Tidewater 198 Specifications
- Length Overall (LOA): 19'8"
- Beam: 8'4"
- Dry Weight: ~1,950 lbs
- Engine: Single outboard, max 150 HP
- Fuel Capacity: 56 gallons
- Draft: ~13"
- Hull Type: EPH (Easy Plane Hull) with CGSV construction
Cover Features
- Fabric Options: 9oz solution-dyed marine fabric or premium Sunbrella acrylic
- Coverage Type: T-Top cover wraps hull below hardtop; hardtop remains exposed
- Construction: Reinforced stitching, hem cord at rubrail, adjustable tie-down straps
- Durability: Solution-dyed fabric (5-7 years); Sunbrella acrylic (8-10 years)
- Fit: Custom-fitted to 19'8" Tidewater 198 specifications
- Protection: UV-resistant, water-repellent, weatherproof
Additional information
Choose Your Cover Fabric
7 oz. Polyester — Our entry-level marine cover fabric, woven from 100% polyester fiber at a 7 oz. per linear yard weight. This lighter option keeps the cover manageable for solo handling while still delivering reliable protection against sun, rain, and debris. Backed by a 3-year fabric warranty. Ships in Black.
9 oz. Polyester — Step up to our heavy-duty polyester, engineered at 9 oz. per linear yard for boats that face tougher conditions or extended outdoor storage. The denser weave adds an extra layer of defense against abrasion and weather without adding unnecessary bulk. Protected by a 5-year fabric warranty. Ships in Navy or Black.
Sunbrella® — For boaters who want the best, our Sunbrella covers use 100% solution-dyed acrylic — the same fabric trusted by marine professionals worldwide. Naturally resistant to fading, mold, and water damage, Sunbrella holds its color and integrity season after season. Covered by a 6-year fabric warranty. Ships in Black, Smoke, or Marine Blue.
Both polyester options feature solution-dyed construction, where pigment is infused into each fiber during production rather than applied to the surface afterward. This process locks color deep into the material, preventing any dye transfer to your boat’s gel coat or finish. The result is a cover that stays vibrant without bleeding or rubbing off. Our polyester is also designed to breathe — it allows moisture trapped underneath to vent out naturally, reducing the risk of mildew and keeping your boat dry. The fabric holds its form without sagging or stretching over time, stays lightweight enough for one person to handle, and stands up to prolonged UV exposure and harsh marine weather.
*The warranty periods above are provided by the fabric manufacturer and cover the material itself. For details on what’s included in the warranty for your completed cover, please see our warranty page.
7 oz. Polyester — Our entry-level marine cover fabric, woven from 100% polyester fiber at a 7 oz. per linear yard weight. This lighter option keeps the cover manageable for solo handling while still delivering reliable protection against sun, rain, and debris. Backed by a 3-year fabric warranty. Ships in Black.
9 oz. Polyester — Step up to our heavy-duty polyester, engineered at 9 oz. per linear yard for boats that face tougher conditions or extended outdoor storage. The denser weave adds an extra layer of defense against abrasion and weather without adding unnecessary bulk. Protected by a 5-year fabric warranty. Ships in Navy or Black.
Sunbrella® — For boaters who want the best, our Sunbrella covers use 100% solution-dyed acrylic — the same fabric trusted by marine professionals worldwide. Naturally resistant to fading, mold, and water damage, Sunbrella holds its color and integrity season after season. Covered by a 6-year fabric warranty. Ships in Black, Smoke, or Marine Blue.
Both polyester options feature solution-dyed construction, where pigment is infused into each fiber during production rather than applied to the surface afterward. This process locks color deep into the material, preventing any dye transfer to your boat’s gel coat or finish. The result is a cover that stays vibrant without bleeding or rubbing off. Our polyester is also designed to breathe — it allows moisture trapped underneath to vent out naturally, reducing the risk of mildew and keeping your boat dry. The fabric holds its form without sagging or stretching over time, stays lightweight enough for one person to handle, and stands up to prolonged UV exposure and harsh marine weather.
*The warranty periods above are provided by the fabric manufacturer and cover the material itself. For details on what’s included in the warranty for your completed cover, please see our warranty page.
| Weight | 29 lbs |
|---|
Install
Please watch the video below for installation instructions!
No more offers for this product!
Frequently Asked Questions
The Tidewater 198 T-Top cover is available in 9oz solution-dyed marine fabric for reliable UV and weather protection, with upgrades to 7oz lighter-weight fabric or premium Sunbrella acrylic for maximum longevity.
Yes. This cover is pattern-cut specifically for the Tidewater 198's T-Top frame, with reinforced cutouts that wrap around the T-Top legs while fully covering the hull, console, and cockpit below.
Installation takes under 5 minutes. Drape the cover over the bow, walk it aft around the T-Top legs, and secure it with the built-in strap-and-buckle system. The hem cord tucks under the rubrail for a snug fit.
Absolutely. The cover is reinforced at all stress points and designed to stay secure at highway speeds. The 198 trailers easily, and this cover keeps it protected during transport.
Yes. The cover creates a complete barrier over the cockpit, shielding your fish finder, GPS, gauges, livewells, upholstery, and gel coat from UV rays, rain, salt spray, bird droppings, and debris.
Every Tidewater 198 T-Top cover includes a 2-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.
The Tidewater 198 cover is water-resistant with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish that sheds rain and spray. The breathable fabric prevents condensation and mildew buildup underneath.
Yes. This cover fits all standard production Tidewater 198 models equipped with a factory T-Top frame. The hull dimensions remain consistent across model years.
The 9oz solution-dyed fabric is available in Navy, Black, and Charcoal. Sunbrella upgrades offer an expanded palette of colors for additional customization.
Yes. All Tidewater 198 T-Top covers ship free via standard shipping to the continental United States, with delivery typically within 1-2 business days.
Tidewater 198 T-Top Boat Cover — EPH Hull Technology Deserves Premium Protection
The Tidewater 198 showcases the brand’s proprietary EPH (Easy Plane Hull) design in a 19’8″ platform with an 8’4″ beam and approximately 1,950-lb dry weight. This hull technology reduces noise, vibration, and planing time — a meaningful advantage for anglers running to distant flats or cruising with family. With seating for seven, power up to 150 HP, and a 56-gallon fuel tank, the 198 bridges the gap between dedicated fishing boat and capable family cruiser. Tidewater’s CGSV (Corrugated Grid Stringer Vertebra) construction adds rigidity without excess weight, and a custom T-Top boat cover protects this engineering investment when the 198 is docked, trailered, or stored between outings.
Precision Fit for the 198’s EPH Hull Profile
This cover is cut to the Tidewater 198’s exact hull geometry — including the T-Top frame, center console, leaning post, rod holders, and the 198’s distinctive seating layout that accommodates up to seven passengers. Reinforced cutouts wrap cleanly around T-Top legs, and the cover drapes over the full cockpit and bow. The adjustable strap-and-buckle system locks everything down in under five minutes with no help needed, and the hem cord secures beneath the rubrail for a tight, highway-ready fit. The 198 trailers easily with its 13-inch draft and compact footprint. For the next model in the core Tidewater series, explore the Tidewater 1900 T-Top cover — built with the same attention to hull-specific fit.
Weather Defense for Every Season
The 198’s EPH hull and CGSV construction represent a significant investment, and the cover materials are chosen to match. Select 9oz solution-dyed marine fabric for 5-7 years of reliable UV and weather resistance, or upgrade to Sunbrella acrylic for 8-10 years of premium protection. Both options feature water-repellent DWR treatment, mildew resistance, and breathable construction that prevents trapped moisture from damaging upholstery, electronics, and gel coat. Double-stitched seams reinforce every stress point, and a 2-year manufacturer warranty covers materials and workmanship. Tidewater owners exploring smaller center console options should also check the Tidewater 170 Adventure center console cover for entry-level protection across the lineup.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.