Relcraft 18 & 23 Boat Cover Guide: Sizes, Materials & Prices

Introduction: Why Your Relcraft 18 & 23 Deserves a Bespoke Cover

Welcome, Relcraft 18 & 23 owners! You've found the perfect resource for a boat cover that truly fits your cherished vessel. The Relcraft 18 & 23, known for its robust build and comfortable cruising, is a popular sight on the UK's beautiful inland waterways, from the meandering Thames to the extensive Grand Union Canal and the idyllic Norfolk Broads. With lengths ranging from 18 to 23 feet and a beam of 7 to 8 feet 6 inches, these boats demand a cover designed specifically for their unique dimensions and features. A generic, off-the-shelf solution simply won't offer the protection or longevity your Relcraft deserves. At UK Boat Covers, we specialise in bespoke covers that embrace every contour, ensuring maximum defence against the elements. Our high-quality covers start at just £869 for PVC and £979 for durable Acrylic options, offering unparalleled value and peace of mind.

Why Choose a Bespoke Cover for the Relcraft 18 & 23?

For a boat as distinctive as the Relcraft 18 & 23, with its characteristic hull shape, often intricate deck layout, and specific beam measurements between 7 and 8 feet 6 inches, a bespoke cover is not just a luxury, it's an absolute necessity. Universal covers are designed to fit a wide range of boats loosely, which inevitably leads to issues like water pooling, flapping in the wind, and premature wear, leaving your boat vulnerable. A custom-made cover from UK Boat Covers is precision-engineered to perfectly match your Relcraft's exact dimensions, hugging its lines, accommodating grab rails, windscreens, and any unique features. This tailored approach prevents damage, extends the life of your interior, and maintains the boat's aesthetics. Our unique postal copy service means we can replicate your existing cover's perfect fit, ensuring an unparalleled seal and protection without you needing to bring your boat to us.

See our Relcraft 18 & 23 model page for full specifications and cover options.

Cover Types Available for the Relcraft 18 & 23

UK Boat Covers offers a comprehensive range of cover types tailored specifically for the Relcraft 18 & 23, designed to suit its use on the Thames, Grand Union Canal, and the Broads. Our popular canopy covers provide full protection and often extend over the cockpit, ideal for liveaboards or extended cruising, offering shelter from rain and sun. Tonneau covers are perfect for securing the cockpit when moored or for shorter periods, providing a neat, low-profile barrier. We also craft custom cockpit covers to enclose the helm area, offering privacy and protection. For bow-mounted designs, a bespoke spray hood can significantly enhance comfort in inclement weather. And, of course, our robust winter covers are indispensable for protecting your Relcraft during the colder months, safeguarding it through the harsh UK winter conditions, preventing moisture ingress and UV damage while stored.

• 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 Relcraft 18 & 23 Covers

Choosing the right material for your Relcraft 18 & 23 cover is crucial for its longevity and performance on inland waterways. We primarily offer two outstanding options: PVC marine fabric and Acrylic fabric. PVC is a heavy-duty, completely waterproof material, excellent for winter covers or boats left exposed to the elements for long periods, especially valuable on waterways like the Thames where boats are moored year-round. It offers superb UV resistance and is highly durable, though less breathable than acrylic. Acrylic fabric, on the other hand, boasts superior breathability, making it ideal for continuous use as it helps prevent condensation and mildew, particularly beneficial on the Broads where humidity can be higher. It offers exceptional UV resistance, maintains its colour beautifully, and typically has a longer lifespan, though it might require periodic re-proofing to maintain its water repellency. Both materials are marine-grade and chosen for their resilience against typical UK weather.

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

Measuring Your Relcraft 18 & 23 for a New Cover

Accurate sizing is paramount for a perfectly fitting Relcraft 18 & 23 cover. While your boat falls within the 18-23ft length and 7-8ft 6in beam range, each individual boat can have subtle variations. When measuring, focus on the overall length from bow to stern, considering any pulpits or swim platforms. For the beam, measure the widest point. Crucially, also take into account the height from the deck to the top of the windscreen or cabin, and any protruding features like grab rails or mast bases, as a bespoke cover will accommodate these perfectly. The beauty of our service, however, lies in our postal copy option. By simply sending us your old cover, even if it's torn, we can meticulously replicate its exact dimensions and contours in new, high-grade fabric. This method completely eliminates the need for you to take complex measurements yourself, guaranteeing a flawless, snug fit for your Relcraft every single time.

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

Relcraft 18 & 23 Cover Prices

Investing in a bespoke cover for your Relcraft 18 & 23 provides unmatched value and protection, with prices starting from £869 for a PVC cover and £979 for an Acrylic cover. The final cost will depend on the specific dimensions of your boat, the chosen material, and any additional features or complexity. While universal covers might seem cheaper initially, they rarely fit well, leading to premature wear and potential damage to your boat, proving to be a false economy. A key advantage when choosing UK Boat Covers is that, as a small family-run business, we operate without VAT. This means you save a significant 20% compared to VAT-registered competitors, directly passing that saving onto you. This makes our high-quality, custom-fit covers not only superior in protection but also incredibly competitive on price, ensuring your Relcraft gets the best possible cover without breaking the bank.

View full price list | Request a personalised quote

How to Fit a Cover on Your Relcraft 18 & 23

Fitting your new bespoke cover onto your Relcraft 18 & 23 is straightforward when designed specifically for your boat. Begin by loosely placing the cover over the highest points, often the windscreen or cabin top, then gradually work your way down. Our covers are designed to perfectly accommodate specific Relcraft features like the windscreen position, any grab rails, and the unique cockpit layout, ensuring a smooth, tailored fit without excessive strain. Start securing the cover from the bow, working towards the stern, fastening all clips, bungee cords, or straps evenly. To prevent water pooling, especially important on the Thames or Broads after heavy rain, ensure the cover is pulled taut and any support poles (if applicable) are correctly positioned to create a gentle slope. Proper ventilation is also key; ensure any vents are unobstructed to allow air circulation and minimise condensation inside your Relcraft.

Caring for Your Relcraft 18 & 23 Cover

Proper maintenance is key to maximising the lifespan of your Relcraft 18 & 23 boat cover, especially with the unique conditions of inland waterways like the Thames. Regularly clean your cover seasonally, or more frequently if moored under trees, to remove bird droppings, tree sap, and algae, which can degrade fabric over time. Use a soft brush and a specialised marine fabric cleaner, avoiding harsh chemicals that can strip protective coatings. Ensure the cover is completely dry before folding for winter storage to prevent mildew. For Acrylic covers, periodic re-proofing will maintain its water repellency. UV protection is built into our marine-grade fabrics, but consistent cleaning helps sustain this. By following these simple steps, your bespoke UK Boat Covers cover will continue to protect your Relcraft efficiently for many years, far outliving typical off-the-shelf alternatives and keeping your investment safe.

More tips: Cleaning guide |

Our Postal Copy Service for Relcraft 18 & 23 Owners

Our revolutionary postal copy service offers unparalleled convenience for Relcraft 18 & 23 owners across the entire UK. Here's how it works: simply package up your old Relcraft boat cover, no matter how tattered or worn it is, and send it to our workshop in Carterton, Oxfordshire. Upon arrival, our skilled team meticulously uses your old cover as a precise template. We then cut and expertly stitch a brand-new, bespoke cover from your chosen marine-grade fabric, replicating every contour and dimension of your original. This guarantees an absolutely perfect, snug fit for your Relcraft without the hassle of bringing your boat to us or the complexity of taking intricate measurements yourself. We pride ourselves on efficiency, and once crafted, your new cover is dispatched to you, typically within an impressive 6 working days from receiving your old cover. It’s the ultimate hassle-free solution for a perfect custom fit.

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