Finding a solid seadoo speedster cover is basically the first thing you should do after buying one of these boats, unless you enjoy spending your Saturday mornings scrubbing bird droppings and dead leaves off your seats. Let's be real—the Speedster is a legendary boat. It's fast, it looks aggressive, and it's arguably one of the most fun things you can put on the water. But because it has that open-cockpit design and those iconic twin engines, it's also a magnet for everything you don't want inside a boat.
If you leave a Speedster exposed to the elements for even a week, you're going to notice the toll it takes. I've seen beautiful yellow and red upholstery turn into a faded, chalky mess because the sun just beat down on it day after day. A good cover isn't just about keeping it clean; it's about making sure your investment doesn't rot from the inside out.
Why the Sun is Your Boat's Worst Enemy
Most people think about rain when they think about buying a seadoo speedster cover, but the sun is actually the bigger villain here. The UV rays are brutal on marine-grade vinyl. Even though SeaDoo uses pretty high-quality materials, they aren't invincible. Over time, the sun bakes the oils out of the vinyl, which leads to those tiny little cracks. Once those cracks start, moisture gets into the foam, and then you're dealing with a moldy situation that smells like a damp basement.
By throwing a cover over it, you're basically giving your boat a permanent spot in the shade. It keeps the dashboard from warping and prevents the gel coat from oxidation. If you've ever seen a boat that looks "cloudy" or dull, that's oxidation. It's a huge pain to buff out, and honestly, it's a lot easier to just clip a cover on and call it a day.
The Battle Against Water and Mold
We have to talk about rain, too. The SeaDoo Speedster has a lot of nooks and crannies. If it rains hard and you don't have a cover, that water has to go somewhere. While the bilge pump should handle it, you're relying on your battery to stay alive and the pump not to clog. I don't know about you, but I don't like those odds.
A waterproof or water-resistant cover ensures that the vast majority of that rain slides right off the sides. However—and this is a big "however"—you don't want a cover that's too airtight. If you trap moisture under a non-breathable plastic tarp, you've basically created a greenhouse for mold. You want a seadoo speedster cover that has built-in vents. These little "chimneys" allow air to circulate so any leftover moisture can evaporate. There is nothing worse than pulling off your cover for a holiday weekend and realizing your boat looks like a science experiment.
Custom Fit vs. Universal Covers
This is where a lot of people try to save a few bucks, and I totally get it. You see a "universal" boat cover at a big-box store for fifty dollars and think, "Hey, a boat is a boat, right?" Wrong. The Speedster has a very specific profile. It's low, it's wide, and it has those distinct handles and cleats.
A universal cover is usually just a giant rectangle of fabric with a drawstring. It'll sag in the middle, creating a massive pool of water when it rains. That weight can actually stretch the fabric until it rips, or worse, put unnecessary pressure on your windshield.
A custom-fit seadoo speedster cover is designed to hug the contours of the hull. It stays tight. When the wind picks up, a custom cover won't flap around like a loose sail. If you've ever seen a boat being towed down the highway with a loose cover flapping against the gel coat, you know that can actually scuff the finish. A tight fit is your best friend.
Materials Matter More Than You Think
When you're shopping around, you'll see words like "denier" thrown around. Basically, the higher the denier count (like 600D), the thicker and tougher the fabric is. For a boat like the Speedster, you really want something in the 600D range if it's going to be stored outside.
- Polyester: This is the gold standard for most covers. It's treated to be UV-resistant and it's pretty breathable. It doesn't stretch out as much as cotton canvas does when it gets wet.
- Solution-Dyed Fabrics: If you can find a cover that is "solution-dyed," grab it. This means the color is part of the fibers themselves, rather than just being sprayed on top. It'll stay dark and vibrant way longer than the cheap stuff that turns grey after one summer.
Trailering and Highway Travel
Are you planning on keeping your boat in the driveway and towing it to the lake? If so, you need a "trailerable" seadoo speedster cover. Not all covers are built for the highway. If you try to tow with a storage-only cover, the wind pressure at 65 mph will likely shred it within twenty miles.
Trailerable covers have extra-reinforced straps that wrap under the hull. They also usually have a heavy-duty elastic cord around the bottom edge to keep it from lifting. It's a bit of a workout to get all those straps tight, but it's worth it to know your interior isn't getting pelted by road debris and bugs while you're driving. Plus, it's a great way to keep your life jackets and towels from flying out onto the interstate.
Keeping the Cover in Good Shape
It feels a little meta to talk about taking care of the thing that takes care of your boat, but you can't just ignore the cover. Over time, it'll get covered in pollen, dirt, and bird mess. When that stuff sits there, it can actually eat away at the waterproof coating.
Every once in a while, give your seadoo speedster cover a rinse with a garden hose. Don't use harsh detergents or a power washer—you'll strip the protective layer right off. Just a soft brush and some mild soap will do the trick. And whatever you do, never fold it up and store it while it's still wet. That's the fastest way to ruin a three-hundred-dollar cover. Let it dry out completely in the sun before you bag it up for the winter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is not using a support pole. Even the tightest cover will sag a little bit over the large open area of the Speedster's cockpit. A simple telescoping pole in the center creates a "tent" effect. This ensures that water runs off immediately instead of pooling. If you let a puddle form on top of your cover, the water will eventually soak through the fabric, no matter how "waterproof" it claims to be.
Another mistake is forgetting about the tie-downs. It's tempting to just toss the cover on and skip the straps if you're just parking it for the night. But a surprise gust of wind can easily lift that cover and toss it into your neighbor's yard, leaving your boat exposed anyway.
Final Thoughts on Protection
At the end of the day, a seadoo speedster cover is the most cost-effective "insurance" you can buy for your boat. These boats are becoming harder to find in good condition, and keeping yours looking mint is only going to help its resale value later on. But more importantly, it just makes your life easier.
There's a huge difference between arriving at the dock and being ready to fly across the water in five minutes, versus spending an hour cleaning out spider webs and drying off wet seats. Do yourself a favor and get a cover that actually fits. Your boat—and your sanity—will thank you.