Alkan 17 Boat Cover Guide: Sizes, Materials & Prices

Introduction: Why Your Alkan 17 Deserves a Bespoke Cover

Welcome, fellow Alkan 17 owners! If you cherish your 17ft, 6ft 6in beam vessel, whether cruising the tranquil Norfolk Broads, navigating the historic River Medway, or exploring the UK's coastal waters, you understand the importance of its protection. A high-quality, bespoke boat cover is not just an accessory; it's an investment in your boat's longevity and appearance. This comprehensive guide from UK Boat Covers, your trusted family-run business in Carterton, Oxfordshire, will walk you through everything you need to know to secure the perfect cover for your Alkan 17. We craft covers designed specifically for your model, starting from just £649 for PVC and £759 for Acrylic, ensuring a snug, reliable fit that universal options simply can’t match.

Why Choose a Bespoke Cover for the Alkan 17?

The Alkan 17, with its distinctive hull shape and specific deck layout, demands more than a generic 'off-the-shelf' cover. Its 6ft 6in beam and unique features mean that universal covers will inevitably be ill-fitting, creating unsightly puddles, rubbing points, and ultimately offering inadequate protection. A bespoke cover, precisely tailored to your Alkan 17, ensures every curve, cleat, and console is accounted for, creating a taut, secure barrier against the elements. Our unique postal copy service means we can replicate the exact dimensions of your existing cover, guaranteeing a perfect, bespoke fit without you even needing to bring your boat to our workshop. This precision extends the life of both your boat and its cover.

See our Alkan 17 model page for full specifications and cover options.

Cover Types Available for the Alkan 17

For your Alkan 17, we offer a range of bespoke cover types to suit every need and usage scenario. A full canopy cover provides comprehensive protection for the entire cockpit, ideal for overnight stays on the Norfolk Broads or extended periods moored on the River Medway, safeguarding against rain and sun. Tonneau covers are perfect for quick, streamlined protection when trailering or for shorter periods at berth, keeping the cockpit dry and clean. Cockpit covers focus on the main seating area, while spray hoods offer vital protection from splashes when venturing into choppier coastal waters. For winter storage, a heavy-duty winter cover is essential, offering unparalleled protection against harsh UK weather for your Alkan 17.

• Full Boat Canopy - Complete weather protection
• Tonneau Cover - Cockpit and deck coverage
• Cockpit Cover - Targeted cockpit protection
• Spray Hood - Windscreen and helm shield
• - Seasonal protection

Best Materials for Alkan 17 Covers

Choosing the right material for your Alkan 17 cover is crucial for its longevity and performance. We primarily offer two superb options. Our PVC marine fabric is an excellent choice for a robust, completely waterproof solution, offering exceptional durability and easy cleaning, making it ideal for the frequently damp conditions of the Norfolk Broads or general inland use. For those seeking superior breathability, enhanced UV resistance, and a more luxurious finish, our Acrylic fabric (such as Sunbrella or similar) is unmatched. It provides excellent fade resistance and allows moisture to escape, reducing condensation, which is particularly beneficial for coastal environments or boats stored for longer periods. Both materials offer long lifespans with proper care, ensuring your Alkan 17 remains protected.

Compare materials in detail: Our fabrics page | Material comparison guide

Measuring Your Alkan 17 for a New Cover

Accurate measurements are paramount for a perfectly fitting Alkan 17 cover, although our postal copy service simplifies this immensely. If measuring manually, start by confirming your boat's length at 17ft and beam at 6ft 6in, as these are foundational. Then, carefully measure from the furthest bow point to the furthest stern point, following the contour over any windscreens or fittings. For beam, measure at the widest point. Additional measurements around specific features like grab rails, pulpits, or unique console configurations are vital. Our postal copy service, however, eliminates all these potential measuring errors. Simply send us your old cover, and we will use its exact dimensions to craft a new one, guaranteeing a flawless fit for your Alkan 17.

Need help? See our size guide or use our postal copy service to skip measuring entirely.

Alkan 17 Cover Prices

Investing in a bespoke Alkan 17 cover from UK Boat Covers offers exceptional value. Our PVC covers start from just £649, while our premium Acrylic options begin at £759. The final price can vary slightly depending on the specific complexity of your cover's design, such as cut-outs for fittings or additional reinforcement. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to offering outstanding value: as a family-run business, we operate without VAT, effectively saving you 20% compared to many competitors. This means you receive a superior, custom-made cover for your Alkan 17 at a price that often rivals or beats generic alternatives, providing unmatched protection and fit that universal covers simply cannot achieve.

View full price list | Request a personalised quote

How to Fit a Cover on Your Alkan 17

Properly fitting your new Alkan 17 cover ensures maximum protection and extends its lifespan. Begin by draping the cover over the boat, aligning the bow section correctly. Slowly work your way back, ensuring the cover sits evenly across the deck. For your Alkan 17, pay particular attention to navigating around the windscreen, grab rails, and any cockpit fittings. Secure all straps and bungee cords firmly but not excessively tight, as the material needs a little give. Ensure a slight slope is maintained to prevent water pooling, especially important during heavy rainfall on the Norfolk Broads. Good ventilation is also key; ensure airflow to prevent mildew, especially when stored for extended periods. Adjust fittings until the cover is taut and secure.

Caring for Your Alkan 17 Cover

Regular maintenance is key to maximising the lifespan of your Alkan 17 boat cover, protecting your investment for years to come. For covers on the Norfolk Broads, regular cleaning is vital to prevent algae and mildew build-up. Simply brush off loose dirt, then wash with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, rinsing thoroughly. Avoid harsh chemicals. Ensure the cover is completely dry before long-term storage to prevent mildew. Periodically re-treat with a UV protective spray to combat sun degradation, especially if your Alkan 17 is frequently exposed to coastal sunlight. Inspect regularly for small tears or worn areas, addressing them promptly to prevent larger damage. With proper care, your bespoke cover will provide enduring protection.

More tips: Cleaning guide |

Our Postal Copy Service for Alkan 17 Owners

Our unique postal copy service is designed to make getting a perfectly fitting Alkan 17 cover incredibly easy and convenient, regardless of your location. The process is simple: you carefully pack up your existing Alkan 17 cover, no matter how worn, and post it directly to us at UK Boat Covers in Carterton, Oxfordshire. Once received, our skilled team uses your old cover as a precise template, replicating its exact dimensions and features onto brand-new, marine-grade PVC or Acrylic fabric. We then dispatch your newly crafted, bespoke Alkan 17 cover within an impressive 6 working days. This service guarantees a flawless fit for your boat without the need for complex measurements or bringing your vessel to us, saving you time and hassle.

1. Post your old cover to UK Boat Covers, Carterton, Oxfordshire
2. We create a perfect copy using your old cover as a template
3. Choose PVC or Acrylic marine-grade fabric
4. Receive within 6 days via tracked UK delivery

Learn more about our postal service