Dolphin 17 & 19 Boat Cover Guide: Sizes, Materials & Prices

Introduction: Why Your Dolphin 17 & 19 Deserves a Bespoke Cover

Welcome, Dolphin 17 & 19 owners, to your definitive guide for securing the perfect boat cover. Whether you navigate the peaceful Canals, charming Small Rivers, or the expansive Norfolk Broads, protecting your valued Dolphin from the elements is paramount. These versatile boats, typically measuring 17-19ft in length with a beam of 6ft 6in-7ft, require a cover that truly fits their unique design and purpose. A bespoke cover isn't just an accessory; it's an investment in your boat's longevity and appearance, providing unparalleled protection against sun, rain, and debris. At UK Boat Covers, a family-run business based in Carterton, Oxfordshire, we understand this necessity. You'll find our bespoke covers for your Dolphin 17 & 19 starting from just £869 for PVC and £979 for Acrylic, offering exceptional value and a perfect fit.

Why Choose a Bespoke Cover for the Dolphin 17 & 19?

The Dolphin 17 & 19, with its distinctive hull shape and practical deck layout designed for inland waterways, simply cannot be adequately protected by generic, 'off-the-shelf' covers. These universal options often sag, pool water, or fail to cover critical areas, leading to trapped moisture, mould growth, and accelerated wear on your boat's interior and exterior. A bespoke cover, tailored specifically for your Dolphin's 17-19ft length and 6ft 6in-7ft beam, ensures every curve, console, and grab rail is accounted for, creating a taut, secure, and genuinely protective barrier. Our unique postal copy service means we can perfectly replicate your old cover, guaranteeing a flawless fit that universal covers could never achieve, safeguarding your investment against the harsh British weather and typical canal conditions.

See our Dolphin 17 & 19 model page for full specifications and cover options.

Cover Types Available for the Dolphin 17 & 19

For your Dolphin 17 & 19, UK Boat Covers offers a comprehensive range of bespoke covers, each designed to meet specific needs on the Canals, Small Rivers, and Broads. Our canopy covers provide all-weather protection and shade for your entire cockpit, ideal for extended trips. Tonneau covers offer a sleek, low-profile solution for securing the cockpit when docked or trailering. Cockpit covers are perfect for day-to-day protection, keeping rain and debris out. For those navigating choppier waters or wanting enhanced weather protection while underway, a custom spray hood is invaluable. Finally, our robust winter covers offer superior, long-term protection during off-season storage, completely enveloping your Dolphin and safeguarding it from prolonged exposure to harsh winter elements and damp canal-side conditions.

• 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 Dolphin 17 & 19 Covers

Choosing the right material for your Dolphin 17 & 19 cover is crucial for its performance and lifespan, especially considering its typical use on inland waterways. We offer two primary marine-grade fabrics: PVC and Acrylic. PVC is exceptionally waterproof, highly durable, and excellent value, making it a robust choice for year-round protection, particularly against heavy rain common on canals and rivers. Acrylic fabric, while also fully waterproof, boasts superior breathability, preventing condensation and mildew build-up, and offers outstanding UV resistance, maintaining its colour and strength longer. For inland boats like the Dolphin, which often sit under trees or in damp environments, Acrylic's breathability can be a significant advantage, promoting air circulation and reducing moisture, though PVC offers a superb balance of cost and resilience. Both materials are selected for their longevity and resilience in the UK climate.

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

Measuring Your Dolphin 17 & 19 for a New Cover

Accurately measuring your Dolphin 17 & 19 is vital for a perfect new cover, ensuring every part of your boat, from its 17-19ft length to its 6ft 6in-7ft beam, is protected. Start by measuring the overall length from the tip of the bow to the stern. Next, find the widest point of the boat – typically the beam – and measure across. For a custom fit, also consider the height from the sheer line to the highest point, whether that’s a windscreen, console, or grab rail. While precise measurements are critical, our unique postal copy service offers an ingenious alternative: simply send us your old Dolphin cover. We will use it as a precise template to craft your new cover, completely eliminating any potential for measuring errors on your part and guaranteeing an exact, bespoke fit for your cherished vessel.

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

Dolphin 17 & 19 Cover Prices

Investing in a bespoke cover for your Dolphin 17 & 19 is an investment in its future, and at UK Boat Covers, we offer premium quality without the premium price tag. Our bespoke Dolphin 17 & 19 covers start from just £869 for durable PVC and £979 for luxurious Acrylic fabric. The final price can vary slightly based on specific dimensions within the 17-19ft length and 6ft 6in-7ft beam range, the chosen material, and any additional features or complexities. What truly sets us apart, and provides significant savings for you, is that as a family-run business, we operate without VAT. This means you save a full 20% compared to competitors who must charge VAT, making our high-quality bespoke covers not just a superior product but also a more economical choice. You get a perfect, tailored fit for the price of a semi-custom cover elsewhere.

View full price list | Request a personalised quote

How to Fit a Cover on Your Dolphin 17 & 19

Properly fitting your new bespoke cover on your Dolphin 17 & 19 ensures maximum protection and extends its lifespan. Begin by placing the cover over the bow and working your way back, aligning any designated cut-outs or reinforcements with specific features like your windscreen, grab rails, or cleats in the cockpit area. Secure all straps evenly to distribute tension, ensuring the cover is taut but not overly stretched, accommodating the 6ft 6in-7ft beam and 17-19ft length. Pay particular attention to areas prone to water pooling, such as the cockpit or low points; a taut fit with adequate support poles (if recommended) will prevent this. Ensure sufficient ventilation to deter mildew, especially important in damp canal environments. A well-fitted cover will hug the contours of your Dolphin, providing robust and lasting protection.

Caring for Your Dolphin 17 & 19 Cover

Regular maintenance is key to prolonging the life of your Dolphin 17 & 19 boat cover, especially with its typical use on inland waterways where dampness and biological growth can be prevalent. For general cleaning, simply hose down the cover and gently scrub with a soft brush using mild soap and warm water, then rinse thoroughly. Avoid harsh chemicals or pressure washers which can damage the fabric. Regularly check for any signs of mould or mildew, particularly after periods of heavy rain or high humidity, treating these promptly to prevent spread. During winter storage, ensure the cover is completely dry before installation to prevent moisture retention. Inspect fittings and straps annually, and consider re-waterproofing treatments every few years to maintain optimal protection. Proper care ensures your UK Boat Covers product will serve your Dolphin faithfully for many seasons.

More tips: Cleaning guide |

Our Postal Copy Service for Dolphin 17 & 19 Owners

Our unique postal copy service at UK Boat Covers offers the ultimate convenience and guaranteed perfect fit for your Dolphin 17 & 19, eliminating the need for you to bring your boat to us in Carterton, Oxfordshire. Here's how it works: you simply post your old Dolphin 17 & 19 cover to Ryan at UK Boat Covers. Upon its arrival, our skilled team uses your original cover as a precise template, meticulously replicating its exact dimensions and contours in brand new, marine-grade PVC or Acrylic fabric. This method ensures that all the specific features of your 17-19ft Dolphin, from its 6ft 6in-7ft beam to unique deck fittings, are perfectly accommodated. We then dispatch your bespoke new cover back to you, typically within just 6 working days, ready for immediate use. It’s a seamless process that delivers a flawless custom fit 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