure maximum life and protection, the jon boat cover is treated with marine grade accessories. As a result, it can resist mildew and mold. These fungi can develop in moist or damp trapped areas where there are often changes in temperatures. But you don’t have to worry about that with this one!

With two air vents to circulate air, you won’t get trapped moisture under the cover. These air vents also allow air ventilation and reduce air pressure from the wind. Whether you’re storing your boat away for the season or covering it while it’s berthed, rest assured your jon boat will stay clean and dry.

2. GOODSMANN Jon Boat Covers

Since jon boats commonly have an almost flat hull instead of a V-shape hull, you need to make sure you get the right cover to accommodate this shape. Using a cover that’s made for boats with a V-shape hull can stretch your cover too much and cause it to tear.

Even if you get a large size V-shape hull boat cover, it can sag at the side and cause water to enter your jon boat. Once water enters your boat, it can condense because of the warm air under your cover. Condensation will lead to dampness, and thus result in fungi growth.

While your jon boat is often made from aluminum where it can be hard for fungi to grow on, the mildew or mold can still grow on your cover’s underside. Fungi can cause rot and eat away your cover. All this can weaken the material of your boat cover, causing it to tear.

The Oceansouth Heavy Duty Jon Boat Cover can repel all this because its fit is perfect for a jon boat with a flat hull. Plus, the shock cord inserted along its hem will give you a proper snug fit. All you have to do is pull on it, and your cover hugs the boat perfectly!

We prefer a shock cord more than an elastic band along a boat cover’s hem. A shock cord allows room for you to manipulate the cover before you clasp the cover clip to lock the cover. Not only that, but a shock cord is also much more durable and lasts longer than an elastic band.

3. iCover Jon Boat Cover

iCover is another good brand that’s trusted for their boating hardware and equipment. Its products are stylish, well-made, and get the job done. We’ve seen and tested many different brands, but iCover’s products always pass with flying colors.

If you’re looking for a reliable waterproof jon boat cover, we strongly recommend the iCover Jon Boat Cover. Among many in the market, this cover offers the best water-resistant protection for jon boats.

Trailering your boat takes extra care. At the speed that you’re traveling (even though you’re not speeding), and with the wind against your boat, you need to make sure your cover stays on. Otherwise, it can easily fly off and cause a road hazard for other drivers.

If you’re trailering your jon boat and need a good, sturdy cover, then the iCover is up for the job too! This model is perfect for trailering because it fits your jon boat like a glove. Thanks to its integrated buckle system and adjustable straps, this cover will stay put throughout its ride.

Straps that go underneath your jon boat may not be sufficient when you’re trailering your boat. You may have a tight fit, but you still need straps that go over your boat and cover. That can prevent excessive flapping while you’re trailering.

4. Dallas Manufacturing Co. Jon Boat Cover

Sometimes, you want to find a good yet affordable boat cover. An affordable boat cover is not mutually exclusive with lower quality or poor make. Often, a boat cover that’s cheaper than usual does the job equally well or surprisingly better.

If you’re looking for that exact kind of boat cover, then look no further than the Dallas Manufacturing Co. Jon Boat Cover! This simple and unassuming boat cover is a wonderful option for those who are looking for affordable yet durable boat covers.

This 14 foot jon boat cover is suitable for those who are going for simplicity both in look and installation. It comes with a sewn-in elastic band along its hem so you will get a snug fit each time. However, you need your own webbing straps to secure this cover onto your jon boat.

Many boaters are surprised by its strength and durability even though it’s cheaper than the usual jon boat covers. Boaters who reviewed this cover said it could stand Montana snow and Florida rain. Thanks to its thickness, this jon boat cover sure is tough.

However, do take note that it might not be suitable for prolonged exposure to extreme weather conditions.

We tested this boat cover because it received more than 60% 5-star rating. While it fits a 14” jon boat to a tee, it needs a little handiwork to make sure it stays on with the use of webbing straps.

5. SeaSense Cover

A 10’ jon boat is a great place to start with for those who are looking for flat-bottom boats. It’s suitable for backwater boating and light fishing. It’s also strong enough to hold up to 325lbs of weight with some additional light gear.

If the 8’ jon boat is too small and the 16’ is too large, then a 10’ jon boat is perfect! For this size, you need at least the 10 foot jon boat cover for adequate protection and coverage. If you have additional structures to your boat, the 12 foot jon boat cover will do nicely for a jon boat that’s 10’ in length.

The SeaSense Cover is a simple solution for all your jon boat cover needs, especially if you’re storing your jon boat indoors. It provides good coverage and has snug enough fit to cover your boat well. This way, no debris or dust or even pests can enter your boat.

We need to remind you that this cover is not meant for heavy-duty purposes. We don’t recommend using this cover if you plan to leave your jon boat out in the open for a long time. While it makes an excellent water-resistant cover, it’s not known to withstand very harsh weather conditions.

6. Dallas Manufacturing Co. 300D Jon Boat Cover

This is another Dallas Manufacturing Co. jon boat cover on our list. Dallas Manufacturing Co. makes good boat covers for jon boats, and this 16’ cover is no exception. Since many jon boat owners have a 16’ jon boat, we decided to test this specific cover.

The Dallas Manufacturing Co. Model C jon boat cover is efficient because it’s suitable for jon boats with a beamwidth of up to 75”. If you owned several jon boat covers before but never a Dallas Manufacturing Co. cover, it’s about time you do!

We love Dallas Manufacturing Co. because they know how to make high-quality boating hardware and equipment. As a boater, you know how rough the open waters can be, even when you’re boating in good weather.

That is why it’s vital to make sure you own high-quality items when it comes to all your boating needs. It doesn’t necessarily mean you should get expensive products, because a high price doesn’t always come with high quality.

We prefer to get items from trusted and reliable brands because we have other boaters’ confidence about their products.

Dallas Manufacturing Co. is among the most trusted and reliable brands. We’ve tested many other products from this company, and they hardly ever disappoint. From inflatable boat covers to boat cover support systems to jon boat covers – we love them all!

You get high-quality, well-made boat covers for this specific jon boat cover model. It has an elastic band along its hemline for a snug fit. Your boat must have a snug-fit cover rather than a tight-fit. If your cover is too tight, you risk trapped moisture and cause fungi such as mildew or mold.

7. OceanSouth Jon Boat Cover

Since jon boats commonly have an almost flat hull instead of a V-shape hull, you need to make sure you get the right cover to accommodate this shape. Using a cover that’s made for boats with a V-shape hull can stretch your cover too much and cause it to tear.

Even if you get a large size V-shape hull boat cover, it can sag at the side and cause water to enter your jon boat. Once water enters your boat, it can condense because of the warm air under your cover. Condensation will lead to dampness, and thus result in fungi growth.

While your jon boat is often made from aluminum where it can be hard for fungi to grow on, the mildew or mold can still grow on your cover’s underside. Fungi can cause rot and eat away your cover. All this can weaken the material of your boat cover, causing it to tear.

The Oceansouth Heavy Duty Jon Boat Cover can repel all this because its fit is perfect for a jon boat with a flat hull. Plus, the shock cord inserted along its hem will give you a proper snug fit. All you have to do is pull on it, and your cover hugs the boat perfectly!

We prefer a shock cord more than an elastic band along a boat cover’s hem. A shock cord allows room for you to manipulate the cover before you clasp the cover clip to lock the cover. Not only that, but a shock cord is also much more durable and lasts longer than an elastic band.

8. Mossy Oak 34118 Camo Boat Cover

Another reason why many people love jon boats is because of how it looks. The flat hull and low sides have a certain rugged look, that when it glides over water, boaters feel like they’re on a secret operative mission. Well, at least it does for some of us!

If you’re one of those boaters and like to equip your boat with army-looking gears, then the Mossy Oak 34118 Camo Boat Cover is the perfect one for you! Camo jon boat covers are pretty popular among those who own this type of boat.

Since jon boats are low enough to hide among the aquatic plants, a camo cover is a perfect accessory to complement the whole feel.

We love the Mossy Oak 34118 Camo Boat Cover because the material feels like the genuine military-issued tarps. Even though it’s thinner from the average boat covers, this jon boat cover provides sufficient coverage and has a proper fit.

A thinner one is suitable if you only need a temporary cover. Boaters usually cover their boats with a light cover when they call it a day. You can use this cover to protect your boat from the night air if you’re camping on the riverbank.

The breathable material will allow enough air ventilation, so your boat is not damp when you’re ready to take it out the next morning.

9. Seachoice 97701 Semi-Custom Jon Boat Cover

Many boaters prefer to customize their jon boats to suit their boating needs and usages. For these reasons, you need a custom jon boat cover, too, if you’ve customized your boat to suit your needs. There are actually quite a number of custom-fit jon boat covers available.

The Seachoice 97791 Semi-Custom Jon Boat Cover is a great choice if you own a V-shape or a Modified-V jon boat. The cut and fit of this cover give a semi-custom look so your jon boat can look both sleek and strapping at the same time.

A semi-custom boat cover provides a better fit because it’s made specifically to give your boat a custom look. Usually, a semi-custom boat cover can fit several models and makes of boats, typically those with the same hull style.

The Seachoice 97791 Semi-Custom Jon Boat Cover is made from strong yet lightweight material so it can fit your jon boat well. Its material is tough enough to withstand harsh weather but soft enough for it to cover any additional jon boat structure.

It’s quite often for some jon boat covers to sag or become baggy around the boat. This poor fit happens especially with universal jon boat covers. Even if you got the right size for your boat, it’s not uncommon for it to still sag. You won’t have to worry about this with a semi-custom cover because it covers your boat like you’ve custom ordered it.

10. TaylorMade Jon Boat Cover

We saved the best for last. TaylorMade is a company that makes, among other things, awesome boating hardware and equipment. The name is well-known because its products stood the test of time for its quality and make.

We love TaylorMade not only for its quality but also for its large range of products. Anything you need for boating, TaylorMade has it. We’ve always loved this brand’s boat covers because none fit quite the way TaylorMade makes them, and this semi-custom jon boat cover is no exception.

Let’s start with how this model has five different sizes. The smallest can fit a jon boat measuring 13.5’ – 14.4’ in length, and the largest cover can fit a boat up to 18.4’ in length. Not only that, each size comes in four different colors.

TaylorMade is more well-known for its golfing products, but many boaters swear by their boating products just the same. The quality of their golfing equipment is the same quality you can expect from their boating products. Now, that’s quality!

The Trailerite Semi-Custom Jon Boat Cover is suitable for jon boats with a wide bow. Each semi-custom cover is cut and made to give your jon boat a custom look. You don’t have to worry about poor fit because this one will fit your boat like a second skin.

Attention to detail is important, and we’re sure it’s important to you too. Proper-make and strong stitching ensure maximum hold and protection.

What to Look for When Buying a Jon Boat Cover

Having a jon boat and taking it out on the backwaters does give you a sense of thrill and adventure. The stealth it provides while you’re hunting ducks or the way it smoothly rides over the waves is just a few of the many reasons why boaters love the jon boat.

Typically, a jon boat can be as small as 8’ in length, but there are also jon boats that are 20’ in length. However, the most common sizes for a jon boat are 10 – 15’ feet. These sizes are most versatile for fishing or hunting, which mainly what jon boats are used for.

Just like buying a boat cover for any other type of boat, there are several basic things you need to make sure before buying a jon boat cover. Just because a jon boat is cheaper than most boats in the market, it doesn’t mean you should compromise on its needs.

It can be quite challenging to buy flat bottom boat covers because of the boat’s structure. Even though it’s just a flat structure, the wrong kind of cover will not provide the right protection or fit. Some boaters find it difficult to get a boat cover for their jon boats that fits like a glove.

• Material

Since your boat spends a lot of time in the water, you need to make sure the hardware and equipment can withstand the marine environment. Products made with marine grade last longer, resist rust and rot better, and overall a better investment for boaters.

One of the most important things you should consider is the material of your jon boat cover. No matter the size of your boat, it still needs to withstand all kinds of weather conditions. A good material is crucial because it will provide maximum protection of your jon boat.

A good material for a cover is either polypropylene or polyethylene. These materials are tough, durable, and made for frequent use. Not only that, it’s often treated with special properties to repel water and fungi. You can’t go wrong if you choose a cover that’s made from either of these materials.

Some boat covers are made with 600D polyester, which is thicker and heavier. There are also some others that are made from 300D polyester. Even though it’s thinner, it’s more suited for jon boats because of the size and make.

Most jon boat covers can be washed. If you choose to use soap, you can simply air-dry your cover once you’ve hosed down all soap residue. Ensure your cover is completely dry before storing because trapped water or moisture in folded covers can cause mildew or even sprout mysterious vegetations.

• Fit/Size

While a jon boat is not a large boat, you still need to make sure your jon boat cover can cover your boat with a secure fit. It only takes a strong wind to blow your cover off if your cover has a loose fit. Getting the right fit is crucial so you don’t risk any water, snow, or stray animals entering your boat.

The safe way to find the right fit is to choose a cover with an elastic band. While the elastic band can lose some of its elasticity in the long run, it can provide a better fit for your boat. Once it’s snapped into place, you can further secure it with webbing straps to keep the cover on.

The best option would be to use a jon boat cover with a shock cord or a draw rope system. This system works better because a shock cord or a draw rope is much more durable and stronger than an elastic band.

Sometimes, even after a boat cover is fitted properly, it still can sag in the middle because of the material’s weight. When a boat cover sags in the middle, the risk of stretching is higher, and this can cause tearing.

To prevent this, many large jon boat owners use a support pole. Think of a support pole as a pole that holds up a tent. Other than distributing the weight of the material more evenly, its dome shape can direct water away.

There are many types of boat cover support system. The most popular choice for a jon boat is a bow frame. You attach a bow frame onto your jon boat and place your cover on top. Whether you’re using a jon boat tarp or a semi-custom fit boat cover, you can place the cover over the frame and secure it on the underside of your boat.

While a jon boat is common, getting a cover for a custom one can be quite challenging. You need something that can fit your jon boat accessories as well as any other additional structures. Even if you find a custom cover, it can be quite expensive compared to other universal covers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most trusted jon boat cover brands?

As a boater, it’s okay if you try several brands to find what works for you. A brand that everyone is talking about may not suit your boating needs or style. However, it’s still a safe bet if you go with a brand that’s proven as a trusted and reliable one.

A brand that has been around a long time stays that way because they make sure their products are well-made and of high quality. They may not necessarily be very expensive, but you can trust their products because many people use or recommend it.

For a jon boat cover, there are several good brands you can choose from. However, to get you started, we list for you the most trusted brands.

• TaylorMade
• iCover
• Dallas Manufacturing
• GOODSMANN
• Classic Accessories
• Oceansouth
• Budge

The jon boat covers from these brands cost a lot more than say, a Mod V jon boat cover, but you will definitely get better quality, better make, and more proper fit. It’s never wrong to be thrifty, but when it comes to boat covers, we recommend you make allowances to get the best one.

What is the best material for a jon boat cover?

There are many different types of boat cover material. Many boaters prefer a boat cover that’s made from polypropylene or polyethylene. There are also covers made from canvas or polyester. All these materials have their pros and cons.

What’s important to know is where you’re going to store your boat. If you’re keeping your boat indoors, you can choose almost any material because it will not experience any harsh weather conditions. If you’re keeping your boat in the open, you have to pay a little more attention.

The best material for outdoor storage is polypropylene. This material is super tough and known to resist almost all kinds of weather conditions. It doesn’t tear or fade easily. Even though it’s made for heavy-duty, boat covers from this material are often lightweight.

A Jon boat tarp is also a good option. This type of cover is usually made from canvas. Canvas is also durable but be wary because it’s not meant for the prolonged weather exposure. After a while, it can fade or become thin.

The right way to choose the best material is to know where you’re storing your boat. The weather conditions in your area also play a vital role.

How to choose the right size?

When it comes to choosing the right size cover for your boat, knowing its length and width is important. This is because a jon boat doesn’t have an additional structure in it like a center console. Its flat design makes it easy for you to cover it with any cover.

However, because of its flat size, it can still be tricky to get the right size cover. A cover that’s too large will not cover your Jon boat properly because it will be too baggy and sag. If it’s too small, it can’t cover your Jon boat’s surface well enough.

Even though any type of boat cover can be used to cover your Jon boat, it’s best to get one that’s specifically made for Jon boats. The dimensions of a Jon boat are different from other boats. So, getting one that’s made for Jon boats would be the best option.

You can also get custom Jon boat covers if your Jon boat comes with additional features like a transom, side consoles, or poling platform. Either way, you need to know the length and width of your boat to get the right size and best fit.

How do you cover your Jon boat?

Depending on the structure of your Jon boat, you can choose to cover it just like a canopy. This is where you drape the boat cover over your boat and secure it with a webbing strap underneath its flat bottom.

If you prefer a better fit, there are several ways to do this. One method chosen by many boaters is to use a bow frame. This bow frame will hold your cover up, so it won’t sag or fold in.

You can purchase the frame from any boating hardware or equipment seller, or you can make your own! Many boaters make their own bow frame because it’s cheaper. A DIY bow frame is often made from PVC pipes because it’s easy to manipulate them into shape.

Another way is to use a boat cover support system. This system usually uses a support pole where you place the pole in your boat. You can adjust the pole according to your preferred height.

You secure the pole by strapping the webbing straps. These straps are often fitted with quick-release buckles. If you’re trailering your jon boat, you can add extra webbing straps on top of the cover.

How to care and store?

Since many jon boat covers are made from polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene, they can be pretty easy to take care and maintain. You can easily wash covers made from these materials with mild soap and water.

However, be careful not to use soaps that are too abrasive. Harsh soaps can strip away the properties that coat your cover. Technically, you don’t really have to use soap. A good hose down with water is more than sufficient to clean your jon boat covers.

Many covers come with storage bags. It’s advisable for you to store your jon boat cover in its proper bag to prevent damage. The bags are often made from the same material as the boat cover to ensure maximum protection and maintenance.

Once you have stored the cover in its bag, make sure you keep the bag in a cool and dry place. While the bag is often as tough as the cover, keeping the bag carelessly can cause damage such as from animal scratches or pest infestation. You wouldn’t want that to happen!

Do I need a boat cover support system for a jon boat?

A jon boat is not a very large boat. Many boaters don’t even use a boat cover support system, especially when using the right size boat cover. However, if you own a larger jon boat, you may need to use a boat cover support system.

A boat cover support system is suitable and may be necessary if you’re using a large cover, for instance, a 20 ft jon boat cover. Your jon boat cover may come with a fitted elastic band and strong webbing straps, but a boat cover support system will ensure your boat cover stays put.

It’s crucial to make sure your boat cover is not collecting water in the middle. Standing water is damaging for your boat cover for many reasons. It can stretch your cover because it’s carrying additional weight, and it can also cause leaking since the stretching weakens the material.

Once water leaks into your boat, it can cause serious damage. Mildew and mold are just some of your problems. If you have additional structure or accessories in your jon boat, leaking water can damage them too.

What boat cover support system is suitable for a jon boat?

The best boat cover support system for a jon boat is a bow frame. This frame functions the same way as the beams under the roof of your house. It provides sturdy support and is highly efficient in directing water away from your boat.

Many boaters who own a jon boat like to fashion a bow frame from PVC pipes. It’s super cheap and easy to do it yourself. However, if you prefer to get something from a boating store, there are many types of bow frames you can choose. Most are made from marine-grade aluminum or stainless steel.

Another good option for a boat cover support system for your jon boat is a support pole. You place a pole, usually height-adjustable, in the middle of your jon boat and you thread the webbing straps onto the designated slots.

Most boat poles have a rubber cap at the end of the pole so the pole won’t slip, but some have a big base plate for total stability. We prefer the ones with a base plate because not only the pole can stand upright by itself, it’s also more secure and supports the weight of your cover better.

Conclusion

A jon boat is a hardy and rugged boat. Made from aluminum or fiberglass, it looks like it can withstand anything. However, no matter how hardy and tough it is, you still need to get the best jon boat cover so your jon boat can last for a good long time.

Even though you don’t have any additional structure or accessories to your jon boat, it’s still wise to invest in a good jon boat cover. Prolonged exposure to sun or rain or any other weather elements can affect the conditions of your boat.

Whether you own a small or a big jon boat, always get the right fit and cover for your jon boat!

Dave L. Beaton

I am Dave, Marine Talk’s content creator. Boating experiences matter when planning a boat trip for your family or going by yourself. Therefore, I am here to tackle all things relevant to boating so even the inexperienced ones can start their boating safely.