Hardy 18 Navigator Boat Cover Guide: Sizes, Materials & Prices

Introduction: Why Your Hardy 18 Navigator Deserves a Bespoke Cover

Welcome, Hardy 18 Navigator owners! You've invested in a fantastic, versatile boat, renowned for its 18ft length and practical 7ft 2in beam, making it equally at home navigating serene rivers, bustling estuaries, or the open coastal waters. Protecting this cherished vessel from the unpredictable British weather and harsh elements is paramount to preserving its condition and resale value. A generic, ill-fitting cover simply won't suffice for a boat with the distinct lines and robust build of the Hardy 18 Navigator. This comprehensive guide from UK Boat Covers will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the perfect bespoke cover, ensuring a snug, protective fit tailored precisely to your boat. Our high-quality covers for your Hardy 18 Navigator start from just £539 for robust PVC and £649 for premium Acrylic fabric.

Why Choose a Bespoke Cover for the Hardy 18 Navigator?

The Hardy 18 Navigator, with its distinctive hull shape, functional deck layout, and generous 7ft 2in beam, demands a bespoke cover for optimal protection. Universal covers, designed to fit a wide range of boats, will inevitably sag, flap in the wind, and fail to offer comprehensive coverage, leading to water pooling, mildew, and accelerated wear on your boat. Our bespoke covers are crafted specifically to the unique contours of your Hardy, ensuring every grab rail, cleat, and the robust windscreen is accommodated perfectly. This precision fit means maximum defence against rain, UV rays, and debris, preventing costly damage. Our innovative postal copy service allows us to replicate the exact dimensions of your existing cover, guaranteeing a perfect, tailor-made solution without you ever needing to visit our workshop.

See our Hardy 18 Navigator model page for full specifications and cover options.

Cover Types Available for the Hardy 18 Navigator

For your Hardy 18 Navigator, UK Boat Covers offers a range of bespoke cover types to suit every need and usage scenario. A full canopy cover provides complete shelter for the cockpit, ideal for overnight stays or extended protection on rivers and estuaries. Tonneau covers are perfect for day-to-day use, covering just the cockpit area to keep it dry and clean when moored or trailered. For added versatility, cockpit covers offer targeted protection, while a bespoke spray hood offers essential shelter from the elements while underway, particularly valuable in coastal waters. Finally, a robust winter cover is a must for off-season storage, offering superior protection against prolonged exposure to harsh weather, keeping your Hardy 18 Navigator in pristine condition until 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 Hardy 18 Navigator Covers

Choosing the right material for your Hardy 18 Navigator cover is crucial for longevity and performance. We offer two primary marine-grade options: PVC and Acrylic. PVC marine fabric is incredibly durable, 100% waterproof, and highly resistant to abrasion, making it an excellent choice for covers exposed to demanding conditions, especially if your boat is regularly on coastal waters or stored outdoors year-round. It offers superb UV resistance and a longer lifespan, albeit with less breathability. Acrylic fabric, while still highly water-resistant, offers superior breathability, helping to prevent condensation and mildew build-up, which is particularly beneficial for boats used primarily on inland rivers where dampness can be an issue. It provides excellent UV protection and a more aesthetically pleasing, fabric-like finish. Your choice should balance durability, breathability, and aesthetic preference, considering your Hardy’s typical environment.

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

Measuring Your Hardy 18 Navigator for a New Cover

Accurate measurements are vital for a perfect fit, although our postal copy service can circumvent this process. If measuring your Hardy 18 Navigator, begin by confirming its 18ft length from bow to stern and its 7ft 2in beam at its widest point. For a cockpit or tonneau cover, measure the length of the cockpit opening, typically from the windscreen to the transom, and the width at various points to account for any taper. Remember to measure over any obstacles like grab rails, cleats, or steering consoles, ensuring sufficient material allowance for these features. For a full cover, measure the overall length and height from the deck line, accounting for any bow pulpits or mast mounts. Our postal copy service eliminates all these complexities; simply send us your old cover, and we’ll replicate its exact dimensions, guaranteeing a flawless fit every time.

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

Hardy 18 Navigator Cover Prices

Investing in a bespoke cover for your Hardy 18 Navigator offers unparalleled value and protection, with transparent pricing designed to suit various budgets. Our robust PVC covers start from an accessible £539, offering exceptional durability and waterproofing. For those seeking premium breathability and a softer aesthetic, our high-quality Acrylic covers begin at £649. The final price can be influenced by the cover type (e.g., tonneau vs. full canopy), specific design complexities, and any additional features you might require. Crucially, as a family-run business, we operate with no VAT, meaning you automatically save a significant 20% compared to competitors who must include this tax. This makes our bespoke solutions incredibly competitive, providing superior protection and a perfect fit that generic, ill-fitting universal covers simply cannot match for your cherished Hardy 18 Navigator.

View full price list | Request a personalised quote

How to Fit a Cover on Your Hardy 18 Navigator

Fitting your new bespoke cover onto your Hardy 18 Navigator is a straightforward process designed for ease and efficiency. Begin by unfolding the cover evenly over the cockpit or deck, ensuring the front aligns with the bow. Carefully pull the cover over specific features like the robust windscreen and sturdy grab rails, guiding it to rest snugly against the boat's contours. Pay close attention to securing all tie-down points, bungee cords, or clips provided, ensuring a taut fit all around. This tension is crucial for preventing water pooling, which can stretch the fabric and lead to leaks. Make sure there’s adequate ventilation to allow air circulation, especially in the cockpit area, to deter mildew growth. A well-fitted cover should hug the boat's lines, providing maximum protection without excessive slack or flapping, keeping your Hardy 18 Navigator pristine.

Caring for Your Hardy 18 Navigator Cover

Proper maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of your Hardy 18 Navigator cover, ensuring it continues to protect your boat for years to come. Regular cleaning is essential, especially when your boat is used on rivers where algae and dirt can accumulate quickly. Use mild soap and lukewarm water, gently scrubbing away grime with a soft brush, then rinse thoroughly. Avoid harsh chemicals or pressure washers, which can damage the fabric's waterproofing. For PVC covers, a periodic wipe down is usually sufficient. For acrylic, consider re-proofing treatments every few years to maintain water repellency. During winter storage, ensure the cover is completely dry before stowing to prevent mildew. Regular checks for minor tears or worn stitching will allow for timely repairs, preventing small issues from becoming costly replacements, keeping your Hardy ready for its next adventure.

More tips: Cleaning guide |

Our Postal Copy Service for Hardy 18 Navigator Owners

Our unique postal copy service revolutionises how you get a perfect bespoke cover for your Hardy 18 Navigator, eliminating the need for complex measuring or transporting your boat. The process is incredibly simple: first, you send us your existing, old Hardy 18 Navigator cover. Upon arrival at our Carterton workshop, Ryan and the team will meticulously use your old cover as a precise template. We then expertly cut and sew your new cover from high-quality, marine-grade PVC or Acrylic fabric, replicating every contour and fastening point. Within a rapid 6 working days, your brand-new, perfectly fitting bespoke cover is dispatched back to you. This streamlined service ensures an exact fit, perfectly tailored to your boat's specific features, providing superior protection without any hassle or inconvenience on your part.

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