Microplus 501 Explorer Boat Cover Guide: Sizes, Materials & Prices

Introduction: Why Your Microplus 501 Explorer Deserves a Bespoke Cover

Owners of the beloved 16ft Microplus 501 Explorer, a popular vessel with a 6ft 6in beam often gracing the serene Canals, winding Rivers, and expansive Norfolk Broads, understand the paramount importance of protecting their investment. A high-quality, bespoke boat cover is not merely an accessory; it's an essential shield against the UK's unpredictable weather, keeping your vessel pristine and ready for adventure. Generic covers simply won't suffice for the unique contours of the 501 Explorer, leaving crucial areas exposed. At ukboatcovers.com, we specialise in tailored solutions designed specifically for your boat. Our bespoke PVC covers for the Microplus 501 Explorer start from £429, while premium Acrylic options begin at £539, ensuring a perfect fit and superior protection crafted with precision and care.

Why Choose a Bespoke Cover for the Microplus 501 Explorer?

The Microplus 501 Explorer, with its distinctive hull shape, specific deck layout, and a generous 6ft 6in beam, presents unique challenges that off-the-shelf or universal boat covers simply cannot address effectively. These generic options often result in a poor fit, leaving areas exposed to water ingress, damaging UV radiation, and even wind flapping that can cause abrasive wear to your gelcoat. A loose cover collects water, creating damaging pools, or it rubs paintwork, accelerating deterioration. Our bespoke covers are meticulously crafted to the exact dimensions and features of your 501 Explorer, ensuring every curve, cockpit edge, and attachment point is perfectly accounted for. This precision fit not only offers superior protection but also maintains the aesthetic integrity of your cherished vessel, safeguarding its value and ensuring its longevity. Our innovative postal copy service guarantees this flawless fit by replicating your old cover's precise pattern.

See our Microplus 501 Explorer model page for full specifications and cover options.

Cover Types Available for the Microplus 501 Explorer

For your Microplus 501 Explorer, a range of cover types can be tailored to suit your specific needs on the Canals, Rivers, and Broads. A full canopy cover offers comprehensive protection, ideal for extending your boating season and protecting against spray on choppier waters. Tonneau covers are perfect for trailering or short-term mooring, offering excellent cockpit protection. Cockpit covers are designed to shield the helm and seating areas, while bespoke spray hoods can significantly enhance comfort during cooler or windier trips. For long-term storage or winterisation, a robust winter cover is indispensable, providing maximum defence against the elements. Each type is custom-made to your 16ft x 6ft 6in Microplus 501 Explorer, ensuring optimal functionality and a neat, secure fit for your inland waterway adventures.

• 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 Microplus 501 Explorer Covers

Choosing the right material for your Microplus 501 Explorer cover depends on your priorities and typical usage on Canals, Rivers, and Broads. Our PVC marine fabric, starting from £429, offers exceptional waterproofing and durability, making it a robust choice for all-weather protection. It’s highly resistant to mould and mildew, ideal for damp inland environments, and provides excellent UV protection. For those seeking premium breathability and superior long-term colour retention, our Acrylic fabric, from £539, is an outstanding option. While also highly water-resistant, Acrylic offers better airflow, reducing condensation and making it ideal for vessels that are covered for extended periods. Both materials are chosen for their marine-grade quality, designed to withstand the unique challenges of protecting your 16ft Microplus 501 Explorer.

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

Measuring Your Microplus 501 Explorer for a New Cover

Accurate sizing is paramount for a perfectly fitting Microplus 501 Explorer cover, though our postal copy service often removes this need. If you are providing measurements for a new design, start by confirming your boat’s overall length at 16ft and its beam at 6ft 6in, ensuring these are measured at the widest and longest points respectively. Take critical measurements for height at the bow, stern, and midships, factoring in any windscreens, grab rails, or prominent fixtures that the cover needs to accommodate. Precision is key; even small inaccuracies can compromise fit and protection. However, the simplest and most reliable method is to utilise our postal copy service. By sending us your old cover, we eliminate all measuring errors, meticulously replicating its perfect pattern in your chosen new marine-grade fabric.

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

Microplus 501 Explorer Cover Prices

Investing in a bespoke cover for your 16ft Microplus 501 Explorer is a smart decision, and our pricing is designed for transparency and value. PVC covers for this model start from an accessible £429, offering robust protection, while our premium Acrylic covers begin at £539, providing enhanced breathability and longevity. The final price can vary slightly based on specific customisations, such as additional reinforcements or access zips. A significant advantage of choosing ukboatcovers.com is that, as a family-run business, we operate without VAT, effectively saving you 20% compared to competitors who often include this. This not only makes our bespoke covers more affordable but also represents superior value over ill-fitting universal options, which offer inferior protection and lifespan for your Microplus 501 Explorer.

View full price list | Request a personalised quote

How to Fit a Cover on Your Microplus 501 Explorer

Properly fitting your new bespoke cover onto your Microplus 501 Explorer ensures maximum protection and extends its lifespan. Begin by placing the cover over the bow and stern, ensuring the centre line aligns perfectly. Gently pull the cover down, working from the front to the back, ensuring all elasticated edges and tie-down points are engaged. Pay close attention to the specific features of your 501 Explorer, such as the windscreen position and any grab rails; your bespoke cover will be designed to accommodate these. Secure all straps firmly but not overly taut, preventing wind lift. To avoid water pooling, ensure the cover is supported where necessary to create a slight pitch, allowing water to run off. Proper ventilation is also crucial, especially on still canal days, to prevent condensation build-up under the cover.

Caring for Your Microplus 501 Explorer Cover

Maintaining your Microplus 501 Explorer boat cover is essential to maximise its lifespan and ensure continued protection on Canals, Rivers, and Broads. Regularly inspect for any debris, mildew, or dirt build-up, especially in humid inland environments. A gentle wash with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, followed by thorough rinsing and air-drying, will keep your cover in top condition. Avoid harsh chemicals or pressure washers, which can damage the fabric's waterproofing and UV resistance. For winter storage, ensure the cover is completely dry before folding to prevent mildew. Regular maintenance not only prolongs the life of your cover but also safeguards your 16ft Microplus 501 Explorer against the elements, ensuring it remains pristine for many seasons to come. Consider replacement if the fabric shows significant tears, UV degradation, or persistent leaks.

More tips: Cleaning guide |

Our Postal Copy Service for Microplus 501 Explorer Owners

Our unique postal copy service offers an incredibly convenient and precise way to obtain a new bespoke cover for your Microplus 501 Explorer, all without needing to transport your boat to us. The process is straightforward: simply post your existing, well-fitting cover to our workshop in Carterton, Oxfordshire. Our skilled team, led by Ryan, will then meticulously use your old cover as a pattern. This guarantees that your new cover perfectly replicates every contour, attachment point, and unique feature of your 16ft Microplus 501 Explorer, providing an absolutely flawless fit. Once the pattern is transferred, we expertly craft your new cover from marine-grade PVC or Acrylic fabric. We aim to dispatch your brand-new, bespoke cover within a rapid 6 working days, delivering precision and convenience 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