Shetland Saker Boat Cover Guide: Sizes, Materials & Prices

Introduction: Why Your Shetland Saker Deserves a Bespoke Cover

Welcome, fellow boating enthusiasts and proud owners of the iconic Shetland Saker! If you cherish your 19ft, 7ft beam cruiser, navigating the tranquil Canals, meandering Rivers, or picturesque Broads, you understand the importance of safeguarding your vessel. A well-fitting boat cover is not just an accessory; it's a vital shield against the unpredictable UK weather, keeping your Saker pristine and ready for your next adventure. This comprehensive guide from UK Boat Covers, a family-run business in Oxfordshire, will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the perfect bespoke cover for your Saker. We’re here to ensure your investment is protected, offering tailored solutions with covers starting from PVC at £759 and Acrylic from £869.

Why Choose a Bespoke Cover for the Shetland Saker?

For a distinctive craft like the Shetland Saker, with its unique 19ft length and 7ft beam, a bespoke boat cover isn't merely a luxury; it's an absolute necessity. Unlike generic, off-the-shelf covers that can sag, chafe, or poorly accommodate the Saker's specific hull shape and cockpit layout, a custom-made cover fits like a second skin. Universal options often fail to properly account for details such as the windscreen, grab rails, or the precise beam width, leading to water pooling, wind damage, and accelerated wear. Our bespoke covers are meticulously crafted to hug every contour, ensuring maximum protection and longevity. With our innovative postal copy service, we can even replicate your existing cover's perfect fit, guaranteeing an unparalleled custom solution for your beloved Saker.

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

Cover Types Available for the Shetland Saker

UK Boat Covers offers a range of bespoke cover types perfectly suited for your Shetland Saker, designed to meet its typical use across Canals, Rivers, and the Broads. A robust tonneau cover is ideal for securing the cockpit when docked or trailering, protecting against rain and debris. For extended trips or overnight stays, a full canopy cover offers comprehensive shelter for the crew and interior. Alternatively, a simpler cockpit cover can provide focused protection. We also craft spray hoods to enhance on-water comfort, deflecting wind and spray. For winter lay-up, especially if moored outdoors on a canal, a heavy-duty winter cover is essential, providing superior, all-encompassing protection against prolonged exposure to harsh elements. Each type is tailored to your Saker's specific dimensions and features.

• 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 Saker Covers

Choosing the right material is crucial for your Shetland Saker's cover, and we offer two excellent options: PVC marine fabric and Acrylic fabric. Our high-grade PVC is an extremely robust, fully waterproof choice, offering exceptional durability and resistance to tearing. It's particularly well-suited for boats predominantly used or stored on inland waterways like canals and rivers, where a heavy-duty, impermeable barrier against rain and mildew is paramount. Acrylic, while also highly water-resistant, offers superior breathability, reducing condensation build-up and excellent UV resistance, which helps maintain its colour and integrity over a longer lifespan, especially in sunnier or more exposed locations. Both materials boast longevity, but Acrylic generally offers a more premium finish and slightly extended lifespan under constant sun exposure, whereas PVC excels in sheer toughness and waterproofing.

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

Measuring Your Shetland Saker for a New Cover

Accurate sizing is paramount for a perfectly fitting Shetland Saker cover, though our postal copy service simplifies this immensely. If you're providing measurements, focus on the boat's overall 19ft length from bow to stern, and the 7ft beam at its widest point. Critical measurements also include the height from the deck to the top of any windscreen or grab rails, and the distance from the deck to the rubbing strake around the entire perimeter. For an existing cover, measure its length, width, and drop. However, the easiest and most accurate method is utilising our postal copy service; simply send us your old cover, and we'll use it as a precise template. This eliminates any potential measuring errors, ensuring your new bespoke cover replicates the perfect fit you already have, or precisely matches your specific requirements without needing boat access.

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

Shetland Saker Cover Prices

At UK Boat Covers, we pride ourselves on transparent and competitive pricing for your Shetland Saker. Our bespoke PVC covers start from just £759, while our premium Acrylic covers begin at £869. The final price can vary slightly depending on the complexity of your boat's features, additional reinforcements, or specific customisations. What truly sets us apart, and provides significant value for our customers, is that as a small, family-run business, we operate without VAT. This means you instantly save 20% compared to many competitors, effectively giving you more for your money. When you compare the longevity, perfect fit, and superior protection of a bespoke cover against the short lifespan and inadequate performance of a cheaper, universal option, our covers offer unparalleled value and a sound investment for your beloved Saker.

View full price list | Request a personalised quote

How to Fit a Cover on Your Shetland Saker

Fitting your new bespoke Shetland Saker cover from UK Boat Covers is designed to be straightforward, ensuring optimal protection. Begin by spreading the cover evenly over the boat, paying close attention to align any specific cut-outs for the windscreen or access points. Carefully guide the cover over the bow and stern, ensuring a snug fit around the entire 19ft length. Fasten all straps and ties securely to the hull or trailer, adjusting the tension so the cover is taut but not overly strained. Ensure all grab rails and cleats are properly accommodated without creating points of stress. To prevent water pooling, particularly crucial on the Saker's flat deck areas when moored on canals, consider using support poles or an inflatable arch beneath the cover to create a gentle slope, allowing rain to run off efficiently. Always ensure adequate ventilation to prevent condensation and mildew build-up.

Caring for Your Shetland Saker Cover

To maximise the lifespan and effectiveness of your Shetland Saker's bespoke boat cover, regular maintenance is key, especially given its typical use on canals and rivers. During boating season, clean your cover monthly with mild soap and water, scrubbing gently to remove dirt, algae, and mildew, which can accumulate rapidly in inland waterway environments. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry completely before folding or storing. For winter, when your Saker might be laid up, ensure the cover is completely clean and dry before storing it in a cool, dark place, or fitted securely if protecting the boat outdoors. Periodically re-treat the fabric with a suitable water-repellent spray to maintain its waterproofing. By following these simple steps, you can significantly extend your cover's life, ensuring it continues to protect your investment for many years.

More tips: Cleaning guide |

Our Postal Copy Service for Shetland Saker Owners

Our unique postal copy service is specifically designed to make getting a perfect bespoke cover for your Shetland Saker as easy as possible, especially without the need to bring your boat to us in Carterton. The process is incredibly simple: first, carefully pack up your old Shetland Saker boat cover, even if it's worn or damaged, and post it to our Oxfordshire workshop. Once we receive it, our skilled team meticulously uses your old cover as a precise template. We then expertly cut and sew your new cover using marine-grade PVC or Acrylic fabric, replicating every contour and feature for an absolutely perfect fit. The best part? Your custom-made cover is typically dispatched back to you within a rapid 6 working days, ensuring your Saker is protected with minimal fuss and without ever leaving its mooring.

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