Transporting your boat can expose it to many hazards, particularly stones and debris that might get kicked up by your vehicle. It's important to employ the best protective measures to ensure your boat arrives at its destination unscathed. Here, we'll explore the leading rock guards—including Rock Tamers and trailer-mounted options like RockGard and BoatArmor—as well as other essential accessories that safeguard your vessel on the road.
Rock Tamers: The Adjustable Defender
Rock Tamers® are arguably one of the best first-line defenses against road debris for your boat. These adjustable mud flaps attach to your hitch and offer a wide and effective barrier against the stones and debris that can cause damage to your boat’s exterior. These are a bit awkward to put on and remove, but it only takes a few minutes.
💡 Pro tip: Invest in a separate ballmount just for your rock tamers and attract to the ballmount. That way installation is just inserting the ball mount to your hidden hitch with the rock tamers already attached.
Pros:
- Fully adjustable to fit the width of your vehicle, ensuring comprehensive protection.
- Made from durable materials designed to withstand the harsh realities of road travel.
- Easy to install and remove, making them ideal for boaters who frequently travel to different waters.
Cons:
- While effective, they primarily protect against lower-flying debris, possibly missing some high-trajectory particles which may come from your vehicle or others.
Trailer Mounted Rock Guards: RockGard vs. BoatArmor
RockGard: The Established Leader
A Canadian innovation, RockGard is renowned for its high-quality design and materials. Known for its durability and ease of installation, it provides robust protection tailored to various boat sizes.
Pros:
- Proven track record of protecting boats on the road.
- Heavy-duty construction that withstands severe impacts.
- Easy to install, offering a user-friendly solution for boat protection.
Cons:
- It may be priced higher than other brands, reflecting its market-leading position and quality.
BoatArmor: The Premium-Quality Newcomer
Entering the market as a premium option, the BoatArmor™ rock guard combines quality, durability, and style. It’s designed to not only protect but also to enhance the aesthetic of your towing setup.
Pros:
- Constructed with heavy-duty materials for maximum protection.
- Stylish design that complements modern vehicles and boats.
- Competitively priced for the high-end features it offers.
Cons:
- Newer on the market, which may give pause to those looking for long-tested traditional brands.
Boat Windshield Padded Travel Covers
If you often put miles on towing your boat to the lake, it's not 'if', it's 'when' you a rock from an oncoming vehicle is going to impact your boat's windshield.
In this situation, padded travel covers are invaluable. These covers are designed to shield against the impact of high-speed debris, which can crack or shatter a windshield even with other protective gear in place, such as a travel cover.
Pros:
- Provides a strong barrier specifically for the windshield, which is often vulnerable, expensive, and sometimes difficult to find a replacement.
- Padded for extra protection against impact.
- Easy to install and remove as needed, making them practical for frequent travelers.
Cons:
-There are no cons. Get one. Don't say I didn't tell ya.
Additional Protective Measures
To further secure your boat's hull finish from scratches and gouges, guard your boat from contact points on the trailer and be prepared for when your boat is on the water as well.
Protection on the Trailer - Bow Shields
These are applied directly to the boat's bow, offering protection from scratches and impacts. Easy to install, they’re made from materials that withstand preshure and rubbing from rollers and the bow support on your trailer.
Protection Once on the Water - Hull Savers
To further secure your boat's hull finish from scratches and gouges, be prepared for when your boat is on the water as well. When docking or doing a tie-up with another boat, be sure to have some hull savers stowed and ready. Also known as 'fenders', these bad boys are generally in the form of foam or air filled pads that hang from the side of your boat. SeaChoice Contour fenders are an example of the many brands and styles avaialable.
Sometimes dock bumpers are also called hull savers. These fasten to your dock as fixed protection from sharp edges against your boat when you are alongside the dock. If you have a dock, it is best to install these to save some worry when your boat is near or against the dock.
Conclusion
Whether you're traveling to a nearby lake or a far-off marine adventure, the right protective accessories are crucial for keeping your boat in excellent condition. From adjustable Rock Tamers to robust trailer-mounted options like RockGard and BoatArmor, along with specialized windshield covers, these products offer the protection your investment needs. By choosing wisely, you can avoid damage and enjoy a stress-free journey to your boating destination.