Best Kayak Cockpit Covers – A Complete and Comprehensive Guide!
Whether you are transporting your kayak or putting it away for the winter, it can be challenging to maintain its cleanliness and aridity. There are a variety of cockpit coverings available for kayaks, any one of which could be able to assist reduce the amount of water or debris that makes its way into your yak.
As all of us know how frustrating it may be to remove debris such as leaves or dirt from the cockpit of your kayak before you even get started paddling, we have gathered this comprehensive guide to assist you in selecting the most suitable cockpit cover for your kayak
Why would I need a Kayak Cockpit Cover?
If you sit inside your kayak, a cockpit cover may be an addition that you cannot do without. On the other hand, when you have a kayak that you sit on top of, there is a good possibility you will not have a cockpit to cover… If you are the owner of a SOT, there is nothing for you to see here!
In contrast to a spray skirt, a cockpit cover is intended to be utilized while your vessel is docked or otherwise not in operation. It is constructed to safeguard your cockpit when it is stored or transferred. However, much like a spray skirt, it is constructed to prevent water and other substances from entering your kayak.
Storage
When used with a sit-inside kayak, a cockpit cover may be a great tool for helping to keep your cockpit secure from pests and relatively clean and dust-free. This is because a cockpit cover can trap airborne particles within the kayak. If you keep your kayak in the garage, this may be of some use to you.
A cover may be even more beneficial for outdoor storage since it helps prevent precipitation and other forms of moisture from entering the item and causing damage to it. It is also useful for preventing rodents and other tiny creatures from creating a home inside your kayak.
Because you may use the interior of your cockpit as a storage place for smaller objects, having a covered cockpit can also help you keep other items safe from the elements or insects. You can utilize the space within your cockpit as a storage area. If you do not have a lot of room to store things at your house or if you are going camping for the night, this might come in handy.
If you want to avoid mildew and other moisture-related problems, it is important to ensure that your kayak’s cockpit is totally dry before you cover it. If you do not do this, you might end up with mold.
Transportation
Transporting Your Kayak If you plan to carry your kayak on the roof of your car or a trailer, you may find that a cockpit cover helps lessen the wind resistance experienced during transit. This is because it has the potential to assist in preventing air from entering your cockpit.
If your cockpit does not have a cover, outside air can seep and cause drag, which could badly affect your vehicle’s overall fuel efficiency. The force of the wind might tug on your kayak and cause it to get dislodged due to the instability caused by this.
When you want to ensure that your cockpit cover does not break free and fly off while driving down the road, it is a good idea to ensure that it is securely fastened to your vessel and your car. This will prevent it from happening.
If you are traveling in the rain or snow, covering your cockpit while you are going can also be beneficial in keeping the interior of your boat dry.
How To Choose The Right Kayak Cockpit Cover?
Materials
When searching for a cockpit cover, it is a good idea to consider where you will be putting it to use. This might help you make a well-informed decision. For instance, if you intend to use it for storing items outside, you should probably consider purchasing a watertight cover.
You should not use it if you want to use it while transferring your watercraft. If you are searching for a cover to keep dust and small animals out of your cockpit while it is being stored in your garage, you can decide that it is not important for the cover to be waterproof.
Size
Because the sizes of the various brands and types might vary, it is essential to accurately measure the length and breadth of your cockpit before you begin shopping.
Some models will have a design that is more universal, meaning that they will be able to accommodate a variety of cockpit sizes, while others may have a design that is more size specific.
Fittings
If you plan to have your cockpit covered while it is being transported, you must ensure that it is properly and securely fastened down. There will be some coverings that come with straps that are less secure than others.
You will probably also discover that certain coverings are intended to be utilized when transporting items; however other kinds may be better suited for the sole purpose of storing items.
5 Best Kayak Cockpit Covers
Seals Cockpit Drape
Covers up to 26 inches wide and up to 44 inches long can be accommodated by the Seals Cockpit Drape, a cover created by Seals and can fit many sit in Kayaks made by different brands. Additionally, it is available in a bigger form, reaching up to 104 inches in length for tandem vessels.
It is constructed out of nylon packcloth fabric of medium weight and comes with bungee cords that you may use to fasten the cover to your yak. Because of this, it can be an excellent option for outdoor mobility and inside storage.
Instead of just fitting onto the cockpit’s rim, its drape design covers an area over the cockpit itself, making it a potentially good choice for cockpits of unique dimensions.
Buy here the Seals Cockpit Drape
Harmony Gear Cockpit Cover
While searching for a cover that could prevent dust and insects from getting into your cockpit and keep it dry, the Cockpit Cover from Harmony Gear may be the best option for you to consider. This water-resistant cover is only intended to be used for storage, and it cannot be used for transportation in any capacity.
However, because it is made of durable nylon fabric, it can be used for outdoor and inside storage. This means that it might help you make the most of the available storage space by allowing you to keep more items in the cockpit.
Because it is intended to wrap around the rim of your cockpit, it is available in various lengths and widths, permitting you to choose the dimension that works best with your kayak.
Wether you have a sit on top, sit in or even inflatable kayak, this cockpit cover surely will meet your needs.
Buy here the Harmony Gear Cockpit Cover
Seals Cockpit Seal
This Cockpit Seal from Seals is available in many sizes and is compatible with many kayaks makes and models. Because the nylon packcloth fabric is designed to repel water and insects, you might use it to store things indoors or outside. This versatility makes it a versatile option. Additionally, it protects against UV rays.
An additional element is the webbed hull cable, which plays a role in maintaining the cover’s position while being transported. It is also advantageous to have a bungee cord wrapped around the rim, as this may provide a more secure fit, which is useful whether you are storing your yak or riding with it on top of your vehicle.
Buy here the Seals Cockpit Seal
NRS Super Stretch Neoprene Cockpit Cover
The NRS Super Stretch Neoprene Cockpit Cover is adaptable to many kayak cockpits thanks to its stretchy neoprene material. Neoprene, the material it is constructed from, makes it water resistant and easily stretchable. Additionally, it is constructed with longevity in mind.
The rim of the cover has a bungee cord attached to it, which allows you to adjust it to fit around your cockpit more securely and makes it less likely that the cover will fall off.
Because of the neoprene fabric, it may initially be difficult to get it on bigger cockpits; however, it may be a good idea to keep it on overnight so it can expand. When you put it on the following time, putting it on should be a little bit simpler because of this.
Buy here the NRS Super Stretch Neoprene Cockpit Cover
SEALS Tandem Cockpit Cover
This Seals Tandem Cockpit Cover is made to fit over tandem watercraft and is available in various sizes made by Seals. The size you need will depend on the make and model of your vessel.
It is constructed out of nylon packcloth and has seams that have been double-stitched for increased durability. It also has the advantage of having a waterproof covering, which will assist keep your cockpit and anything else you choose to put in there safe and dry. This benefit is a bonus.
The cover features two hull straps that wrap around your hull and the cover to provide you with additional security when transporting your vessel.
Buy here the SEALS Tandem Cockpit Cover
Best Kayak Cockpit Covers – Final Thoughts
Investing in a cockpit cover for your kayak is a good idea. Not only will it shield your craft from the elements, but it will also keep unwelcome stowaways from making themselves at home in the comfortable seating area. They are also capable of offering superior protection during the transit process.
Be careful to verify the dimensions of your cockpit in advance and select a cover that is suitable for your requirements, irrespective of whether you will be using it for storage or transportation.
So, this is a good accessory to have, you can also check this article for more Kayak accessories.
Please share and tell us what you think and opinions about cockpit covers.
And always remember: Enjoy and stay safe!
