UV radiation
What it does to your boat
Fades gelcoat, cracks vinyl seats, degrades fiberglass resin, chalks finish — 2-5% value loss per year
How a metal carport prevents it
Full shade all day blocks 100% of direct UV
2026 Sizes & Prices
Rent-to-Own. No Credit Check.
Metal boat carports protect your boat from UV damage, hail, bird droppings, tree sap, and winter weather — the four causes of boat depreciation that cost owners thousands per year.
Metal boat carports protect your boat from UV damage, hail, bird droppings, tree sap, and winter weather — the four causes of boat depreciation that cost owners thousands per year. Here's what matters:
Design your custom boat carport in our free 3D Builder — see your exact dimensions, options, and pricing in minutes.
The right boat carport size depends on three measurements that boat owners often get wrong: your boat length (hull only), your trailer length (which adds 4-6 ft of tongue), and your boat's tallest point (bimini up, T-top up, outriggers extended, radar arch, antennas). Below is the sizing recommendation for every common boat type.
| Boat Type | Typical Hull Length | Height When Rigged | Recommended Carport Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jet ski / PWC (single) | 10 ft | 4-5 ft | 12 x 20 x 8 ft |
| Jet ski / PWC (double on trailer) | 15 ft | 5-6 ft | 12 x 24 x 9 ft |
| Bass boat (small, 16-18 ft) | 17 ft | 6-7 ft | 12 x 30 x 10 ft |
| Bass boat (standard, 19-21 ft) | 20 ft | 7-8 ft | 14 x 30 x 10 ft |
| Bass boat (large, 22-25 ft) | 23 ft | 8-9 ft (with console) | 14 x 36 x 11 ft |
| Pontoon (20-22 ft) | 21 ft | 7-8 ft (bimini down) | 14 x 30 x 10 ft |
| Pontoon (24-27 ft) | 25 ft | 8-9 ft (bimini down) | 14 x 36 x 11 ft |
| Ski boat / wakeboard (20-23 ft) | 21 ft | 8-9 ft (tower folded) | 14 x 30 x 11 ft |
| Ski boat with tower (up) | 21 ft | 9-10 ft | 14 x 30 x 12 ft |
| Center console (20-23 ft, T-top) | 22 ft | 10-11 ft (T-top up) | 14 x 30 x 13 ft |
| Center console (24-28 ft, T-top) | 26 ft | 11-12 ft | 14 x 36 x 13 ft |
| Center console (29-32 ft, T-top) | 30 ft | 12-13 ft | 16 x 40 x 14 ft |
| Offshore (33+ ft, T-top + outriggers) | 36 ft | 13-14 ft | 18 x 45 x 15 ft |
| Deck boat (20-25 ft) | 22 ft | 7-8 ft | 14 x 30 x 10 ft |
| Cruiser (24-30 ft, cabin) | 27 ft | 10-12 ft | 16 x 40 x 13 ft |
| Trawler / larger cruiser (30+ ft) | 32 ft | 13-14 ft | 18 x 45 x 15 ft |
Forgetting the trailer tongue. A 22 ft bass boat with a tandem trailer is 26-28 ft total length — not 22 ft. Measure from the tip of the tongue to the back of the motor. Also measure the beam (width) at its widest point, including trim and rub rails.
Boat carport prices are set by three variables: footprint (width × length), height (critical for T-tops, biminis, radar arches, and outriggers), and steel gauge (14-gauge standard or 12-gauge for coastal and hurricane zones). All prices below include steel framing, roof panels, standard color, free delivery, and professional installation.
| Size (W × L × H) | Fits (Boat Type) | 14-gauge Price | 12-gauge Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 x 20 x 8 | Single jet ski, small PWC | $2,195 | $2,795 |
| 12 x 24 x 9 | Double jet ski, small bass boat 16-18 ft | $2,795 | $3,495 |
| 12 x 30 x 10 | Bass boat 19-21 ft, small pontoon | $3,195 | $3,995 |
| 14 x 30 x 11 | Standard bass boat, pontoon 20-22 ft, ski boatMost common | $3,495 | $4,395 |
| 14 x 36 x 13 | Center console with T-top, pontoon 24-27 ft | $3,995 | $4,995 |
| 14 x 40 x 13 | Larger center console, cruiser 24-28 ft | $4,495 | $5,595 |
| 16 x 36 x 13 | Boat + trailer tongue room, deck boat | $4,995 | $6,195 |
| 16 x 40 x 14 | Center console 29-32 ft with T-top up | $5,495 | $6,795 |
| 18 x 40 x 14 | Offshore boat with T-top + outriggers folded | $6,495 | $7,995 |
| 18 x 45 x 15 | Offshore 33+ ft, outriggers extended | $7,495 | $9,195 |
| 20 x 45 x 15 | Large boat + storage on side | $8,495 | $10,395 |
| 20 x 50 x 15 | Large cruiser + trailer + accessory storage | $9,495 | $11,595 |
14-gauge framing works for inland lake and river boats stored in moderate climates. 12-gauge is the right call for coastal boats, hurricane-prone regions (Gulf Coast, Atlantic Coast, FL, TX), high-snow country, and anywhere wind rating above 115 mph is required. The 20-25% price difference is worth it when a single hurricane can destroy a 14-gauge carport that a 12-gauge would survive.
Bulldog Steel Structures offers rent-to-own carports on all standard boat carport sizes with no credit check required. For boat owners, rent-to-own usually makes more sense than paying cash — UV exposure and weather damage cost 2-5% of your boat's value every year it sits uncovered. The monthly payment is almost always less than one year of depreciation.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Credit check required? | NO — approval based on initial payment only |
| Down payment | Typically 1-2 months of the monthly payment |
| Contract terms available | 24, 36, 48, or 60 months |
| Early payoff allowed? | YES — no prepayment penalty |
| Delivery and installation included? | YES — included in the contract at no extra cost |
| Enclosed sides and upgrades eligible? | YES — all customizations can be rolled into the monthly payment |
| How fast is approval? | Minutes — call or submit online for instant decision |
| Available in your state? | Available in most states (confirm by ZIP code) |
Call 888-551-2156 and ask about rent-to-own boat carports. Most buyers are approved in under 10 minutes and have their boat carport scheduled for delivery within 2-6 weeks.
Height is where most boat owners get their carport sizing wrong. Measuring just the hull on the trailer ignores the three things that actually determine clearance: the trailer's own height off the ground (18-24 inches), any raised accessories (T-tops, radar arches, antennas, outriggers), and bimini tops when deployed. A center console 'measured' at 8 ft on paper is often 11-12 ft tall with the T-top factored in.
Captures the actual tallest point, not just hull
Biminis stow higher than you think
T-top sits on bimini frame
These add 3-5 ft to total
Carport contracts in cold weather — this prevents scraping
Carport height is at the eave, not the center peak
| Boat Type | Hull Height | Add for Accessories | Minimum Carport Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jet ski on single trailer | 4 ft | 0 | 8 ft |
| Bass boat with console | 6 ft | 1 ft bimini | 10 ft |
| Pontoon with bimini folded | 6 ft | 1 ft bimini stowed | 10 ft |
| Pontoon with bimini up | 6 ft | 3-4 ft bimini extended | 12-13 ft |
| Ski boat with tower folded | 7 ft | 1 ft folded tower | 10 ft |
| Ski boat with tower up | 7 ft | 3-4 ft extended tower | 12 ft |
| Center console with T-top | 7 ft | 4-5 ft T-top + console | 13 ft |
| Offshore boat with outriggers up | 8 ft | 5-6 ft T-top + arch + outriggers | 15-16 ft |
Boat owners generally choose between three protection methods: a fabric cover that stays on the boat, a metal boat carport that covers the boat on its trailer, or a fully enclosed boathouse. Each has very different costs, lifespans, and protection levels. Here's how they actually compare for a typical boat owner.
| Feature | Fabric Cover (on boat) | Metal Boat Carport | Enclosed Boathouse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting cost | $200-$1,500 per cover | From $2,795 | From $8,500 (small enclosed) |
| Lifespan | 3-7 years | 25-30 years | 30-40 years |
| Replacement interval | Every 3-7 years | Rarely needed | Rarely needed |
| UV protection | Good (new) to Poor (worn) | Excellent (shade all day) | Excellent |
| Hail protection | Minimal — hail punches through | Excellent — steel absorbs impact | Excellent |
| Wind damage protection | Poor — covers blow off | Good (12-gauge) to Excellent | Excellent |
| Rain / snow protection | Good for hull, poor for interior | Excellent for top, limited for sides | Complete |
| Setup time per use | 20-30 min every time | 0 (always ready) | 0 (always ready) |
| Keeps bird droppings off | Partial | Excellent | Excellent |
| Keeps tree sap/debris off | Partial | Excellent | Excellent |
| Security / theft protection | None | Minimal visual deterrent | Excellent (walls + door) |
| Impact on boat resale value | Neutral | +10-20% vs uncovered | +15-25% vs uncovered |
A single $800 fabric cover lasts 3-5 years before UV destroys it. Over 25 years, that's 5-8 cover replacements — $4,000 to $6,400 in cover costs alone. A one-time investment in a metal boat carport eliminates that recurring cost, provides vastly better protection, and adds resale value. For any boat worth $15,000+, a metal carport pays for itself inside 10 years.
The four weather exposures that destroy boats fastest — UV radiation, hail impact, salt air corrosion, and winter ice — are exactly what a metal boat carport blocks. Here's what each exposure does to an uncovered boat, and how a carport prevents it.
What it does to your boat
Fades gelcoat, cracks vinyl seats, degrades fiberglass resin, chalks finish — 2-5% value loss per year
How a metal carport prevents it
Full shade all day blocks 100% of direct UV
What it does to your boat
Dents hull and deck, cracks windshields, punctures canvas — can total a boat in one storm
How a metal carport prevents it
Steel roof absorbs impact; even severe hail bounces off
What it does to your boat
Corrodes metal fittings, hardware, trailer; accelerates aluminum oxidation
How a metal carport prevents it
Steel roof keeps salt-laden rain off the boat
What it does to your boat
Snow load crushes canvas, meltwater pools and freezes in bilge, cracks hull from freeze expansion
How a metal carport prevents it
Snow slides off vertical roof; no accumulation on boat
What it does to your boat
Uric acid etches gelcoat permanently within 24-72 hours
How a metal carport prevents it
Prevents direct exposure
What it does to your boat
Permanently stains gelcoat if left for weeks
How a metal carport prevents it
Full roof keeps tree debris off
What it does to your boat
Carries pollution, pollen, acid rain onto surfaces
How a metal carport prevents it
Blocks all direct rainfall on boat
Free delivery and professional installation in every price.
Get a Free QuoteBoat owners in Florida, Texas Gulf Coast, Georgia, the Carolinas, and other hurricane-prone regions need boat carports engineered for high wind loads. Standard 14-gauge carports are rated for 90-115 mph wind. Upgraded 12-gauge framing with additional anchoring is rated for 140-170 mph wind — the specification you want in Category 3+ hurricane country.
| Framing Gauge | Anchor Type | Wind Rating | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14-gauge standard | Mobile home anchors (soil) | 90 mph | Inland lake, river, and low-wind regions only |
| 14-gauge standard | Concrete wedge anchors | 105-115 mph | Standard inland use, mild coastal |
| 12-gauge heavy | Mobile home anchors (soil) | 115-125 mph | Moderate coastal, moderate hurricane zones |
| 12-gauge heavy | Concrete wedge anchors + additional bracing | 140-170 mph | Florida, Gulf Coast, Atlantic Coast, Category 3+ zones |
| 12-gauge with vertical roof | Concrete + hurricane straps | 170+ mph | Direct coastal exposure, barrier islands, Keys |
A properly specified 12-gauge boat carport with concrete anchors and hurricane strapping routinely survives Category 3 storms that destroy fabric covers, wooden boathouses, and sub-standard carports. Insurance carriers often offer premium discounts for boats stored under rated carports — ask your insurance agent to confirm.
Every boat carport price includes the complete structure, delivery, and installation. No hidden fees, no separate shipping charges, no 'crew gratuity' at install. Here's exactly what's included:
| Included | Details |
|---|---|
| Galvanized steel framing | 14-gauge standard, 12-gauge upgrade for coastal/hurricane use |
| 29-gauge roof panels | Color-matched, 15+ color options |
| Trim and corner caps | J-channel trim for finished edges |
| Standard anchor set | Chosen automatically based on your base (concrete/soil/gravel/asphalt) |
| Free delivery | Within our service area (most of continental US) |
| Professional installation | By trained install crew — typically 1-2 days on site |
| Workmanship warranty | 1 year on installation |
| Rust-through warranty | 20 years on 12-gauge, 10 years on 14-gauge framing |
Metal boat carport prices start from $2,195 for a 12 x 20 x 8 ft size (fits jet skis and small PWCs) and run up to $11,595 for a 20 x 50 x 15 ft 12-gauge carport (fits large cruisers with trailer tongue plus accessory storage). The most common size — 14 x 30 x 11 ft for a standard bass boat or pontoon — starts at $3,495. All prices include free delivery and professional installation.
Start with your boat's total length ON THE TRAILER (hull length + trailer tongue of 4-6 ft), measure the beam (widest point including rub rails), and measure total height including bimini, T-top, radar arch, or outriggers in their deployed position. Add 2-4 ft on each side for walking and door swing clearance, and add 12 inches of overhead clearance for thermal expansion. For most 20-ft bass boats, 14 x 30 x 10 ft works. For a center console with T-top, step up to 14 x 36 x 13 ft minimum.
For a center console with T-top, use 13 ft minimum height. Standard center consoles 20-28 ft long have 10-12 ft of total height when the T-top is up (accounting for trailer height plus bimini plus T-top). Add 12 inches of overhead clearance so the T-top doesn't scrape on hot days when the carport steel expands downward. For center consoles with raised radar arches or outriggers, step up to 14-15 ft of height.
Yes. Bulldog Steel Structures offers rent-to-own on all standard boat carport sizes with no credit check required. Approval is based on your initial payment (typically 1-2 months). Contract terms are 24, 36, 48, or 60 months, with no prepayment penalty for early payoff. Delivery and installation are included at no extra cost. This is the fastest way to protect your boat from UV damage without paying cash up front — call 888-551-2156 for instant approval.
Standard 14-gauge boat carports are rated for 90-115 mph wind depending on anchor type. For hurricane protection in Florida, Gulf Coast, Atlantic Coast, and other high-wind regions, upgrade to 12-gauge framing with concrete anchors and hurricane strapping — this configuration is rated for 140-170 mph wind, which survives Category 3+ hurricanes. For Category 5 exposure (barrier islands, Keys), add vertical roof and additional strapping for 170+ mph rating.
Open carports provide excellent UV, rain, and hail protection at the lowest cost — right for most inland boat owners. Partial-enclosed covers (walls on 1-2 sides) add wind-blown rain protection and visual privacy at 15-25% more. Fully enclosed boat sheds provide complete weather protection, security against theft, and workshop space — right for coastal boats, high-value boats, and owners who want to do maintenance work inside. For most residential boat owners with inland lake/river boats, open or partial-enclosed is the right balance.
Yes — in fact, that's how most boat owners use these carports. The carport sizes in our chart account for boat length PLUS trailer tongue (which adds 4-6 ft of total length). Keeping the boat on the trailer makes it easier to pull out for launching and makes winterization simpler. Just confirm your carport width accounts for trailer fenders (typically 8-9 inches wider than the boat's beam).
Yes. For a single jet ski on a trailer, a 12 x 20 x 8 ft carport works. For two jet skis side-by-side or on a double trailer, step up to 12 x 24 x 9 ft. Jet skis benefit especially from covered storage because their vinyl seats, dash electronics, and gelcoat finishes are more UV-sensitive than larger boats. Prices start at $2,195 for the smallest jet ski carport.
Yes. All boat carport prices include free delivery and professional installation within our service area (most of the continental US). Site preparation (level ground, concrete pad if required) is the customer's responsibility and must be ready before the scheduled delivery date. For 18 ft wide carports and up, confirm your lot has delivery truck access.
Yes. Lean-to metal carport additions are popular with boat owners who want extra covered space for fuel cans, trailer accessories, water toys, life jackets, or extra storage. Lean-tos can be added to one or both sides of your carport, typically 6-12 ft deep. Including a lean-to in the initial build is cheaper than adding one later — most owners add a 6 x same-length lean-to on one side for about 20-25% more than the base carport price.
Most boat carports install in 1-2 days on site once site prep is complete and permits are in hand. Larger covers (18 ft wide and up) take 2-3 days. Lead time from order to installation is typically 2-6 weeks depending on your location and current manufacturing queue. For urgent orders (new boat purchase, incoming storm), ask about expedited shipping when you request your quote.
Permit requirements depend on your city, county, HOA, and state. Boat carports under 200 sq ft often don't require permits in rural areas. Boat carports over 200 sq ft, carports in coastal zones, and carports in HOA communities almost always require permits. Check with your local building department before ordering, and we can provide any structural drawings they need for permit submission.
Yes, in two ways. First, the carport itself is a permanent structure that adds to property value — typically $0.80-$1.50 per dollar invested. Second, covered boat storage is highly desirable for buyers in waterfront, lake, and coastal communities — a home with existing boat storage sells faster and often at higher prices than comparable homes without it. For waterfront homes especially, a boat carport can be a top-5 selling feature.
Bulldog Steel Structures offers 15+ roof colors and 15+ wall colors with 2-tone paint schemes and trim upgrade options. Popular combinations for boat carports include Charcoal roof + White walls (lake houses), Forest Green roof + Light Stone walls (wooded properties), and Burgundy roof + Beige walls (traditional homes). Design your boat carport in the 3D Builder to preview every color before ordering.
Often yes — many boat insurance carriers offer premium discounts for boats stored under rated covered storage. Discounts are typically 5-15% off comprehensive coverage. Hurricane-rated 12-gauge carports with concrete anchors can qualify for the largest discounts in coastal zones. Call your insurance agent before ordering and ask what carport specifications earn the best discount — then order to that specification.
I'm really happy with the way my building turned out! Due to living in city limits I had to make changes to my original plan but working with Bryan made it easy. He was great to work with!
Bulldog Steel Structures is fantastic. We had a 24'x40' garage built with two 10' garage doors, an entry door, two windows and fully insulated for under $16,000. The whole experience was so easy. Our salesman was Bryan Valadez. Bryan was so helpful and was easily available to answer my questions. Rebekah Aldridge handled all the documents and signing of them. The whole process was great. The building is well constructed and the crew that erected it were courteous and cleaned the worksite afterwords thoroughly. They did an excellent job in a time efficient period. Our experience with Bulldog Steel Structures was just great and we highly recommend them.
I'm in early stages, just put deposit on building. I reviewed about 10 quotes and worked with many vendors in the space to assess. Constance from Bulldog Steel Structures made the experience fabulous and was key in our decision making. It's so refreshing to see a company like this have such outstanding client facing service. We are excited and huge shout out to Constance and the team. Bravo!
I have purchased two structures/buildings from them and have been greatly satisfied. From "idea to implementation" it has gone smoothly. I love the idea of having one single point of contact (Noah) for any questions or concerns. The install crew comes in and gets right to work and the quality is the best I have seen. Highly Recommend!
I worked with Bryan Valadez in putting together my bids for a 2000 SF shop/garage. He was great to work with, very quick to respond and answered all my questions and concerns during several very thorough conversations regarding my project. I recommend you give Bulldog a shot when searching for your next building, their pricing was very good compared with some of the others, and they just seemed to have it very together for their process. Great Job, thanks Bryan. Jason
Showed up on time and excellent quality. Could not be more pleased with the results!
I called and spoke to Bryan. With some back and forth he helped me finalize the design (40x100 foot print). I placed my order and had to wait for my King County building permit to be issued. Once the slab was completed the installation team arrived with all the pieces. They got right to work and the building was completed in 8 days !!! I would highly recommend Bryan and Bulldog to any one :) Many thanks john in the pacific northwest
Great company to do business with. Would recommend them to others.
Great to deal with. Building went up with no problems.
I had a great experience with Bulldog Steel Buildings. The representatives were able to help me move from the online design to an actual building design to meet my goals. They set up the delivery and installation which turned out great. Installation was scheduled quickly after the foundation was done; and the building was completed within 2 days. Pricing was reasonable, and I'm very pleased with my new building.
Bryan was great- honest, helpful, responsive and knowledgeable. I will call him if I ever need another steel building
This company is the real deal. They go over and beyond to satisfy their customers. It is a joy to work with them. They are very knowledgeable and efficient. I looked forward to finishing my project with them.
Humberto was very responsive and it was a pleasure to work with. He went above and beyond to get delivery scheduled as soon as possible for our 30x50 building. Great company to work with.
Hey folks - these people at Bulldog are real. Noah helped me all the way through - extremely patient and knowledgeable. He answers most often and when he doesn't it's easy to get another HUMAN to speak with. I looked at several companies for this project - I settled on the right one. If you wind up doing business with Brian - you're in luck there to. Outstanding work - worthy of trust.
I purchased a 26x32 Garage from Bulldog Steel Structures they had it finished in two days. It looks really nice and the install crew was great. I’m thinking of getting another building and I will definitely contact Bryan Valadez again at Bulldog.
Great experience from start to finish. The sales process was easy and Casey helped me revise my plans several times to get the right building for my needs. Communication was excellent! The build crew was on time, friendly and professional. Beto took the time to understand what cutouts I needed and why I needed them in the sizes planned. Exceptional work. Highly recommend. Thank you!
I would recommend Bulldog Steel Structures highly. They are very professional and accommodating. Want to give special thanks to Randall Hall and also matt preslar. They were very accommodating and helping me fill out paperwork and handling things when a timely basis. The building we were very satisfied with and the installers also were very polite and had things done on a timely basis. Thanks again Randall and Matt you`ve got my five star rating
Bulldog has been great to work with. They explained everything from beginning to end. I live in the mountains of New Mexico and the staff made sure that my garage had the right support needed for this area of the country. I would highly recommend them for anyone building a new carport or gaeage!
Good design tool on their website. Great customer service.
Have had nothing but a positive experience with Bulldog! Bryan was super helpful and still is after our install! He still responds super prompt and helpful. No complaints about our structure, as it looks amazing! Installers did a great job and picked up very nicely after they were done. Highly recommend!!
I have now had my building in place for 3 months and I want to say that the whole team at Bulldog was very helpful throughout the entire process. My salesperson, Matthew, was extremely responsive. He was very helpful with the design phase, where we went back and forth with 3-4 different designs before settling on the perfect one. He always got back to me right away when I had a question. Although the delivery was delayed, understandable with the pandemic, he helped interface with Carolina Carports when I had delivery questions. So far I have no issues with the completed building. No leaks and all the doors are functioning perfectly. I would highly recommend using Bulldog for all your metal building needs.
Frank Rangel was very helpful and respectful. Also very understanding. I was pouring a concrete driveway and trying to put my down payment down. I may of got a little frustrated in the middle of it all. I could see the smile on Frank`s face the whole time! Thank you sir!
This is my second building from bulldog and I`m buying the same building , just different colors. They are great buildings that are strong and economical.
Excellent customer service during my order process, answered all my questions and they were very patient.
The website was very flexible and helped me customize my carport. The Bulldog staff was very prompt and helpful throughout the process.
Put up a RV cover for me on a concrete pad. Turned out great and the guys cleaned up after the work. Very satisfied. Would recommend these people.
I love my “She Shop.” It was amazingly easy. I sent an email, made 2 phones calls and it was done. The installation went even easier. Three guys showed up one day and finished the next. They were polite and cleaned up after themselves. My husband’s friends are all very impressed with the construction and materials used but were amazed at the reasonable price. I could not be more pleased. Thank you
I visited their website and used the 3D estimator and was able to see my building with doors, window placements, colors,and overall look. When you add or change any feature, including size, you can immediately see the result and change in price (if any). You can rotate the structure to see the overall look and framework. Once I placed my order, it was quickly and efficiently handled and the cost was lower than the estimate on the website The installers showed up early one morning and by noon the next day they had completed the structure. Everyone that comes by remarks on how nice it looks. I am very pleased with every aspect from ordering to installation.
Design your custom boat carport in our free 3D Builder — see your exact dimensions, options, and pricing in minutes — or call 888-551-2156 and ask about rent-to-own boat carports.