Dolphin 20 Boat Cover Guide: Sizes, Materials & Prices

Introduction: Why Your Dolphin 20 Deserves a Bespoke Cover

Welcome, Dolphin 20 owners! If you're looking to protect your beloved 20-foot vessel, with its distinctive 7-foot 6-inch beam, navigating the serene waters of the Thames, Grand Union Canal, or Norfolk Broads, you understand the importance of a well-fitting boat cover. This guide is specifically crafted for you, offering insights into securing the perfect protective solution from UK Boat Covers. A high-quality, bespoke cover is not just an accessory; it's an investment in preserving your boat's condition against the elements encountered on our cherished inland waterways. We'll explore why a tailored fit is paramount for the Dolphin 20, outlining your options for materials and designs. Expect transparent pricing, with our durable PVC covers starting from £979, and premium Acrylic options from £1,089, all designed to safeguard your cherished boat for years to come.

Why Choose a Bespoke Cover for the Dolphin 20?

For a boat as unique as the Dolphin 20, with its specific hull contours and that generous 7-foot 6-inch beam, a 'one-size-fits-all' universal cover simply won't suffice. These generic options often sag, flap in the wind, and collect water, leading to potential damage and mildew growth rather than protection. Our bespoke covers are meticulously crafted to hug every curve and dimension of your Dolphin 20, providing unparalleled defence. The precise fit accommodates your deck layout, ensuring vital areas like the cockpit and helm are fully shielded. We achieve this perfect fit, even remotely, through our innovative postal copy service, where your old cover serves as the exact template for a new, superior replacement. This method guarantees a snug, tailored cover that reflects the Dolphin 20's distinct character.

See our Dolphin 20 model page for full specifications and cover options.

Cover Types Available for the Dolphin 20

UK Boat Covers offers a comprehensive range of cover types perfectly suited for your Dolphin 20, enhancing its protection and usability on the Thames, Grand Union Canal, and the Broads. A robust winter cover provides essential full protection during colder months, safeguarding the entire vessel from stern to bow. For daily use, a tonneau cover or cockpit cover offers excellent protection against rain and debris when moored, keeping your interior dry and clean. Canopy covers, including spray hoods, are invaluable for extending your boating season, offering shelter from sun and unexpected showers while cruising. We can create individual covers or combinations to perfectly match your Dolphin 20's design and how you use it, ensuring optimal protection for its specific needs on our inland waterways.

• 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 20 Covers

Choosing the right material for your Dolphin 20 cover is crucial, impacting both its lifespan and performance. We offer two primary marine-grade options: robust PVC and premium Acrylic. Our PVC marine fabric is renowned for its exceptional waterproofing and durability, making it an excellent choice for the Dolphin 20's typical use on inland waterways where heavy rain and prolonged exposure are common. It's incredibly hard-wearing and resistant to mildew. Acrylic fabric, on the other hand, offers superior breathability, which is excellent for preventing condensation build-up and ensuring good air circulation. While still highly water-resistant, Acrylic boasts excellent UV resistance, prolonging colour retention and fabric integrity. For the Dolphin 20 navigating the Thames or Broads, PVC generally offers a more rugged, long-lasting solution against the elements, though Acrylic provides a luxurious finish and great breathability for specific owner preferences.

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

Measuring Your Dolphin 20 for a New Cover

Accurate sizing is fundamental for a perfectly fitting Dolphin 20 boat cover. While your boat is a standard 20 feet in length with a 7-foot 6-inch beam, precise measurements are still essential for a bespoke fit. When measuring, focus on overall length from bow to stern, the maximum beam width, and crucially, any obstructions or raised fittings that the cover needs to accommodate, such as windscreens, grab rails, or mast steps. For owners who might find measuring daunting or wish to eliminate any margin for error, our postal copy service is the ideal solution. By simply sending us your old cover, even if it's worn, we can precisely replicate its dimensions and contours, ensuring your new cover fits like a glove without you needing to take a single measurement.

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

Dolphin 20 Cover Prices

Investing in a bespoke cover for your Dolphin 20 is an investment in its longevity, and at UK Boat Covers, we offer exceptional value. Our high-quality, made-to-measure PVC covers start from just £979, while our premium Acrylic options begin at £1,089. These prices reflect the superior craftsmanship and marine-grade materials used, tailored specifically for your 20ft, 7ft 6in Dolphin. A significant advantage of choosing us, a family-run business, is that we proudly offer 'No VAT', allowing you to save a substantial 20% compared to competitors who would add this to your total. This saving makes our bespoke covers not only competitively priced but also offers far greater value than ill-fitting universal alternatives, ensuring a perfect, long-lasting fit for your Dolphin 20 without compromise.

View full price list | Request a personalised quote

How to Fit a Cover on Your Dolphin 20

Fitting your new bespoke cover onto your Dolphin 20 should be a straightforward process, thanks to its tailored design. Begin by unrolling the cover along the length of the boat, positioning it centrally at the bow. Carefully pull it back towards the stern, aligning any specific cut-outs for your Dolphin 20's windscreen, grab rails, or specific cockpit layout. Once roughly in place, systematically secure the straps or bungee cords, starting from the centre and working outwards, ensuring even tension. To prevent water pooling, which is crucial on inland waterways, consider using support poles or frames to create a gentle slope. This encourages water runoff. Always ensure adequate ventilation points are clear to prevent mildew, a common issue on the Thames or Broads, keeping your Dolphin 20 dry and protected beneath its custom-fitted cover.

Caring for Your Dolphin 20 Cover

Proper maintenance is key to maximising the lifespan of your Dolphin 20 boat cover and preserving your investment, especially given its use on waterways like the Thames where environmental factors can be significant. Regularly clean your cover to remove dirt, bird droppings, and environmental pollutants common on inland canals. Use a mild soap and warm water solution, scrubbing gently with a soft brush, then rinse thoroughly. Avoid harsh chemicals. Ensure the cover is completely dry before folding and storing it for extended periods to prevent mildew. Periodically check for any small tears or worn stitching and address them promptly. With diligent care, your bespoke PVC or Acrylic cover from UK Boat Covers will provide years of reliable protection for your Dolphin 20, keeping it pristine for all your adventures.

More tips: Cleaning guide |

Our Postal Copy Service for Dolphin 20 Owners

Our unique postal copy service offers Dolphin 20 owners the ultimate convenience for securing a perfectly fitting new cover, without the need to bring your boat to us. The process is simple and highly effective: you send us your old Dolphin 20 cover, even if it's faded or torn, using our provided instructions. Once we receive it, our skilled team meticulously uses your old cover as a precise template to cut and manufacture your new bespoke cover from your chosen marine-grade fabric. This method guarantees an exact, snug fit for your 20ft, 7ft 6in Dolphin 20, mirroring every contour and feature. Within just 6 working days of receiving your old cover, your brand-new, perfectly tailored replacement is dispatched, ready to protect your boat for many years to come.

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