A protective cover for a boat having a deck, a windshield with a top peripheral edge and a bottom peripheral edge and a plurality of twist stud fasteners includes an inner layer, a center layer and an outer layer. The inner and outer layers are constructed of a water-resistant material. The center layer is constructed of a shock and impact absorbing material having a nominal thickness in the range of 0.25 inch to 0.50 inch. The inner layer, the center layer and the outer layer form a sandwich that has a peripheral edge that has a top portion and a bottom portion. The protective cover is attached to the windshield of the boat by placing it on the windshield.