If you've been searching for an aquaterra transport ii cover, you probably already know that finding the perfect fit for this specific boat can be a bit of a challenge. The Aquaterra Transport II is a classic tandem kayak, and while it's built like a tank, it still needs some protection from the elements if you want it to last another twenty years. Whether you're trying to keep the spiders out during the winter or you need to keep the sun from fading the plastic, a good cover is pretty much a non-negotiable accessory.
The thing about these older kayaks is that they don't always fit the "standard" sizes you see at big-box outdoor stores. The Transport II has its own unique profile, and if you get a cover that's too small, you'll be fighting with the elastic for an hour. If it's too big, it'll just collect water and sag like a wet blanket. So, let's dig into what actually makes a cover work for this specific boat and what you should look for before you drop any cash.
Why Your Transport II Needs a Cover
Let's be honest, we all like to think our kayaks are indestructible. And to be fair, the old-school rotomolded plastic on these Aquaterra boats is incredibly tough. But even the toughest plastic has an enemy: the sun. UV rays are the silent killer of kayaks. Over time, that constant exposure makes the material brittle and causes the colors to fade until your bright boat looks like a dusty relic.
An aquaterra transport ii cover acts like a heavy-duty sunscreen. It keeps those rays off the hull when the boat is sitting in your backyard or on your roof rack. Beyond just the sun, there's the "critter factor." If you store your kayak outside or even in a shed, you know that spiders, wasps, and even small rodents love to make a home in the cockpit area. There is nothing quite like sliding your legs into a kayak and feeling a spider web—or worse—on your shins. A tight-fitting cover keeps the interior clean and guest-free.
Finding the Right Size and Fit
The Aquaterra Transport II is a tandem kayak, usually stretching out to about 14 or 15 feet. It's also relatively wide compared to some modern touring kayaks. This means you can't just grab a "medium" kayak cover and hope for the best. You really need to measure your boat's length and its beam (the widest part of the boat) before you start shopping.
When you're looking for an aquaterra transport ii cover, you'll likely be looking for something in the 14-16 foot range. It's usually better to have a few extra inches of fabric than to have a cover that's stretched to its absolute limit. If the cover is too tight, the seams will eventually start to pop, especially if you're using it while transporting the boat on a trailer or roof rack.
Storage Covers vs. Travel Covers
This is where a lot of people get tripped up. There's a big difference between a cover designed to sit in your driveway and one designed to go 70 miles per hour down the highway.
If you just need something for storage, you can get away with a simpler bag-style cover or a "cockpit cover" that just hooks over the opening. But since the Transport II is a sit-on-top style or has a very large open area, a full-body cover is usually the way to go. For storage, look for something breathable. You don't want to trap moisture inside the boat, or you'll come back to a science experiment of mold and mildew in the spring.
Now, if you're looking for an aquaterra transport ii cover to use while driving, you need something with heavy-duty straps and a very snug fit. If the fabric flutters in the wind, it will eventually tear itself apart or, even worse, scratch the finish on your boat. Travel covers usually have more "tie-down" points to ensure the wind can't get underneath and turn your kayak into a giant sail.
Materials That Actually Last
You'll see a lot of cheap covers online made of thin polyester. They look great in the photos, but they usually only last a season before they start to flake and tear. If you want something that's going to survive the rain, snow, and heat, you want to look for heavy-duty marine-grade fabrics.
600D polyester is usually the baseline you should aim for. The "D" stands for Denier, which is just a fancy way of measuring how thick the fibers are. A 600D fabric is thick enough to resist most tears but light enough that you won't throw your back out trying to get it over the kayak. Some high-end aquaterra transport ii cover options might even feature solution-dyed fabrics, which means the color is part of the fiber itself, making it much harder for the sun to bleach it out.
- Waterproofing: Look for covers with a PVC or polyurethane coating on the inside. This keeps the rain out.
- Breathability: Some covers have small vents to let air circulate, which is a lifesaver if you live in a humid climate.
- Reinforced Seams: Double-stitched seams with waterproof tape over them are the gold standard.
Putting the Cover On Without Losing Your Mind
We've all been there—struggling with a giant piece of fabric in the wind while the kayak slides around. Putting on an aquaterra transport ii cover is definitely a two-person job if you want to do it quickly, but you can do it solo if you're patient.
Start at the bow (the front). Hook the cover over the nose of the boat and make sure it's secure. Then, walk the cover back toward the stern, pulling it over the sides as you go. If your cover has an elastic hem, make sure it tucks under the hull. If it uses straps, don't tighten them all the way until the cover is centered. Once everything looks even, go around and snug up the straps. You want it tight enough that water won't pool on top, but not so tight that you're deforming the fabric.
One little pro-tip: if you're storing the boat outside, put a small beach ball or a couple of pool noodles inside the kayak before you put the cover on. This creates a "peak" in the fabric so that rain runs off the sides instead of sitting in a big puddle in the middle. Pooling water is the fastest way to ruin even the best aquaterra transport ii cover.
Where to Buy and What to Expect
Since Aquaterra hasn't been the "main" brand name for a while (they merged into the Perception family years ago), you might not find a cover that literally says "Aquaterra" on the box. Don't let that discourage you. You just need to shop by dimensions.
Search for tandem kayak covers or universal covers that fit boats up to 15 feet long and 34-36 inches wide. Check the reviews specifically for people mentioning older tandem kayaks. Usually, if a cover fits a Perception Rambler or a similar tandem, it'll work as an aquaterra transport ii cover just fine.
Expect to pay anywhere from $50 for a basic storage bag to $150+ for a custom-fit, trailerable cover. To be honest, the mid-range is usually the sweet spot. You want something better than a tarp, but you probably don't need a $300 custom-sewn masterpiece unless you're planning on taking that boat on a cross-country road trip every weekend.
Final Thoughts on Maintenance
Once you get your aquaterra transport ii cover, don't just forget about it. Every once in a while, spray it down with a hose to get the dirt and bird droppings off. If it gets really grimy, use a mild soap and a soft brush—never put it in a washing machine, or you'll strip off the waterproof coating.
Taking care of your cover means your cover can take care of your boat. It's a small investment that pays off big time when you go to sell the kayak or when you just want to head out for a Saturday morning paddle without having to scrub out a year's worth of leaves and gunk first. Keep that Transport II covered, and it'll keep you out on the water for many more seasons to come.