Fairline 20 Boat Cover Guide: Sizes, Materials & Prices

Introduction: Why Your Fairline 20 Deserves a Bespoke Cover

Welcome, Fairline 20 owners! If you cherish your classic 20ft cruiser with its distinctive 7ft 8in beam, especially when navigating the scenic Leeds-Liverpool, Rochdale, or Huddersfield Canals, you understand the importance of protection. A high-quality boat cover isn't just an accessory; it's a vital investment in preserving your vessel's condition, appearance, and value. At UK Boat Covers, a family-run business based in Carterton, Oxfordshire, we specialise in creating bespoke covers that perfectly fit your Fairline 20, offering unparalleled defence against the British weather. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing, ordering, and maintaining the ideal cover for your Fairline 20. Rest assured, our tailor-made covers start from £1,199 for PVC and £1,309 for Acrylic, ensuring both quality and value.

Why Choose a Bespoke Cover for the Fairline 20?

For a boat as characterful as the Fairline 20, with its unique hull shape, specific deck layout, and a generous 7ft 8in beam, a generic, off-the-shelf cover simply won't suffice. Universal covers are notorious for their poor fit, leading to frustrating issues like flapping in the wind, inefficient water runoff causing pooling, and ultimately, inadequate protection that can accelerate wear and tear on your boat. A bespoke cover, crafted specifically for the Fairline 20, respects every contour and dimension, ensuring a snug, aerodynamic fit. This precision prevents damage to both the cover and your boat, offering superior defence against the elements. Our unique postal copy service means we can replicate your old cover perfectly, guaranteeing a seamless fit without the need for complex on-site measuring, giving your Fairline 20 the tailored protection it truly deserves.

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

Cover Types Available for the Fairline 20

UK Boat Covers offers a range of bespoke cover types tailored for your Fairline 20, each designed to meet specific protection needs, especially relevant for inland waterway use on canals like the Leeds-Liverpool, Rochdale, and Huddersfield. Canopy covers are ideal for extending your living space and providing all-weather protection during cruising, ensuring comfort even on damp British days. Tonneau covers and cockpit covers offer robust protection for your open cockpit area when the boat is moored or not in use, safeguarding against rain, leaves, and canal debris. While spray hoods are less common for this type of canal cruiser, a full winter cover is absolutely essential. This heavy-duty cover provides comprehensive, breathable protection during the off-season, preventing moisture build-up and preserving your Fairline 20 through colder, wetter months, crucial for its longevity.

• 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 Fairline 20 Covers

Choosing the right material for your Fairline 20 cover is crucial, and we offer two excellent marine-grade options: PVC and Acrylic. PVC marine fabric is highly durable, completely waterproof, and extremely robust, making it an excellent choice for ultimate weather protection, especially for winter covers or boats frequently exposed to harsh canal conditions. Its strength ensures a long lifespan with minimal fuss. Acrylic fabric, on the other hand, offers superior breathability, excellent UV resistance, and retains its colour beautifully over time. This makes it ideal for covers that remain on your Fairline 20 for extended periods, reducing condensation and mildew buildup, a common concern in the often humid canal environment. While PVC excels in raw waterproofing, Acrylic provides a balance of protection, breathability, and aesthetic appeal, making it a popular choice for day-to-day use on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal and beyond.

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

Measuring Your Fairline 20 for a New Cover

Accurate sizing is paramount for a perfectly fitting Fairline 20 boat cover. While your boat's standard dimensions—20ft length and 7ft 8in beam—provide a starting point, a bespoke cover requires precise measurements of its unique contours. Key measuring points typically include the overall length from bow to stern, the maximum beam width, and heights from the deck to any significant features like windscreens or grab rails. However, measuring accurately can be tricky and prone to error, especially for complex shapes. This is where our innovative postal copy service becomes invaluable for Fairline 20 owners. By sending us your existing cover, even if it's damaged, we use it as a precise template. This eliminates all the guesswork and potential for measuring mistakes, guaranteeing your new cover will fit your specific Fairline 20 like a glove, ensuring maximum protection and a flawless appearance.

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

Fairline 20 Cover Prices

Investing in a bespoke cover for your Fairline 20 is an investment in its future, and we offer clear, competitive pricing. Our tailor-made PVC covers start from £1,199, while our premium Acrylic covers begin at £1,309. The final price can be influenced by specific customisations, material choice, and any additional features you might require for your 20ft, 7ft 8in boat. What truly sets UK Boat Covers apart is our commitment to value: as a family-run business, we don't charge VAT, meaning you automatically save a significant 20% compared to many competitors. While bespoke covers may have a higher initial cost than universal options, their superior fit, durability, and enhanced protection for your Fairline 20 translate to considerable long-term savings by preventing costly weather damage. Coupled with our efficient 6-day turnaround, you receive premium quality and exceptional value.

View full price list | Request a personalised quote

How to Fit a Cover on Your Fairline 20

Fitting your new bespoke cover onto your Fairline 20 is straightforward, ensuring maximum protection for your 20ft canal boat. Begin by unfurling the cover at the bow, aligning it correctly before gradually working your way aft, smoothing out any creases. Pay particular attention to fitting it snugly around the windscreen position and any grab rails, utilising the precision of your bespoke design. Secure all fastenings – whether press studs, bungee cords, or straps – ensuring they are taut but not over-strained, to prevent flapping in the wind. To combat water pooling, which can be an issue on canal boats, consider using support poles or strategically placing inflatable cushions beneath the cover to create a gentle slope, allowing rain to run off efficiently. Always ensure adequate ventilation where possible to prevent condensation and mildew, vital in the often-damp canal environment.

Caring for Your Fairline 20 Cover

To ensure your Fairline 20 boat cover provides years of reliable protection on the Leeds-Liverpool, Rochdale, or Huddersfield Canals, regular maintenance is essential. Seasonal cleaning with a mild soap solution and a soft brush will remove dirt, algae, and general canal grime, preventing staining and material degradation. Always rinse thoroughly with fresh water. While our materials offer excellent UV resistance, keeping them clean helps maintain their protective qualities. For winter storage, if you remove the cover, ensure it's completely clean and dry before folding to prevent mildew growth. However, for a Fairline 20, leaving a well-fitted winter cover on is usually the best option for continuous protection. Regularly inspect for any small tears or worn areas, addressing them promptly to prevent them from worsening. Knowing when to consider replacement—typically indicated by persistent leaks, significant fading, or extensive material degradation—will ensure your beloved Fairline 20 remains perfectly protected.

More tips: Cleaning guide |

Our Postal Copy Service for Fairline 20 Owners

Our unique postal copy service offers Fairline 20 owners an incredibly convenient and accurate way to get a perfectly fitting bespoke boat cover. The process is simple and hassle-free, eliminating the need for complex measurements or bringing your boat to us. First, you simply parcel up your old Fairline 20 cover, no matter how worn or damaged it might be, and post it to our workshop in Carterton, Oxfordshire. Once received, our skilled team, led by Ryan, uses your original cover as a precise template. We then meticulously craft your brand-new, marine-grade cover to the exact specifications of your old one, ensuring an absolutely perfect fit for your 20ft, 7ft 8in Fairline 20. The best part? Your custom-made cover is typically dispatched back to you within a rapid 6 working days, delivering bespoke quality right to your doorstep with ultimate convenience.

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