When you own a boat, protecting your investment is a top priority. Whether it’s your pontoon or a speedboat, exposure to the elements can take a serious toll on its longevity. That’s where boat covers like the Empire Aqua Armor come in.
But is this cover really up to the task, or are there better options out there?
In this review, I’ll share my experience with the Empire boat cover, and by the end of this article, you’ll know whether it’s worth purchasing, or if you should explore alternatives.
My Experience With The Empire Boat Cover
When I first decided to buy a cover for my pontoon, I was looking for something durable, weather-resistant, and easy to use. The Empire Aqua Armor cover sounded promising.
Advertised as having 1200 denier fabric that offered superior weather protection, it seemed perfect for shielding my boat from rain, snow, and leaves. The heavy-duty shock cord hem that ensures a snug fit further added to the appeal.
However, what I found in reality was quite different from the marketing promises.
- The Good
Let’s start with the positives. The Aqua Armor cover is, without a doubt, made from strong fabric. The 1200 denier material gives it a tough exterior that feels like it could handle almost anything. I was initially impressed by how heavy-duty it seemed.
Plus, the shock cord hem worked well to keep the cover secure around my pontoon. When I first installed it, the fit was snug and I felt reassured knowing it was tight around the boat.
I also appreciated the number of straps that came with the cover. Having plenty of straps to secure the cover made installation a bit easier. In the initial months, it seemed to offer good protection from the wind and light rain. But, as time went on, things took a turn for the worse.
- The Not-So-Good
Unfortunately, while the fabric of the Empire boat cover seemed durable, it wasn’t enough to withstand the heavier elements.
As soon as the fall rains began, the problems started. I noticed the cover sagging in the middle under the weight of accumulated water.
I tried using the straps to tighten it, but it didn’t help.
This sagging not only caused water to pool, but when winter hit, the standing water froze, creating a hazardous situation.
One of the major frustrations was how the cover’s poor fit led to significant pooling of rainwater, which eventually froze. This weight snapped one of the support posts on my boat, which was a nightmare to fix.
Having spent a lot of time creating makeshift wood supports to hold the cover up and prevent further sagging, I was incredibly disappointed. It’s not just me—many other buyers have shared similar experiences.
Pros of Empire Boat Covers
Despite its flaws, there are a few notable pros to the Empire Aqua Armor boat cover that are worth mentioning:
- Durable Fabric: The 1200 denier fabric provides strong resistance to mild weather conditions.
- Snug Fit: The heavy-duty shock cord hem ensures a tight fit that stays put in windy conditions.
- Numerous Straps: With plenty of straps, the cover can be fastened securely.
Cons of Empire Boat Covers
However, the cons far outweigh the pros, especially if you live in an area with unpredictable weather:
- Sagging Issues: The cover sags under heavy rain, leading to water accumulation that can freeze.
- Poor Fit for Some Boats: Despite being advertised as a universal fit for various pontoon sizes, many users, including myself, found the fit lacking.
- Maintenance Headache: The need to build additional supports to prevent sagging and pooling was time-consuming and frustrating.
- Durability Concerns in Harsh Weather: While the fabric itself may be durable, the overall design doesn’t hold up in extreme conditions like heavy rain or snow.
Maintenance Tips For Boat Covers
Whether you choose to stick with the Empire Aqua Armor or opt for another brand, keeping your boat cover well-maintained is essential to prolonging its life. Here are a few maintenance tips to keep in mind:
- Regular Cleaning: Keeping your boat cover clean is key to maintaining its durability. Use mild soap and water to clean off any dirt, bird droppings, or stains that accumulate. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the fabric.
- Drying the Cover: Never store a wet boat cover. After cleaning or exposure to rain, let the cover dry completely before folding it up. Storing a damp cover can lead to mildew or mold growth, which weakens the fabric over time.
- Check for Tears or Weak Points: Regularly inspect your boat cover for any tears, holes, or weak points. If you spot any damage, repair it immediately to prevent it from getting worse.
- Avoid Extreme Tension: While it’s important to secure your cover tightly, avoid putting too much tension on the straps as it can weaken them over time. Secure the cover enough to keep it in place, but not so tight that it strains the material.
- Support Poles: One of the most critical elements to prevent sagging is the use of support poles. Many boat covers, including Empire’s Aqua Armor, suffer from sagging issues. Using additional support poles can help keep the cover elevated and prevent pooling of water.
Comparing Empire Boat Covers To Other Brands
When it comes to protecting your boat, the Empire Aqua Armor boat cover has some tough competition. Let’s take a look at how it stacks up against other well-known brands, such as Seal Skin, EliteShield, and iCOVER, to help you make a more informed decision.
- iCOVER Boat Cover
iCOVER offers a more affordable solution for boat protection, but don’t let the lower price tag fool you. iCOVER is highly rated for its waterproofing capabilities, with 600D marine-grade polyester fabric that provides reliable protection against rain, snow, and wind.
Although it has a lower denier rating compared to Empire’s Aqua Armor (1200D), iCOVER compensates for this with better overall design and fit. Its quick-release buckles and adjustable straps make installation straightforward, and it doesn’t suffer from the same sagging issues that plagued my Empire cover.
Another key benefit of iCOVER is its excellent customer service and warranty, which far surpasses what I experienced with EmpireCovers. If you’re looking for a balance between affordability and quality, iCOVER is a great alternative to the Empire Aqua Armor, especially if you don’t need the extra thickness of a 1200D cover.
- Seal Skin Boat Cover
Seal Skin Boat Covers are known for their custom fit and heavy-duty construction. Unlike the Empire Aqua Armor, which has been criticized for poor fit on some boat models, Seal Skin offers covers that are specifically tailored to different types and sizes of boats, ensuring a snug fit every time.
One of the standout features of Seal Skin is its breathable fabric, which helps to prevent mildew and mold by allowing moisture to escape. This is something the Empire Aqua Armor lacks, as many users, including myself, experienced issues with water pooling and moisture buildup.
Another significant advantage of Seal Skin is its UV protection. Their covers are designed to resist UV rays, which can damage both your cover and boat over time. This feature makes Seal Skin a great option for those storing their boats in sunny climates.
While Empire’s Aqua Armor offers decent weather resistance, the overall lack of UV protection can lead to faster wear and tear, especially in high-sun areas.
- EliteShield Boat Cover
The EliteShield Boat Cover is another strong competitor in the boat cover market. What sets EliteShield apart from Empire is its reinforced stitching and double-layered seams, which provide added durability and strength.
This is especially important for boat owners who deal with heavy wind or rain, as these features help prevent ripping or tearing. In contrast, Empire’s Aqua Armor, despite having a tough fabric, doesn’t have the same level of reinforced seams, leading to potential issues under harsh conditions.
EliteShield also includes built-in air vents, which help reduce moisture buildup, a feature that Empire covers could definitely benefit from. Like Seal Skin, EliteShield’s covers are designed to fit snugly around your boat, preventing the sagging issues that are common with Empire covers.
Overall, EliteShield offers a more durable and well-constructed product, especially for those looking for extra security in challenging weather.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
EmpireCovers boat covers are made in the United States, offering various styles and sizes designed to fit different types of boats.
The life expectancy of a boat cover can vary depending on the material and the conditions it’s exposed to. On average, a well-maintained boat cover should last between 3 to 5 years.
The D rating refers to the denier, which measures the thickness of the fabric. A higher denier, like the 1200D used in the Empire Aqua Armor, indicates thicker and more durable fabric.
It’s generally not recommended to drive with your boat cover on, as the wind can cause damage to the fabric and the boat.
Conclusion: Is the Empire Boat Cover Worth It?
After using the Empire Aqua Armor boat cover, I can confidently say that while it has some strengths, the overall design leaves much to be desired.
The durable fabric is certainly a plus, but the sagging issues, poor fit, and maintenance headaches make it difficult to recommend, especially if you live in an area with heavy rain or snow.
For those seeking reliable, hassle-free protection for their boats, I would suggest looking into brands like Classic Accessories or MSC.
The bottom line is this: while Empire might work for some, it didn’t meet my expectations, and I’m not alone in this sentiment. If you’re looking for a more reliable and user-friendly boat cover, other brands offer better fit, ease of use, and overall performance.
