Keeping the cockpit of your kayak covered can save you a lot of hassles later. You have absolutely no idea how messy the situation could turn into at the end. An exposed cockpit is like an open invitation to critters and insets to get inside. Moreover, an open cockpit tends to invite dust, debris, and dirt. So, as you have correctly guessed, the kayak Cockpit should be covered when not in use.
Thankfully, there are hundreds of varieties of kayak cockpit covers available in the market. But finding the right cockpit cover for your kayak is not as easy as it appears to be. To help you out, here we have reviewed the best 7 Kayak cockpit covers that you can get in the market.
Why You need A Cockpit Cover
Considered to be a must-have accessory for all sit-inside kayaks, a cockpit cover is designed to keep the cockpit as much clean and bug-free as possible, when not in use. Basically, it acts like a protective cover that prevents water, dust, and insects from entering the cockpit.
If the cockpit gets consistently battered by rains or moisture, the structural integrity of the kayak can be compromised and this can have a devastating impact on its overall performance. Small animals and insects can also start using the open cockpit area as their home and they can react nastily if you try to shoo them away. So, in case, you hate to deal with such a long list of inconveniences, you need to keep your cockpit covered at all cost. However, before covering the cockpit area, the cockpit needs to be dried out completely.
While transporting a kayak on the roof of the car, the cockpit needs to be covered unless you don’t mind battling with the wind resistance. Wind resistance can be reduced significantly by using a good quality cockpit cover that stays in its place no matter what. A lot of drag can be created while transporting a kayak on the roof if the cockpit area is not covered. The wind can get inside the cockpit and it might even make the kayak come loose.
Best 6 Cockpit Covers for Kayaks
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There are so many varieties of cockpit covers available in the market that it makes a prospective buyer confused. Here we have listed top 6 cockpit covers that money can buy –
1. Explore Land Universal Kayak Cockpit Drape Cockpit Cover
Explore Land Universal Kayak Cockpit Drape Cockpit Cover is made from Heavy Duty 600D waterproof fabric and it will not come apart no matter how you are transporting the kayak. Fits really well with almost all types of kayaks, Explore Land Universal Kayak Cockpit Drape Cockpit Cover will help you keep sand, dust, and water at bay. Ideal for oversized kayaks, Explore Land Universal Kayak Cockpit Drape Cockpit Cover offers 3 years warranty.
To secure the cover, you can use the adjustable bungee cords. By tightening the cords, you can easily achieve a snug-fitting.
2. Seals Cockpit Seal Cover
If you are sick and tired of cleaning your cockpit over and over again, Seals Cockpit Seal Cover might come to your rescue. It will not blow off its position even if you try to transport the kayak on top speed. Seals Cockpit Seal Cover offers a nice fitting. It can be attached and detached easily. It also offers protection from UV rays which is a plus. Since this Seals Cockpit Seal Cover is made from premium quality materials, it can easily withstand wear and tear. Double-stitched seams add to its durability.
3. Seals Cockpit Drape
Seals Cockpit Drape can cover the entire breadth and width of a cockpit. All you have to do is to use the bungee cords to secure the cockpit cover properly so that it does not come off that easily. Some kayaks do have strange shape cockpit areas and which is why it is almost next to impossible to find a matching cockpit cover.
Seals Cockpit Drape is also great for custom-made kayaks. Made from hi-grade nylon packcloth fabric, Seals Cockpit Drape is extremely durable in nature and it is waterproof too. To keep the cover in a place, you need to make proper use of adjustable bungee cords.
4. NRS Super Stretch Neoprene Cockpit Cover
NRS Super Stretch Neoprene Cockpit Cover can fit cockpit of all shapes and sizes. It is extremely stretchable and flexible in nature. It is made from abrasion-resistant that increases its durability. Use adjustable shock cords for snug-fitting. By tying a simple knot, you can make the cockpit cover stay in its place no matter what.
5. Seals Neoprene Kayak Cockpit Cover
Seals Neoprene Kayak Cockpit Cover is designed to protect the cockpit area and its contents. With this premium kayak cockpit cover, you will be able to protect the cockpit from critters, rodents, dust, and water. 3.5mm high-performance neoprene is used to make this Seals Neoprene Kayak Cockpit Cover. This kayak cockpit covers sports a solid and robust construction. You can hook it to your kayak’s bungee straps in case, you are worried about losing it in case the cockpit cover pops off in the middle of the journey.
6. NRS Deluxe Cockpit Cover
NRS Deluxe Cockpit Cover can be put on a kayak within 15 minutes. It offers a snug fit and it can surely help you keep the bugs, small animals and dust at bay. No matter how odd-shaped the kayak cockpit cover is, we think NRS Deluxe Cockpit Cover can fit it precisely thanks to its flexible design and elastic nature. Designed with high-quality nylon, NRS Deluxe Cockpit Cover can easily withstand rough weather and extreme conditions.
How to Choose the Best Kayak Cockpit Cover
A number of factors need to be taken into consideration while purchasing a cockpit cover. Cockpit covers play a crucial role in keeping your kayak neat, clean and tidy. Without a cockpit cover, the cockpit will start accumulating dirt and other impurities. Here are some factors that you need to carefully consider if you wish to purchase a good quality cover for your cockpit –
1. Waterproof
What good is a kayak cockpit if it is not waterproof. Water will sip into the cockpit if the cover is not water-resistant. Kayak cockpit cover made from high-quality nylon can stop the water from entering the cockpit.
2. Size
To ensure that the cockpit cover stays in its place, you need to get the size right. Width and length of the cockpit need to be measured correctly before you start comparing it with the size chart provided by the cockpit cover manufacturer. You need to take into consideration the model of the kayak as well. Some cockpit covers go perfectly well with almost all types of kayaks. Snug-fitting cockpit covers are ideal in most cases. However, if you want to firmly attach the cover to the cockpit, you might have to use straps.
3. Clip
To prevent the movements of the cockpit cover, a set of cords is provided by most manufacturers. Bungee cords may prove extremely resourceful at times as they can be tightened easily and effortlessly. To make the cover more stable, you can use a long cord that can go around the entire width of the hull. If you are planning to transport the kayak with the cockpit cover on, you will have to make sure that it has a clip attached to it. The cord can then be latched onto the shock cord.
4. Material
Polyester, neoprene, and nylon are widely used to make kayak cockpit cover. Cockpit covers made from Neoprene is a little heavier than a nylon cockpit cover. And the biggest downside of a Neoprene cockpit cover is that it is 100% waterproof. But Neoprene cockpit cover can seal the edges of the cockpit cover and that would stop the water from entering the cockpit. Nylon cockpit cover, on the other hand, is extremely lightweight and they also don’t cost much. These nylon cockpit covers can be adjusted easily to fit cockpit of any shape or size.
Cockpit Cover FAQ
