Kayaking is one of the most exciting solitary water adventures you can pursue. Whether you kayak for pleasure or for adventure, there’s a lot of planning that goes into this outdoor excursion. You might have all the essentials down to pat, but have you ever thought of kayak cockpit covers? But, why do you need them at all? Because you’ll be surprised at what could enter an uncovered cockpit in your absence. The best kayak cockpit covers, whether they’re waterproof or come from one of the most popular brands Seal save you a lot of hassles.
To begin with, you’ll save a lot of time that you’d have to otherwise spend cleaning out spiders, dust, and dry leaves that gather in your kayak. Secondly, and more importantly, we don’t think you want to be touching anything gross that might collect in your craft. And after all, you want to get out in the water faster rather than keep on sweeping your cockpit every.
Clearly, leaving your kayak exposed isn’t the wisest choice in the world. Thankfully, there are literally a plethora of choices for boat cockpit covers available in the market today. That said, you might be overwhelmed with finding the cockpit cover for your craft that fits all your and needs. Hence, we’ve conjured by a handy guide to help you choose and have listed the 13 best kayak cockpit covers here as well.
How To Choose The Best Kayak Cockpit Covers?
Just like choosing kayaking accessories such as the Best GPS Kayaking Units or the Best Kayak Carts And Trolleys, choosing cockpit covers also requires looking out for certain aspects and attributes. So, what do you need to look for in cockpit covers for your watercraft? Read on.
Material
Basically, some of the commonest materials used to make cockpit covers are neoprene, nylon, and polyester. Of them all, neoprene is the best choice since it makes for 100 percent waterproof kayak cockpit covers. On the downside, it’s heavier than the others. Polyester is a good midrange cover material since it’s water-resistant, if not waterproof. Finally, nylon cockpit covers are on the more budget-friendly side.
Waterproof and dirtproof
Another thing to consider is where and how you’ll be storing your kayak. If you store it inside a shed or garage and only need it for travel, then waterproof kayak cockpit covers aren’t necessary. If you store your craft outdoors, then you’re going to need waterproof kayak cockpit covers. Another concern is if the cover can keep dirt out. For instance, neoprene might be heavier and more durable than nylon, but it isn’t waterproof and doesn’t easily come off either.
Size and fitting
Finally, one of the most crucial elements of choosing a good kayaking cockpit cover is its size and fit. Ideally, you want a cover that fits over and around the cockpit snugly. Generally, a good reference point is a sizing chart that manufacturers provide for each cover. So, you’ll need to measure your cockpit before getting started. Secondly, you also need to check the fitting of the cover. Usually, cockpit cover fittings comprise cables, cords, clips, or a combination of the three. What’s more, sometimes even bungee cords go a long way in making sure that the cover fits well. Clips are important if you’re transporting the kayak or in windy conditions.
Which is the best overall waterproof kayak cockpit cover?
Our vote goes to the Seal kayak cockpit cover, which is a standout on this list of equally good kayak covers. Not only does it suit a wide range of kayaks of different sizes, but also it ensures a correct, right fit on each one of them. It’s made from tear-resistant and durable nylon, complete with double-stitched seams for additional durability. Finally, it also has a hull strap and offers UV protection as well.
Harmony Gear Cockpit Cover
13
One of the best kayak cockpit covers is the Harmony Gear Cockpit Cover, which comes in a whopping 16 different sizes! So no matter the size of your kayak, you’re not only going to find one that fits with the Harmony cover but also gets a perfect fit. To begin with, the cover employs an adjustable shock cord that firmly grips the rim of the cockpit. It might be too short, but it sure does grip the rim really, really well. Crafted from 410D nylon, the cover even features double-stitched seams so it’s rip-resistant as well.
Additionally, the build and the quality of the cover also makes it water-resistant too, keeping your cockpit bone dry. What’s more, it’s breathable too, making sure that the moldy smell doesn’t settle into the craft. Overall, the cover is a great buy if you’re going to be buying it for storing your craft.
Pros:
- Water-resistant.
- Doubled-stiched seams make it durable.
- The adjustable shock cord makes it secure.
- Lots of sizes.
Cons:
- The cord is short.
- Not ideal for transport
Anzid Neoprene Cockpit Cover
12
Designed from durable neoprene, the Anzid Neoprene Cockpit Cover is made so that it sits just atop the cockpit. Making use of a securing loop and a shock cord, it securely ties the cover in place on the kayak. Besides being extremely durable, the cover is also water-resistant and keeps your kayak clean and bone-dry. What’s more, its build offers a tight seal over the kayak for both storing it and transporting it too. All you need to do is stretch the cover over the kayak to get a tight fit since the neoprene is very tough in the first uses. Once you do stretch it across the hull, it won’t let anything in.
However, what you’ll like most about the cover is that it can be sized by knowing just the length of your kayak’s cockpit. Moreover, the sizes are within a range of 10 cm, with the ‘Small’ size being around 70-80 cm.
Pros:
- Extremely durable and water-resistant.
- Easy to size.
Cons:
- Difficult to stretch, especially when used for the first time.
Seals Cockpit Seal Cover
11
The Seals Cockpit Cover is not just an excellent drape for your craft but is amongst the best Seal kayak cockpit covers too. The cover is designed to suit a wide range of kayak sizes that range from a deck size of 1.2 o 7.0. To get the best fit, you can head to the Seals website to get the right size for your cockpit will be. Made from durable, tear-resistant nylon, the cover also has double-stitched seams for additional durability. If that wasn’t enough, it offers UV protection as well so your kayak’s color won’t fade either.
Going further, this Seals kayak cockpit cover employs the brand’s proprietary rim grip technology to firmly attach to the rim, along with an adjustable bungee cord. What’s more, there’s also a hull strap for additional security, which is particularly helpful if you’re going downhill. Finally, the material might not be waterproof, but it’s certainly water-resistant.
Pros:
- The nylon material is water-resistant, durable, and lightweight.
- Offers UV protection.
- Double-stitched at the seams.
Cons:
- Sizing can be slightly tricky.
Seals Kayak Cockpit Drape Cover
10
One of the easiest to adjust kayak cockpit covers is the Seals Kayak Cockpit Drape Cover. If you want a covering that gives you a more flexible fit over your cockpit, then this is the one you should go for. Moreover, it comes in multiple sizes and many of the sizes are designed to fit up to a certain width. So, that gives you a more degree of flexibility over other covers. This drape cover is crafted from the medium-weight nylon packcloth, and while it isn’t waterproof, it works well to keep water at bay for transporting as well as storing within a building.
However, that’s not all. The drape even has loops on the exterior that attach to bungee cords that wrap around the kayak’s hull. They can be loosened or tightened for a customized fit. But, make sure that you don’t tighten them too much, or the hooks tend to break fairly easily. So, while you do want a snug fit, you don’t want to over-tighten the fit.
Pros:
- Easy to find the right size.
- Offers a customized fit.
Cons:
- Hooks might break if over-tightened.
NRS Super-stretchy Neoprene Cockpit Cover
9
One of the best one-size-fits-all kayak cockpit covers is the NRS Super-stretchy Neoprene Cockpit Cover. Made from a super-stretchy neoprene material, as the name suggests, the covering offers a better fit than most other items on this list. The cover stretches around the outer rim of the kayak’s cockpit, complete with an adjustable shock cord band that secures it firmly in place. The smooth skin of the neoprene is a good 1 mm thick and is resistant to abrasions. So, it’s long-lasting, durable, and even resists water, making sure everything is protected and stays bone-dry.
However, its best feature is that it comes in two sizes – Universal and Universal Plus. The convenient design is what allows you to slip it easily over any sized cockpit. Just make sure that you have someone around to do the fitting when you use the cover for the first time – it can get slightly tough.
Pros:
- Easy to adjust.
- Comes in two universal sizes.
- Long-lasting, durable, and waterproof.
- Resistant to abrasions.
Cons:
- None!
NRS Deluxe Cockpit Cover
8
Are you surprised by the presence of another NRS cover? Because we aren’t! Behold the winner of the battle of NRS cockpit covers, the NRS Deluxe Cockpit Cover. Made from urethane-coated waterproof nylon, this cover will take you all of 15 minutes to slip this cover onto your craft. Furthermore, there’s even an adjustable bungee cord that’s sewn into the sleeve running around the covering’s perimeter. All you need to do to adjust is pull the cord and tie a knot. However, what’s the most winning part of the design is that notwithstanding the shape of your cockpit, this deluxe cover fits over them all precisely thanks to its elastic and flexible nature.
Since it offers such a snug fit, it can surely keep the dust, dirt, debris, water, and even bugs and small animals at bay. If you want a cover that can withstand extreme weather conditions, then definitely buy this one.
Pros:
- Secure and snug fit.
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Can weather any climate conditions.
Cons:
- Practically none.
Explore Land Universal Kayak Cockpit Drape Cover
7
Armed with a three-year warranty, the Explore Land Universal Kayak Cockpit Drape Cover is one of the best kayak cockpit covers out there. Made from 600D marine-grade waterproof fabric, this one fits sit-in kayaks both with and without the pronounced rim. What’s more, it also fits the seat of the sit-on-top kayaks as well as the foam footpads of stand-up paddleboards. Talk about multipurpose cockpit covers! The material will not come apart no matter how you’re transporting or storing the kayak. To add to that, the adjustable bungee cords wrap securely around the hull, with the cord allowing to be tightened to ensure a snug fit.
Moreover, there are even hooks on the cover that are attached to deck lines which prevent the drape from sliding off the cockpit. All-in-all, this drape fits all kinds of kayaks really well and keeps debris, sand, rain, and dust effectively at bay.
Pros:
- Fits almost every size of kayak.
- Three-year warranty.
- Made from 600D marine-grade waterproof fabric.
- Snug fit.
Cons:
- None!
MAYMII Durable Kayak Cover
6
If color options in your kayak storage covers are what you want, then look no further than the Maymii Durable Kayak Cover. It’s available in a whopping nine colors including sky blue, green camo, digital camo, desert camo, ocean camo, dark gray, bright silver, black camo, and blue. Made from 210D Oxford Taffeta material, the covering is incredibly durable. Moreover, the glossy surface protects your kayak in all types of weather conditions, including debris, dust, rain, and snow. It’s even waterproof and UV-resistant at that.
What makes this heavy-duty storage cover easy to handle and use is that it has a drawstring that makes it easy to be put on and taken off. Even better is the fact that the cover is available for seven sizes of kayaks ranging from 8-9 feet to 16-18 feet.
Pros:
- A gamut of color options available.
- The drawstring makes it easy to attach and remove.
Cons:
- Sizing is slightly off.
GYMTOP Waterproof Kayak Cover
5
The Gymtop Waterproof Kayak Cover is one of the best kayak cockpit covers for more than one reason. To begin with, it possesses all the features required to protect your kayak in all sorts of weather conditions. It’s made from sun rays-reflecting, waterproof ripstop polyester that’s also anti-dust, UV-resistant, durable, and lightweight. The tough, durable material holds its own even against sharp edges, thus keeping your kayak safe. You don’t need any tools to operate this cover, and it features a simple roll and clip closure.
Besides being adjustable for kayaks of 8-18 feet in length, the cover features an additional adjustable reinforcement bandage that’s 4 feet long and can be adjusted to fit over your kayak. The entire interface is hand-sewn by double seal lines to ensure durability. Finally, it comes with a drawstring bag that allows for easy storage and portability.
Pros:
- Made from ripstop polyester that’s anti-dust, anti-sunshine, and waterproof.
- Durable and lightweight.
- Comes with a drawstring storage bag.
Cons:
- Some users mentioned that it’s slightly thin.
Richermall Canoe & Kayak Cover
4
The Richermall Canoe & Kayak Cover is one amazing solution when it comes to protecting your kayak from the elements. To begin with, the cover is made from a UV-reflecting, waterproof polyester material that’s also durable and can protect your craft in all weather conditions. What makes it easy to put on and take off is the elastic drawstring, which also makes fitting it a dream. So, not only does it stay in place, but it’s an excellent investment for preventing creepy crawlies from sneaking in and surprising you unpleasantly during water trips.
This cover is available for seven sizes of kayaks between 8 and 18 feet and is easy to operate sans any tools per se. Whether it’s quick covers you’re looking for or for off-season storage, this waterproof kayak cockpit cover will meet all your needs.
Pros:
- Packs down into a drawstring bag.
- Durable and waterproof.
- Elastic drawstring for easy attachment and removal.
Cons:
- Some users mentioned that it might feel slightly flimsy if you haven’t used kayak covers before.
Hobie Cover For Kayak
3
The Hobie Cover is similar to the Seal one and is one of the best kayak cockpit covers on this list. Basically, the objective of the Hobie cover is to strap it down tight over your craft. It achieves this via its build, which is made from a heavy-duty, tough material that’s resistant to both water and UV rays. It’s what makes it perfect to store the kayak even outdoors, no matter the weather. The cover is also easy to install and remove and fits snugly over the hull.
Going further, the straps and the drawstring can be adjusted easily for a tighter fit. What’s more, the cross straps secure it even more, especially keeping it safe in windy conditions. The neutral color ages well, also preventing distortions to the hull bottom shape.
Pros:
- Water and UV-resistant.
- Straps to hold down cover in windy conditions.
Cons:
- None, really.
Mexidi Professional Kayak Cover
2
Another variation on the classic drawstring storage cover design is the Mexidi Professional Kayak Cover. Not only does the cover look great, but it has everything you need to keep your watercraft protected and safe. To begin with, the cover is made from an anti-dust, waterproof, and UV-resistant polyester material that also reflects sun rays. What’s more, it’s both durable and lightweight and protects your kayak from harsh elements such as dust, rain, snow, and sun. So, whether you want to protect your kayak in the backyard or out on the beach, this cover has you covered – pun unintended.
However, that’s not all. This good-looking cover also comes in a variety of colors and patterns as well. On the inside, it shines a glossy silver. If a low-priced kayak is what you’re looking for, this is one of the best kayak covers in the market.
Pros:
- Elastic cord for easy attachment and removal.
- Fully weather-resistant and durable.
- Reasonably priced.
Cons:
- Some users mentioned that it’s not exactly long-lasting.
Classic Accessories StormPro Kayak Cover
1
This Classic Accessories StormPro Kayak Cover channels the properties of the Seal cover and sits atop the list of best waterproof kayak cockpit covers. However, this storage cover works slightly differently as compared to the other covers on this list. Basically, it’s a larger form of a kayak bag and uses zips to keep your kayak safe, secure, and dry in place of drawstrings. So, you don’t need to tighten anything and simply need to zip it up. Made from 600D polyester, the material is both durable and waterproof, and will neither stretch nor shrink over time.
While it’s not designed for rooftop travel, the cover is PVC-free with a fabric coating technology that makes it resistant to everything from mildew to UV rays. What’s more, it even comes with a stuff sack for easy storage and transportation as well as a five-year warranty. Now, what more could you want?
Pros:
- Zips instead of drawstrings.
- Minimalistic and sleek design.
- Five-year warranty.
Cons:
- Slightly expensive.
