Arran 17 Boat Cover Guide: Sizes, Materials & Prices

Introduction: Why Your Arran 17 Deserves a Bespoke Cover

Welcome, Arran 17 owners, to your ultimate guide for selecting the perfect bespoke boat cover. Your Arran 17, with its distinctive 17-foot length and generous 6-foot 8-inch beam, is a beloved vessel, perfectly suited for the serene waters of the River Thames, the historic Oxford Canal, or the picturesque Kennet & Avon Canal. Protecting this cherished craft from the unpredictable UK weather and canal-side grime is paramount, and a custom-fitted cover is not just an accessory but an essential investment. This guide, brought to you by UK Boat Covers, will navigate you through everything you need to know, from material choices to fitting tips, ensuring your Arran 17 remains in pristine condition for years to come. Our bespoke covers for your Arran 17 start from just £649 for durable PVC and £748 for premium Acrylic, offering unbeatable value for tailored protection.

Why Choose a Bespoke Cover for the Arran 17?

For an Arran 17, a bespoke boat cover isn't merely a luxury; it's a necessity. The unique hull shape, the precise deck layout, and that substantial 6-foot 8-inch beam mean universal covers simply cannot offer adequate protection. Off-the-shelf options invariably sag, flap in the wind, accumulate rainwater, and ultimately fail to shield your boat effectively, leading to premature wear and potential damage to your upholstery and electronics. A custom-made cover from UK Boat Covers is meticulously designed to follow every contour of your Arran 17, from the bow to the transom, ensuring a snug, drum-tight fit that repels water, prevents pooling, and offers superior defence against UV rays and debris. Our renowned postal copy service guarantees this perfect fit by replicating your existing cover, eliminating all guesswork.

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

Cover Types Available for the Arran 17

UK Boat Covers offers a comprehensive range of bespoke cover types specifically tailored for your Arran 17, enhancing its functionality and protection on the River Thames, Oxford Canal, or Kennet & Avon Canal. A canopy cover provides full enclosure, ideal for overnight stays or extended trips on the canals, offering shelter from rain and sun. For daily protection while moored, a tonneau cover or cockpit cover offers excellent coverage for the main open areas, keeping the interior dry and clean. Spray hoods are perfect for mitigating splash in choppier river conditions, ensuring a more comfortable ride. For long-term mooring, especially over the winter months, a robust winter cover is indispensable, providing heavy-duty protection against the harshest elements, ensuring your Arran 17 is ready for spring.

• 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 Arran 17 Covers

Choosing the right material is crucial for your Arran 17 cover, balancing durability with protection, especially for its typical inland waterway use. We primarily offer two superior options: marine-grade PVC and premium Acrylic fabric. Our robust PVC covers are exceptionally strong, completely waterproof, and highly resistant to abrasions, making them an excellent choice for a boat that might be trailered frequently or left uncovered for long periods in varying UK weather conditions. They offer fantastic longevity and are easy to clean. Alternatively, our Acrylic fabric provides superior breathability, preventing condensation build-up and offering exceptional UV resistance, preserving your interior from sun damage. While slightly less abrasion-resistant than PVC, Acrylic boasts excellent colour fastness and a softer, more fabric-like feel, often preferred for its aesthetic appeal and long-term mooring. Both are engineered to withstand the unique challenges of the River Thames and canal environments.

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

Measuring Your Arran 17 for a New Cover

Accurate sizing is fundamental to a perfect Arran 17 boat cover, though our postal copy service offers an effortless alternative. Should you need to measure, begin by running a tape measure from the very tip of the bow, over the windscreen (if present), to the farthest point of the stern – this is your overall length of 17ft. Next, measure the widest point of your boat, typically around the mid-ship area, ensuring to include any rub rails or fittings; for the Arran 17, this is approximately 6ft 8in. Note the height from the sheer line to the highest point (e.g., windscreen or grab rail). However, the simplest and most accurate method is our postal copy service: simply send us your old Arran 17 cover, and we will flawlessly replicate its dimensions, eliminating any chance of measurement errors and guaranteeing a factory-like fit.

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

Arran 17 Cover Prices

Investing in a bespoke cover for your Arran 17 is more affordable than you might think, especially with UK Boat Covers. Our high-quality PVC covers for your 17ft vessel start from a competitive £649, while our premium Acrylic options begin at £748. These prices reflect the exceptional craftsmanship and marine-grade materials used, offering far superior value compared to ill-fitting universal alternatives that rarely last. What truly sets us apart is our unique business model: as a family-run enterprise based in Carterton, Oxfordshire, we are not VAT registered. This means you automatically save a significant 20% on all our prices, a saving most competitors cannot match. The final cost will vary slightly depending on your chosen material, specific design requirements, and any additional features, but our transparent pricing ensures you receive the best possible value for a truly custom-made product.

View full price list | Request a personalised quote

How to Fit a Cover on Your Arran 17

Fitting your new bespoke Arran 17 boat cover correctly is essential for maximum protection and longevity. Start by positioning the cover over the bow of your boat, ensuring the designated front is aligned. Gradually work your way back, stretching the cover evenly over the entire deck, paying close attention to specific features like your windscreen, grab rails, and the distinct cockpit layout of your Arran 17. Utilise all integrated tie-down points, straps, or elasticated hems to secure the cover snugly around the hull. It’s crucial to ensure the cover is pulled taut to prevent any slack that could allow water to pool, especially over flat areas, or catch the wind. Proper tension also aids in ventilation, reducing condensation. For larger covers, a support pole can be strategically placed to create a slight peak, further promoting water run-off and preventing pooling.

Caring for Your Arran 17 Cover

Proper maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of your Arran 17 boat cover, particularly with the unique challenges of inland waterways like the River Thames. Regularly inspect your cover for any debris, leaves, or bird droppings, cleaning them off promptly to prevent stains and mould growth. For routine cleaning, gently brush off loose dirt, then use warm water and a mild, non-detergent soap with a soft brush or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and allow it to air dry completely before folding or storing. During winter storage, ensure the cover is clean and dry to prevent mildew. Periodically re-treating the fabric with a UV protective spray can help maintain its water repellency and colour integrity. With diligent care, your bespoke UK Boat Covers product will continue to protect your Arran 17 for many seasons to come.

More tips: Cleaning guide |

Our Postal Copy Service for Arran 17 Owners

Our innovative postal copy service provides the ultimate convenience for Arran 17 owners seeking a perfectly fitted boat cover without the hassle of bringing their vessel to us. The process is remarkably straightforward: simply send us your old Arran 17 cover, regardless of its condition. Once it arrives at our workshop in Carterton, Oxfordshire, our skilled team, led by Ryan, will meticulously use your old cover as a precise template. We then expertly cut and craft your brand-new, marine-grade cover from the material of your choice, replicating every curve and dimension for an absolutely flawless fit on your 17ft boat. Crucially, we commit to manufacturing and dispatching your new bespoke Arran 17 cover within an impressive 6 working days of receiving your old one, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum convenience, all delivered directly to your door.

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