Looking for a boat lift cover for your cantilever system? Look no further. SlipSki is proud to an announce that we are now manufacturing our most popular boat lift cover model, “The Dorado” to fit cantilever boat lift systems.

Current covers that fit cantilever boat lift systems.

• The Dorado (View Boat Cover)

If you have questions about a cover for your cantilever boat lift system, contact SlipSki today to get a custom boat lift cover.

Why SlipSki?

SlipSki strives to improve a wide variety of current solutions and innovate new solutions superior to that of our competitors. Our custom products are not aimed at being the cheapest nor the most expensive products available. Instead, they are aimed at being the best quality and solution at an affordable price.

We don’t cut costs in our materials or engineering, rather we find new ways to manufacture and design our products. This mind set ensures our products are built to last and designed to serve your needs seamlessly and reliably.

As winter descends and waters across the United States begin to freeze, responsible jet ski owners are turning their attention to the crucial task of winterizing their watercraft. With the exhilarating days of hauling ass across behind us, the onset of winter demands a meticulous approach to your jet skis maintenance.

Winter maintenance on jet skis is no big task, but its no small one either. Taking a methodical approach year after year will ensure that your machine performs flawlessly when you ask it to. In this article, we will explore the indispensable steps that will ensure your jet ski remains resilient against winter, no matter what part of the country you are in.

Steps for winterizing your jet ski.

• Use a fuel stabilizer.
• Change the oil before putting it up.
• Flush your jet skis coolant system.
• Do normal battery maintenance.
• Add a protective coating.
• Make sure that your jet ski is dry.
• Inspect all moving parts and grease them if necessary.
• Remove and treat spark plugs.
• Cover and store indoors.

Add a fuel stabilizer to your jet skis gas tank.

Before putting our jet ski away for the winter, its been proven to help by adding a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank. This will help to prevent the fuel from deteriorating and causing issues like clogged fuel lines or funky carburetors.

Manufacturers typically have a recommendation for how much and specific types. If you have an owners manual we suggest you look there.

Change the oil in your jet ski.

Not that it should be neglected anyway, but you should always change the oil before putting your jet ski away for the winter. This is also a good time to make sure that everything is good and you don’t need to do any unexpected winter maintenance. Plus the fresh oil will provide superior protection for the engine and its components during the winter months.

Flush the coolant system in your jet ski for winter.

Freezing temperatures can cause damage to hoses and other cooling system components. You must drain the cooling system completely and replace it with an antifreeze solution for the winter. This is even more important when winter temperatures drop well below freezing regularly. Y’all in Florida are probably alright…

Carry out normal battery storage procedures.

Remove the jet ski’s battery and store it in a cool, dry place. Periodically charge it throughout the winter to maintain its charge. Consider using a battery maintainer to ensure it stays in optimal condition.

Make sure to dry everything out on the jet ski.

You don’t want corrosion, mold, or mildew to form on or inside your jet ski. Make sure to dry out your jet ski thoroughly to avoid these issues. Pay extra attention to the engine compartment, bilge areas, and any nooks where water may collect.

Add a protective coating to your jet ski in the winter.

Apply a protective coating, such as a corrosion inhibitor or silicone spray, to metal surfaces. This helps create a barrier against moisture and prevents rust or corrosion during the winter months.

We highly recommend 303 Marine Products.

Inspect all moving parts.

Check all moving parts, including the steering system and throttle, for any signs of wear or damage. Apply marine-grade grease to pivot points and moving components to keep them lubricated and protected.

Remove and service spark plugs.

When storing your jet ski for the winter it is important to service your engine and spark plugs. Make sure to remove your plugs and spray fogging oil down into the cylinders. This will help coat the engines internal components and help prevent rust.

Once sprayed, replace the spark plugs and crank the engine a few times to help distribute the oil.

Cover your jet ski for winter.

If possible, store your jet ski indoors to shield it from the elements. If indoor storage isn’t available, invest in a high-quality cover that can withstand winter weather. You should ensure the cover is securely fastened to prevent wind damage.

Now. Sit back, relax, and do whatever it is that you do during the winter months in anticipation of spring and summer.

Something every boat owner is faced with. Which boat storage method is right for me? Answers will vary from owner to owner and that will be due to a couple of different factors.

Questions to ask yourself when thinking about the best boat storage method for your situation.

• Do you live on the water?
• What is your budget?
• What type of cover would you like?
• Should I get a boat lift?
• Do I want to trailer every time I use my boat?

Popular boat storage methods.

The boat storage methods listed below are what we typically see in the boating community. Whether it’s your small lake community, you live in the middle of a big city, or are looking at a spot on the waterfront. The options below are more than adequate for most recreational boat owners.

Metal Building Storage Units.

Boat owners looking for an affordable covered boat storage solution will want to check out metal building storage units made specifically for boat owners. Lots of smaller lake communities will have a couple of smaller storage facilities that cater to boat owners with various-sized vessels.

These storage units, while not climate-controlled and usually with a gravel base, typically offer electric hookups for fridges, battery chargers, and other necessities to improve your boating experience.

Drawbacks to metal storage units for boat storage.

• You are normally not on the water and have to drive to the boat ramp.
• Theft can be common at these facilities.
• Monthly costs associated with them can be affordable compared to slips, but still rather expensive.

These boat storage units can be had for around $80 – $250 / month depending on the location.

Boat Cover In Uncovered Storage.

The bare bones… You’re not looking to spend a lot of money, want easy access, and don’t mind driving. You are probably on your 4^th boat cover by now due to sun rot, but it’s okay because it only costs a few hundred bucks, and you’ll just replace it next year.

This boat storage method is no different than parking it in your side yard, some boat owners just don’t have one. So, they are forced to find somewhere to store their boat, and this is the most affordable method of boat storage with generally easy access.

Drawbacks to open boat storage units.

• Not always close to the water.
• Monthly costs.
• Usually no electricity for battery charging, etc.
• Very susceptible to theft and vandalism.
• Fully exposed to weather.
• Fully exposed to UV rays which usually end up with multiple cover replacements.
• Leaves trailer tires exposed to sun rot.
• Leaves paint and metals exposed to elements making it susceptible to paint fade and rust.

These boat storage units can be had for around $25 – $150 / month depending on the location.

Boat Dock With Lift.

The holy grail of boat storage and what almost every boat owner dreams of… Having a boat dock with a lift that you can walk up to and go to is the ultimate dream boating setup. Whether it’s a boat slip at a local marina, or your own private boat dock, boat lifts are the most ideal way to store your boat.

Boat lifts offer owners ease of use, protect from hull damage, and make your boating experience a lot easier. Add a boat lift cover to your private dock or boat slip and you’ve got the ultimate boat storage setup for ease of use and protection.

These boat lift covers offer 360 degrees of protection and can be mounted to wooden, metal, and piers making them extremely versatile systems. If you’ve got the coin and want the best coverage for your boat with the easiest form of use. A boat lift with a cover is your go-to.

Benefits of boat lifts and covers for storage.

• Keeps your boat clean so you can show up and go boating.
• Offers 360 degrees of protection.
• Extremely low maintenance.
• Keeps boat hull out of the water.
• Keeps boat protected from harmful UV rays.

Downsides to boat lifts with covers.

• Require that you have a boat slip, JetDock, or private boat dock to mount.
• More expensive than other storage options.

This method of boat storage can range in price from $500 up to $10,000’s.

Every boat owner’s situation is different. Whether that’s the disposable income available to be spent on your hobby, or the amount of use leans more toward the holiday weekend-only type. There is a storage option that is more than adequate to fill your needs.

If you have a boat lift and are interested in getting it covered, check out the photos of our various cover models here or contact us here with any questions or find a location nearest to you here.

Birds can be problematic when it comes to maintaining your boat, boat lift, dock, and your boat lift cover. When these birds “leave their mark”, it’s more of a nuisance but can present actual damage to your watercraft and dock. Keeping birds off your boat and dock can require a combo of preventative measures, including covers and proper lift maintenance. To fix this problem, boat owners must first understand why birds love boats and boat docks, and what damage they can cause to your boat.

First, you must realize why birds are attracted to boats and boat docks.

Birds will be attracted to boats for several reasons. From seeking shelter to scavenging for food, and perching to various human activities that draw them in. You can read more on individual reasons below.

A Great Food Source: Boat docks can provide a consistent source of food for birds. People often fish or clean fish near docks, and this can result in small scraps or discarded bait that birds find appealing. Additionally, algae and small aquatic organisms may grow around docks, providing a natural food source for birds.

Boat Docks Offer Shelter and Roosting Spots: Docks offer birds shelter from the elements, such as sun, wind, and rain. The structures provide a place for birds to rest and roost, keeping them safe from predators and harsh weather conditions.

Perching and Nesting Opportunities: Birds like to perch on the edges of boat docks and pilings, as this vantage point allows them to scan the water for potential prey. Some species may also choose to build nests under docks or in nearby trees, as they offer secure nesting sites away from ground predators.

Proximity to Water: Birds often congregate near water bodies because they rely on them for drinking, bathing, and sometimes for catching prey. Boat docks are conveniently located close to water, making them attractive locations for birds.

Bird Behavior: Birds are social creatures and tend to gather in areas where they see other birds. Others may follow suit if one bird discovers a suitable location on a boat dock.

Human Activity: Birds can become accustomed to human activity and may associate marinas and boat docks with potential food sources. They may also become less fearful of humans, making these areas more appealing.

Now that you know why the birds are frequenting your dock, you can move on to preventative maintenance.

So. How can you prevent them from hanging around?

To keep birds off your boat and dock you can use the following methods which have been proven successful in deterring birds from hanging around.

Bird Repellent Sprays: Apply bird repellent sprays or gels on your boat cover. These products are designed to create an unpleasant surface for birds to land on.

Reflective Objects And Tape Deter Birds: While this isn’t our first suggestion as it can appear trashy, hanging reflective objects like CD discs, aluminum foil strips, or reflective tape on and around your boat cover can scare away birds.

Use Bird Spikes: Attach bird spikes to the areas of your boat cover where birds tend to perch. These spikes make it uncomfortable for birds to land and discourage them from staying.

Bird Netting For Boat Docks: Install bird netting above your boat cover. This creates a physical barrier that prevents birds from accessing the area.

Use Decoys To Scare Birds: Use decoy predators like plastic owls or hawks near your boat cover. Birds may avoid the area thinking a predator is nearby.

Keep Your Boat Lift Cover Clean: Remove any food scraps or debris from your boat cover regularly, as these can attract birds.

Repair Holes & Tears In Covers: If your boat cover has any holes or tears, patch them up promptly to prevent birds from nesting inside.

Maintain your boat lift cover and dock.

Regular boat dock and cover maintenance is important in keeping birds off your boat. Food, sticky drink remnants, and other debris left over from a weekend on the water can draw birds to your dock. Broken covers, along with gaps or crevices, your dock’s structure can offer birds a great place to nest or hang out.

Make sure that your boat lift cover is securely fastened and fitted to prevent birds from accessing the boat’s interior. Repairing these problematic areas can ensure that your boat lift cover last longer, and help minimize your bird problem.

How do boat lift covers help protect my boat from birds?

Boat lift covers designed by SlipSki offer another layer of protection against birds and other elements that your boat is exposed to daily. By creating a barrier between your boat and its surrounding environment, you make it more difficult for birds to access your boat.

Boat lift covers help to discourage birds from the following.

• Perching on your boat.
• Visiting your dock to scavenge.
• Help keep your boat clean of debris that can attract birds.

Custom boat lift covers designed to fit your boat dock specifically can greatly increase the protection of your boat from birds. If you have questions about our covers contact us today or find a location nearest to you here.

Your boat lift canopy is the first line of defense for protecting your boat from the elements. Keeping it in good, clean condition is important in ensuring that your boat stays properly protected. Boat lift canopies are designed to protect your watercraft and limit costly cosmetics and, in some cases, electrical and mechanical repairs.

Below we outline the top signs that you need to do some maintenance on your boat lift canopy cover.

Your boat lift cover is fading.

If your boat lift canopies cover is showing signs of fading it is probably time for you to clean or replace the cover.

Dirt and debris on your cover.

If you notice dirt, debris, or other dirty substances on your boat lift canopy that’s a sign that you need to clean it. Leaving this debris can cause damage to your cover over time and in some cases cause performance issues. Some types of debris can rip and tear your cover, rendering it useless in protecting your boat.

Tears in your canopy.

If you notice tears or cracks in your boat lift canopy, it is time to replace it. Small or large openings leave your watercraft exposed to Mother Nature and other elements that can cause damage to your watercraft.

Worn grommets and straps.

Your grommets and bungee straps are what keeps your cover tight. If these become stretched it can have negative effects on your covers performance. Make sure that everything is tight. If bungees become loose, contact us about getting some replacements. Covers should be tight and not flap whatsoever in the wind.

Covers can mold.

Whether your boat dock is on an inland freshwater lake or on a gulf coast dock in Southern Florida, your boat lift canopy will be exposed to mold. If your cover has a bad odor or smell to it, that’s a sign that it needs to be cleaned. Aside from the stench, mold can cause damage to your cover if left unchecked. Limiting the amount of time your cover will last you.

Maintaining your boat lift canopy is imperative to keeping your boat protected and warranty in check. If you need tips on canopy maintenance, you can read an article on it here.

Questions about replacing your cover? Contact SlipSki today to at one of our locations in Texas, Florida, or the Mid-Atlantic region to request a quote.