Hardy Pilot Boat Cover Guide: Sizes, Materials & Prices

Introduction: Why Your Hardy Pilot Deserves a Bespoke Cover

For dedicated owners of the iconic Hardy Pilot, safeguarding your cherished 20ft vessel with its distinctive 7ft 6in beam is paramount, especially when navigating the gentle flows of the River Severn, the historic Worcester & Birmingham Canal, or the picturesque Avon Navigation. A high-quality, bespoke boat cover is not merely an accessory; it's an essential investment in protecting your boat from the unpredictable British weather and preserving its pristine condition for countless adventures. Here at UK Boat Covers, a family-run business based in Oxfordshire, we specialise in crafting custom-fit covers tailored precisely to your Hardy Pilot's unique dimensions and needs. Our bespoke covers for the Hardy Pilot start from just £946 for durable PVC and £1,056 for premium Acrylic, offering unbeatable value and protection for your beloved craft.

Why Choose a Bespoke Cover for the Hardy Pilot?

The Hardy Pilot, with its distinctive semi-displacement hull, practical cockpit layout, and generous 7ft 6in beam, presents unique challenges for off-the-shelf boat covers. Universal covers simply won't offer the snug, protective fit required, leading to issues like water pooling, accelerated wear, and inadequate defence against the elements. An ill-fitting cover can flap in the wind, causing abrasion to your gel coat and significantly shortening both the cover's and your boat's lifespan. Our bespoke approach ensures every curve, every railing, and every cleat on your Hardy Pilot is meticulously accounted for, providing unparalleled protection and aesthetic appeal. We achieve this perfect fit through our unique postal copy service, where your old cover acts as a precise template, guaranteeing a custom masterpiece without you needing to bring your boat to our workshop in Carterton, Oxfordshire.

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

Cover Types Available for the Hardy Pilot

UK Boat Covers offers a comprehensive range of cover types perfectly suited for the Hardy Pilot, designed to meet its varied needs across the River Severn, Worcester & Birmingham Canal, and Avon Navigation. Canopy covers provide crucial protection and shade for the helm and cockpit area, ideal for extended cruising. Tonneau covers offer a sleek, low-profile solution for securing the cockpit when docked or not in use. For full protection during storage, especially over winter, a robust overall cover or winter cover is essential, safeguarding against debris and adverse weather. We also craft specialised cockpit covers and spray hoods, each tailored to integrate seamlessly with your Hardy Pilot's specific features, ensuring optimal functionality and a smart appearance that complements its classic lines.

• 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 Pilot Covers

Choosing the right material for your Hardy Pilot cover is crucial for longevity and performance, especially given its typical use on inland waterways like the River Severn, canal, and river Avon. We offer two primary options: robust PVC marine fabric and premium Acrylic canvas. PVC is highly durable, exceptionally waterproof, and easy to clean, making it an excellent, cost-effective choice for general protection against rain and debris, offering a good lifespan. Acrylic, on the other hand, boasts superior UV resistance, breathability, and colour retention, providing a longer lifespan and better air circulation to prevent mildew, which can be beneficial in humid riverine environments. While both offer excellent waterproofing, Acrylic's breathability often makes it the preferred option for extended covers that encapsulate the boat, offering the best balance of protection and longevity for your Hardy Pilot.

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

Measuring Your Hardy Pilot for a New Cover

Accurate sizing is paramount for a perfect Hardy Pilot cover, eliminating guesswork when utilising our postal copy service. While our primary method uses your old cover as a template, understanding your boat's dimensions, like its 20ft length and 7ft 6in beam, is helpful. Should you not have an existing cover, we can guide you on precise measuring points – from the bow to the stern, and across the widest point of the beam, ensuring all deck furniture, windscreens, and railings are considered. For a perfect fit without the hassle, our unique postal copy service is invaluable. You simply send us your existing cover, even if it's torn, and we use it to create an exact replica in new, high-quality marine fabric, completely eliminating any potential for measuring errors on your part and guaranteeing a factory-like fit for your Hardy Pilot.

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

Hardy Pilot Cover Prices

Investing in a bespoke cover for your Hardy Pilot represents exceptional value, far surpassing the limitations of generic options. Our high-quality PVC covers start from a competitive £946, while our premium Acrylic options begin at £1,056, reflecting the superior materials and craftsmanship involved. The final price can vary slightly depending on the specific design complexity, material choice, and any additional features you might require. A key advantage when choosing UK Boat Covers is our commitment to honest pricing: we operate on a no VAT basis, effectively saving you 20% compared to many competitors, making our bespoke solutions even more affordable. This saving, combined with the superior fit and durability for your 20ft, 7ft 6in Hardy Pilot, ensures you receive unparalleled value and protection, safeguarding your investment for years to come.

View full price list | Request a personalised quote

How to Fit a Cover on Your Hardy Pilot

Fitting your new bespoke cover onto your Hardy Pilot is designed to be straightforward, thanks to its precision fit. Begin by identifying the bow and stern sections, typically marked or obvious from the cover's shape. Drape the cover centrally over the boat, paying attention to the windscreen position and any grab rails; our covers are tailored to accommodate these. Work your way from bow to stern, securing the cover's straps or shock cord to the hull or designated attachment points on your 20ft, 7ft 6in vessel. Ensure the cover is taut to prevent any water pooling, particularly over the cockpit area, which can be prone to sagging if not properly secured. Good tension also minimises wind flap. Always allow for adequate ventilation by ensuring any vents in the cover are unobstructed, promoting airflow and deterring mildew, especially important in humid river environments.

Caring for Your Hardy Pilot Cover

Proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your Hardy Pilot cover, especially with exposure to inland waterway conditions on the River Severn, Worcester & Birmingham Canal, or Avon Navigation. Regularly clean your cover with mild soap and water, using a soft brush to remove dirt, bird droppings, and algae that can accumulate. Rinse thoroughly and allow it to air dry completely before folding or storage to prevent mildew. Periodically re-treat the fabric with a suitable waterproofing spray to maintain its protective qualities and UV resistance, safeguarding against sun degradation. During winter, ensure the cover is free from snow and ice build-up. With diligent care, your bespoke PVC or Acrylic cover can provide many years of reliable service, protecting your Hardy Pilot before a replacement is needed.

More tips: Cleaning guide |

Our Postal Copy Service for Hardy Pilot Owners

Our unique postal copy service offers Hardy Pilot owners the ultimate convenience for obtaining a perfectly fitted boat cover, eliminating the need for complex measurements or transporting your boat. The process is simple: you carefully pack and post your existing Hardy Pilot cover, regardless of its condition, to our workshop in Carterton, Oxfordshire. Upon arrival, our skilled team meticulously uses your old cover as a precise template, ensuring every contour, seam, and fastening point of your 20ft, 7ft 6in Hardy Pilot is accurately replicated. We then craft your brand new bespoke cover from high-quality marine-grade PVC or Acrylic fabric. The best part? Your perfectly fitting cover is then dispatched to your doorstep within just 6 working days, providing a hassle-free, exact replacement that safeguards your vessel without any inconvenience to you or your boating schedule.

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