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.
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 –
01. Explore Land Universal Kayak Cockpit Cover
The Explore Land Universal Kayak Cockpit Cover is a reliable way to keep dirt, rain, and critters out of your kayak during storage or transport. Made from durable 600D waterproof polyester with a UV-resistant coating, this cover stretches over the cockpit and stays in place using an adjustable elastic drawstring and grab loop. It’s available in multiple sizes to fit a wide range of sit-in kayaks, making it a solid choice for protecting your investment.
It’s especially handy for garage storage or trailering, though it’s not intended for use while paddling. Be sure to measure your cockpit carefully—fit can be snug or loose depending on kayak model and shape.
✅ Pros
- Heavy-duty 600D waterproof fabric with UV protection
- Adjustable elastic hem ensures secure fit during transport
- Protects from dust, bugs, rain, and sun damage
- Multiple sizes available for different cockpit styles
❌ Cons
- Not designed for use while paddling
- Fit may vary depending on cockpit shape—double-check measurements
02. UCEDER Waterproof Kayak Cockpit Cover
The UCEDER Waterproof Kayak Cockpit Cover is built to protect your kayak’s interior from rain, dust, leaves, and critters while it’s stored or being transported. Made from waterproof oxford cloth with a silver UV-blocking interior lining, this cover helps prevent sun damage and mildew buildup inside the cockpit. It features an adjustable elastic drawstring for a snug fit and is available in various sizes to suit most sit-in kayak models.
It’s great for off-season storage, trailering, or keeping your kayak dry before a trip. Just be aware it’s not meant to be used while paddling, and the elastic fit might not hold tight on cockpits with irregular shapes.
✅ Pros
- Waterproof oxford fabric with UV-reflective lining
- Adjustable drawstring provides secure fit
- Shields cockpit from rain, debris, bugs, and UV rays
- Works well for storage or transport
❌ Cons
- Not for use while paddling
- May not fit tightly on non-standard cockpit shapes
03. MOOCY Universal Kayak Cockpit Cover
The MOOCY Universal Kayak Cockpit Cover is a practical solution for keeping your sit-in kayak clean, dry, and critter-free during storage or transport. Made from heavy-duty waterproof nylon, it features an adjustable elastic bungee cord that cinches tight around your cockpit rim for a secure fit. It’s lightweight, folds easily, and is ideal for covering your kayak in a garage, backyard, or while trailering.
It’s especially useful in rainy or dusty environments, but like most cockpit covers, it’s not designed to stay on while paddling. Also, the fit can be a little loose on deeper or wider cockpits, so measuring beforehand is key.
✅ Pros
- Waterproof nylon construction keeps out rain, dirt, and pests
- Adjustable bungee cord ensures flexible fit
- Lightweight and easy to pack or store
- Fits most sit-in kayaks
❌ Cons
- Not suitable for use while paddling
- May fit loosely on larger or unusually shaped cockpits
04. Seals Cockpit Seal Cover
The Seals Cockpit Seal Cover is a premium option for keeping your kayak cockpit sealed tight during storage or transport. Made from durable, tear-resistant nylon with a strong adjustable bungee rim grip, it fits snugly over the cockpit to block out moisture, dirt, leaves, and critters. It’s especially useful for long-term storage or when trailering your kayak at highway speeds, thanks to its tight, reliable fit.
Available in multiple sizes (like 1.7, 1.4, etc.), it’s built to match specific cockpit dimensions—so you’ll want to check the Seals sizing chart before purchasing. While it offers a more secure fit than generic covers, it’s not intended for use while paddling.
✅ Pros
- Heavy-duty nylon with strong rim grip for secure sealing
- Great for storage or highway transport
- Designed for specific kayak cockpit sizes
- Reliable brand known for tight, long-lasting cockpit covers
❌ Cons
- Must know your exact cockpit size to choose correct fit
- Not usable while paddling
05. Chuanke Kayak Cockpit Cover
The Chuanke Kayak Cockpit Cover is designed to protect your kayak’s interior from rain, dust, bugs, and UV damage during storage or transport. Made from waterproof oxford fabric with an inner silver UV-resistant lining, it helps shield your cockpit from sun exposure and moisture buildup. The adjustable elastic rim band ensures a flexible fit for most sit-in kayaks, making it a handy option for both garage and outdoor storage.
It’s lightweight and easy to install, though the fit may not be as tight as custom-sized cockpit seals—so double-check your kayak’s measurements to avoid a loose grip. Not intended for paddling use.
✅ Pros
- Waterproof oxford fabric with UV-blocking inner lining
- Adjustable elastic rim for flexible fit
- Keeps rain, debris, and critters out of the cockpit
- Good for storage or trailering
❌ Cons
- Not designed for use while kayaking
- May not fit snugly on irregular cockpit shapes
06. MOOCY Kayak Cockpit Cover
The MOOCY Kayak Cockpit Cover is built to shield your kayak’s interior from water, dust, UV rays, and insects while stored or in transport. Crafted from waterproof 600D polyester with a silver UV-reflective lining, this cover offers solid protection for sit-in kayaks. It features an adjustable bungee hem that allows for a snug, secure fit across various cockpit sizes, making it suitable for both garage storage and roof transport.
It’s easy to install and folds down compact for storage, but as with many universal-fit designs, the fit may vary depending on your kayak’s shape. Always measure before buying to avoid a loose seal.
✅ Pros
- Made with heavy-duty 600D waterproof polyester
- UV-reflective silver lining reduces sun damage
- Adjustable bungee cord ensures better fit across models
- Great for storage and transport protection
❌ Cons
- Not for use while paddling
- May not seal tightly on non-standard cockpit shapes
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.
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
