Boat Covers

• Question: How do I measure for a boat cover?
  

  • You will need at least two measurements: LOA (overall length) and beam (width) - See illustration above.
  • Include any jack plate, bow pulpit, and/or swim platform in your length measurement.
  • Do not include outboard or stern drive in your length measurement.
  • For the beam, measure the widest section of your boat, straight across.
  • Some cover styles require other measurements. Please read the description of the cover you are looking at. If you have any questions, call us at 239-652-0916.
• Question: How long until I receive my boat cover?
  • Due to Covid-19, all Carver Ind. orders (boat covers, bimini tops, and accessories) are approximately at a 10 week lead-time from the time it is ordered. 
  • Covers ship via UPS ground. According to your location, transit time can be between 2 and 7 days.
  • With expedited manufacturing, available for a surcharge, covers will ship out within 48 hours of order date. Please call us for details. **Note: Expedited manufacturing is NOT available at this time, due to Covid-19; only expedited shipping is available for a surcharge. 
  • Expedited shipping is available for a surcharge. Please contact us with the part number for the cover you are ordering, and we will research what the extra cost would be.
• Question: How do I clean and maintain my boat cover?
  • Don't let water, snow or debris stand on the boat cover.
  • Avoid letting water pool on your boat cover. Use tie-downs and boat cover support poles to keep the fabric taut and allow water runoff.
  • Never store your boat cover when it's wet. Always let the cover dry completely before folding it for storage.
  • Be sure that your boat cover is tied down securely. Be careful using bungee cords. They can stretch and possibly damage your boat and/or cover.
  • Before installation, pad any areas that are sharp or cause tension on the cover. This might include trolling motors, windshields or depth finders.
  • A quick clean is recommended on a regular basis. Brush off any loose dirt with a soft brush, then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
  • When a more comprehensive cleaning is desired, use a solution of lukewarm water and mild natural soap (detergent is NOT recommended). Rinse the boat cover thoroughly and let it air dry.
  • Stains and dirt can be cleaned using 303 Fabric and Vinyl Cleaner.
  • Some fabrics will begin to lose their ability to repel water over time. If you notice that water is no longer beading on your boat cover, we recommend that you clean your cover thoroughly, then applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard.

Bimini Tops

• Question: How do I measure for a bimini top?
  

  • You will want to determine the width, length and height of the bimini top to order (see image above).
  • The width is the mounting width. Usually, you will mount the bimini on the boat's gunwales. Our biminis come in a variety of widths. Because the frames are flexible, a given bimini width will fit a range of actual mounting widths. See the product description for details.
  • The length is the full length of the extended bimini top. Roughly half of the length will be in front of the mounting point and half behind the mounting point.
  • The height is the height of the actual bimini top, as measured from the mounting point to the top of the bimini when extended.
  • Overall height can be calculated by measuring from the floorboard to the mounting point, then adding this to the bimini height.
  • If you have any questions, call us at 239-652-0916.
• Question: How long until I receive my bimini top?
  • Due to Covid-19, all Carver Ind. orders (boat covers, bimini tops, and accessories) are approximately at a 10 week business day lead-time from the time it is ordered. 
  • Biminis ship via UPS ground. According to your location, transit time can be between 2 and 7 days.
  • With expedited manufacturing, available for a surcharge, biminis will ship out within 48 hours of order date. Please call us for details. **Note: Expedited manufacturing is NOT available at this time, due to Covid-19; only expedited shipping is available for a surcharge. 
  • Expedited shipping is available for a surcharge. Please contact us with the part number for the top you are ordering, and we will research what the extra cost would be.
• Question: How do I install my bimini top?
  Please download the installation instructions by clicking on the image below. If you still have questions, call us at 239-652-0916.
  
• Question: How do I care for my bimini top?
  • Inspect screws and fittings periodically to be sure they are tight.
  • Hold-down straps should be taught, with no slack. Straps come with buckles for easy adjustment.
  • Never trailer with your bimini top open.
  • Biminis should not be exposed to wind speeds in excess of 35 MPH.
  • Do not close your bimini until the canvas is dry. Doing so promotes the growth of mold and mildew.
  • Brush your bimini canvas regularly with a soft brush, then rinse with lukewarm water.
  • Over time, the bimini canvas can become less water-repellant. Using 303 High Tech Fabric Guard can restore the water-repellancy of your bimini canvas.

RV Awnings

• Question: How do I measure for an RV awning?
  

  • Correct measurements are crucial. Our RV awnings are made to order, and are non-returnable.
  • The measurement we are looking for is the distance from center-arm-to-center-arm. See the image above.
  • If clearances are tight, please contact us. Different awnings have different minimum clearance requirements.
• Question: What is pitch, and how do I set it?
  • Pitch is the degree of slope your awning has when it is extended.
  • Most awnings come with an adjustable pitch.
  • It is recommended that you pitch one end of the awning steeper than the other. This allows for more efficient rainwater run-off.
  • Set the pitch so that rainwater runs off the end furthest away from high-traffic areas.