Re: Protection
of course it depends on the boat and the location. Many boats don't need to be covered, or don't need to be covered completely.
You have to specify: what am I trying to keep out? Why? How fragile is my boat?
A boat on a trailer under trees may need it, but not the same boat in a slip (if it is a weatherproof boat). Your windshield should not be "damaged" by just sitting there uncovered, BTW.
Sometimes, by covering, you trap moisture inside and, depending on the boat, that is worse than letting it dry out. For that reason, a lot of people cover a boat in the winter but not in the summer.
There is also the question of the degree of protection. Clearly, a car that is always parked in a garage will look nicer than one that is not. Is it worth it? Do you buy a cover, or build a garage, for a 15 year old Ford Taurus?
As for the windshield, I had the problem of sharp corners wearing out the cover, so I marked it, took the cover to an awning shop, and had them sew in reinforcement where it hit the windshield. Not only did it potect it, but it made it easier to put on b/c you knew what went where. Or you could put that foam pipe insulation tubes on your windshield.
But there is one rule for all boats: take out the plug! No matter how well you cover it, water will get in.
