Installing your cover:1. Carefully unpack your cover, keeping cover free of dirt and other contaminants in case you need to return the cover for a different size.2. Place cover over your boat; easiest way is for two people to unfold the cover while draping it over the boat from bow to stern.3. Once placed over the entire boat be sure the cover you have chosen is the correct size for your boat. The cover should be large enough to cover the boat down to the rub-rail all around the boat.4. An adjustable support pole is included with the cover. This pole should be placed under the cover - located to best support any excess material and provide a "tenting" effect, to allow water to run off, rather than pool. Observe your cover and reposition to best serve this function.5. The bow of the cover has an opening that allows the shock-cord to be tightened. Simply pull the cord from both directions in the hem; tie off and remove excess. The amount of tightening depends on the fit of the cover to your boat and your preference. Increased tightening will insure that the cover fits snuggly against the hull and is used in mooring applications. A looser adjustment is sometimes preferred in a storage application.6. (8) Polypro Webbing Tie-Down straps are included with the cover. These should be used to secure your cover to the trailer at each of the tie-down buckle assembly areas on the cover. See instructions and illustration below.Adjustable Buckle Assembly Instructions:Thread webbing through adjustable buckle. Insert the end from the backside of the buckle, through the middle opening on buckle as shown in the picture. Now insert end of webbing through the bottom opening of the buckle (from the front side) and pull down until the strap is tightened securely as in the pictures to the right.USE AND CAREBefore covering your boat.1. Remove or firmly tie down detachable accessories, such as auxiliary motors, ladders, spotlights, navigation lights, ski brackets, etc.2. Pad sharp edges, corners, or projections. The easiest way is to wrap old towels or pieces of carpeting over and around protrusions. If necessary these pads can be taped firmly in place.Tying Down the cover.The snugness of the cover is the single most important factor for insuring troublefree boat cover life. Each and every tie down loop must be securely tied to either the boat or trailer using rope, shock cord, or straps. (NOTE: If tying off to the trailer, the boat MUST be rigidly fastened to the trailer.) Before tightening, the cover must be properly supported and padded. Protect the sides of your boat from hooks or buckles that may scratch the finish.Supporting the cover.Large open areas such as cockpits and open bows require support to keep the cover from sagging and allowing water, snow, or ice to pocket. Use boat cover support poles, bows or slats, or other apparatus to create a "tenting" effect and eliminate pockets from forming.Cleaning the cover.Wash boat covers with mild soaps. Use a garden hose to rinse dirt off. Never use harsh chemical cleaners or solvents on your cover.The information provided here has been reproduced courtesy of Taylor Made Products. Wholesale Marine reproduced this information 10/21/2008. #Boat Covers #DIY