Shetland 536 Boat Cover Guide: Sizes, Materials & Prices

Introduction: Why Your Shetland 536 Deserves a Bespoke Cover

Welcome, fellow boating enthusiasts, to your definitive guide for selecting the perfect boat cover for your cherished Shetland 536. This iconic vessel, measuring a comfortable 17ft 6in in length with a 6ft 9in beam, is a familiar and much-loved sight on the UK’s picturesque Canals, tranquil Rivers, and expansive Broads. At UK Boat Covers, we understand that a high-quality, perfectly fitting cover is not just an accessory, but an essential investment for protecting your boat from the unpredictable British weather and maintaining its pristine condition. Forget ill-fitting universal covers that offer inadequate protection; your Shetland 536 deserves a bespoke solution designed to its exact specifications. Our premium, tailor-made covers for the Shetland 536 start from just £759 for durable PVC and £869 for luxurious Acrylic, ensuring superior protection and peace of mind.

Why Choose a Bespoke Cover for the Shetland 536?

The Shetland 536, with its distinctive cabin cruiser design, unique hull shape, and specific deck layout, presents challenges that off-the-shelf universal covers simply cannot address effectively. Its particular beam of 6ft 9in, coupled with the integrated windscreen and cockpit contours, means that a generic cover will likely sag, pool water, or leave critical areas exposed. This compromises protection and can lead to accelerated wear and tear. A bespoke cover, however, is meticulously crafted to follow every curve and angle of your Shetland 536, providing a taut, secure, and impenetrable barrier against the elements. Our unique postal copy service allows us to create a new cover from your existing one, ensuring an absolutely flawless fit that embraces every nuance of your boat's structure, guaranteeing unparalleled defence and longevity.

See our Shetland 536 model page for full specifications and cover options.

Cover Types Available for the Shetland 536

For your Shetland 536, navigating the Canals, Rivers, and Broads, we offer a range of bespoke cover types, each designed for specific protection needs. A robust canopy cover is ideal for providing full weather protection to the cockpit, ensuring comfortable cruising in all conditions and protecting instrumentation. Tonneau covers are perfect for securing the cockpit when docked or trailering, offering a streamlined, low-profile solution. For full enclosure, a combination of a spray hood and an aft canopy can transform your open cockpit into a sheltered haven. Finally, a comprehensive winter cover is indispensable for long-term storage, providing maximum protection from frost, damp, and debris. Each type is tailored to the 536's dimensions, ensuring optimal functionality and coverage for its typical inland use.

• 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 536 Covers

Choosing the right material is paramount for your Shetland 536 cover. We offer two primary options: high-grade PVC marine fabric and premium Acrylic canvas. PVC is an excellent choice for inland waterways use, like the Broads or Canals, as it offers exceptional waterproofing and robustness against prolonged exposure to rain and environmental grime. It is highly durable, easy to clean, and provides superb UV resistance, ensuring a long lifespan even in direct sunlight. Acrylic fabric, while also highly waterproof and UV resistant, offers superior breathability, which is particularly beneficial in preventing condensation build-up under the cover during long periods of storage. This can be crucial for maintaining a fresh interior on your 536. Both materials are chosen for their marine-grade quality, guaranteeing protection and longevity for your vessel.

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

Measuring Your Shetland 536 for a New Cover

Accurately measuring your Shetland 536 is crucial for a perfect new cover, though our postal copy service offers an effortless alternative. If measuring yourself, focus on the overall length of 17ft 6in from bow to stern, ensuring you account for any bowsprits or stern platforms. The beam of 6ft 9in is your widest point; measure this across the deck, not just at the hull. For a canopy, measure the height from the deck to the top of your existing frame or windscreen. Ensure all grab rails, cleats, and any other fixtures are noted, as these are critical for ensuring the cover fits snugly without snagging. However, the simplest and most accurate method is to utilise our unique postal copy service, where we precisely replicate your old cover, eliminating any potential for measuring errors and guaranteeing a flawless fit every time.

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

Shetland 536 Cover Prices

At UK Boat Covers, we believe in transparent pricing and exceptional value for your Shetland 536. Our bespoke covers start from just £759 for high-quality PVC marine fabric, or £869 for premium Acrylic canvas. The final cost is primarily influenced by your chosen material and the specific cover type (e.g., tonneau vs. full canopy), as well as any unique features or complex requirements for your 17ft 6in, 6ft 9in Shetland 536. Crucially, as a family-run business based in Carterton, Oxfordshire, we operate with *no VAT*, allowing you to save a significant 20% compared to many competitors. This makes our bespoke covers not only perfectly fitted but also incredibly cost-effective. While universal covers might seem cheaper initially, they inevitably lead to compromises in fit, protection, and longevity, making a bespoke cover from UK Boat Covers a superior long-term investment for your Shetland 536.

View full price list | Request a personalised quote

How to Fit a Cover on Your Shetland 536

Fitting your new bespoke cover onto your Shetland 536 is designed to be straightforward, thanks to its precision tailoring. Start by identifying the bow and stern sections, then drape the cover over the boat. Pay close attention to how it aligns with your 536's specific features, such as the windscreen position and any grab rails. Begin by securing the bow, then work your way aft, attaching all straps, buckles, or shock cord loops to existing cleats or attachment points. Ensure the cover is pulled taut and even to prevent any areas from sagging, which could lead to water pooling, particularly in the cockpit area. Adequate tension is vital to shed water effectively. Remember to allow for proper ventilation, especially if you've chosen a less breathable fabric, to prevent mildew and ensure your 536 remains fresh and dry beneath its tailored protection.

Caring for Your Shetland 536 Cover

Proper care and maintenance will significantly extend the lifespan of your Shetland 536 boat cover, especially with its typical use on Canals, Rivers, and Broads where algae and damp can be prevalent. We recommend cleaning your cover at least twice a year, or more frequently if it’s exposed to heavy grime. Use a soft brush, warm water, and a mild, non-detergent soap to gently scrub away dirt and biological growth. Avoid harsh chemicals or pressure washers, which can damage the fabric and coatings. For long-term protection, consider reapplying a UV protection and waterproofing treatment annually. During winter storage, ensure your 536 cover is thoroughly dry before packing away to prevent mildew. Regular inspection for small tears or worn stitching allows for timely repairs, preventing minor issues from becoming costly replacements.

More tips: Cleaning guide |

Our Postal Copy Service for Shetland 536 Owners

Our unique postal copy service is the ultimate convenience for Shetland 536 owners seeking a perfect-fit cover without the hassle of measuring or transporting their boat. The process is incredibly simple and efficient: you simply post your old Shetland 536 cover to us at UK Boat Covers in Carterton, Oxfordshire. Upon receipt, our skilled team meticulously uses your old cover as a precise template to cut and sew your new bespoke cover from your chosen marine-grade fabric. This method guarantees an identical, perfect fit, replicating every detail and contour of your original cover. The best part? We pride ourselves on a rapid 6-day turnaround from receiving your old cover to dispatching your brand-new, perfectly tailored Shetland 536 cover straight back to you, anywhere in the UK.

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