Shetland 2+2 Boat Cover Guide: Sizes, Materials & Prices

Introduction: Why Your Shetland 2+2 Deserves a Bespoke Cover

Welcome, fellow Shetland 2+2 owners! Navigating the scenic Caledonian Canal, exploring the mysteries of Loch Ness, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the Scottish Highlands requires a boat that's well-maintained and protected. Your 16ft vessel, with its distinctive 6ft 6in beam, is a cherished part of your leisure, and safeguarding it from the elements is paramount. This comprehensive guide from UK Boat Covers, a family-run business based in Oxfordshire, is designed to help you choose the perfect bespoke cover. We understand the unique needs of your Shetland 2+2, ensuring it remains pristine season after season. Get ready to discover how our custom solutions provide unparalleled protection, with covers starting from just £814 for PVC and £924 for Acrylic.

Why Choose a Bespoke Cover for the Shetland 2+2?

A bespoke boat cover isn't just a luxury for your Shetland 2+2; it’s an absolute necessity. Unlike generic, off-the-shelf options that sag, flap, and often fail to protect, a custom-made cover from UK Boat Covers perfectly contours to your boat's unique 16ft length and 6ft 6in beam. The specific hull shape, deck layout, and cockpit design of the Shetland 2+2 demand precision. Universal covers can cause chafing, water pooling, and inadequate UV protection, especially in the varied Scottish climate. Our expertise ensures a snug fit that eliminates these common problems, creating an impenetrable barrier against rain, wind, and debris. With our unique postal copy service, we guarantee a perfect replication of your old cover's fit, ensuring precision without the hassle of on-site measurements.

See our Shetland 2+2 model page for full specifications and cover options.

Cover Types Available for the Shetland 2+2

For your Shetland 2+2, UK Boat Covers offers a range of bespoke cover types tailored for its typical use on the Caledonian Canal, Loch Ness, and the Scottish Highlands. Our most popular options include full canopy covers, providing a complete enclosure for your cockpit and cabin, ideal for extended stays or all-weather protection. Tonneau covers specifically secure the cockpit, perfect for trailering or short-term mooring. We also craft individual cockpit covers for specific protection, spray hoods to deflect water during navigation, and robust winter covers designed to withstand the harshest Scottish conditions. Each type is meticulously designed to integrate with your 16ft, 6ft 6in Shetland 2+2, offering targeted protection for every scenario your boating adventures present.

• 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 Shetland 2+2 Covers

Choosing the right material for your Shetland 2+2 cover is crucial for longevity and performance, particularly given the variable weather of the Scottish Highlands. We primarily offer two superior options: PVC marine fabric and Acrylic marine fabric. PVC, starting from £814, is exceptionally robust, completely waterproof, and highly resistant to mildew, making it an excellent choice for long-term storage or exposed moorings on Loch Ness. Acrylic, priced from £924, offers superior breathability and UV resistance, ideal for covers that remain on during fair weather or for owners prioritising aesthetics and reduced condensation. While both offer excellent waterproofing, Acrylic provides a more luxurious feel and better colour retention over time, perfectly balancing protection and elegance for your 16ft Shetland 2+2.

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

Measuring Your Shetland 2+2 for a New Cover

Accurately measuring your Shetland 2+2 for a new cover is essential for a flawless fit, although our postal service makes it even easier. Start by measuring the overall length from the tip of the bow to the stern (your boat is typically 16ft). Next, determine the maximum beam width, usually around the cockpit area (your boat is 6ft 6in). For a full canopy, also measure the height from the deck to the top of your windscreen or highest point. Note the positions of any prominent features like grab rails, cleats, or existing cover attachment points. However, the simplest and most accurate method is our postal copy service; send us your old cover, and we will replicate its exact dimensions and contours, eliminating any potential for measuring errors on your 16ft Shetland 2+2.

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

Shetland 2+2 Cover Prices

Investing in a bespoke cover for your Shetland 2+2 is an investment in its future, and at UK Boat Covers, we ensure transparent, competitive pricing. Our PVC covers start from just £814, while our premium Acrylic options begin at £924. The final price is influenced by the specific cover type (e.g., tonneau vs. full canopy), the chosen material, and any additional features. What truly sets us apart, however, is our unique advantage: as a family-run business, we operate without VAT, saving you a direct 20% compared to many competitors. This means you receive a superior, custom-fit product for your 16ft, 6ft 6in Shetland 2+2 at an exceptional value, far surpassing the short-lived protection offered by cheaper, ill-fitting universal covers.

View full price list | Request a personalised quote

How to Fit a Cover on Your Shetland 2+2

Fitting your new bespoke cover on your Shetland 2+2 is a straightforward process designed for maximum protection and ease. Begin by centring the cover over your 16ft boat. Pay close attention to aligning the front edge snugly over the bow and working your way back. For a full canopy, ensure the windscreen section is correctly positioned. Utilise the specific grab rails and cleats on your Shetland 2+2 as anchor points for the cover's straps and shock cords. Tension the straps evenly to create a taut surface, preventing wind lift and crucially, eliminating water pooling, especially important in the rainy conditions of the Scottish Highlands. Always ensure any ventilation points are clear to allow air circulation and deter condensation, preserving your boat's interior.

Caring for Your Shetland 2+2 Cover

Proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your bespoke Shetland 2+2 boat cover, especially with the demanding conditions of the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness. Regularly clean your cover seasonally, or more frequently if bird droppings or tree sap accumulate, using mild soap and warm water, avoiding harsh chemicals. For optimal UV protection, particularly against the strong, clear Highland sun, consider applying a marine-grade UV protectant. During winter, ensure the cover is completely dry before storage to prevent mildew, especially if not being used on the boat. A well-cared-for cover should last many years, but inspect for wear and tear annually, considering replacement when significant fading, tears, or waterproofing degradation become apparent to maintain full protection for your 16ft vessel.

More tips: Cleaning guide |

Our Postal Copy Service for Shetland 2+2 Owners

Our revolutionary postal copy service is specifically designed to make getting a perfect bespoke cover for your Shetland 2+2 effortless, no matter where you are in the UK. The process is simple: carefully remove your existing old cover from your boat and post it directly to us here at UK Boat Covers in Carterton, Oxfordshire. Upon receipt, our skilled team, led by Ryan, meticulously uses your old cover as a precise template. We then expertly cut and sew your new, superior marine-grade fabric cover, ensuring an exact, flawless fit for your 16ft, 6ft 6in Shetland 2+2. Best of all, we dispatch your brand-new cover within a rapid 6 working days, delivering a perfect fit without the need for you or your boat to travel.

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