Shetland Sealark Boat Cover Guide: Sizes, Materials & Prices

Introduction: Why Your Shetland Sealark Deserves a Bespoke Cover

Welcome, Shetland Sealark owners! If you're looking to protect your cherished 18ft, 7ft beam cruiser, whether it’s gracing the tranquil Canals, meandering Rivers, or exploring the picturesque Norfolk Broads, then investing in a high-quality, bespoke boat cover is an absolute necessity. Your Shetland Sealark, known for its robust build and practical design, deserves nothing less than a perfectly fitted cover to shield it from the unpredictable British weather and environmental elements. This comprehensive buying guide from UK Boat Covers, a family-run business in Carterton, Oxfordshire, is designed to walk you through every aspect of choosing the ideal cover. We specialise in crafting bespoke solutions that ensure maximum protection and a perfect aesthetic fit, with our custom PVC covers starting from just £363 and premium Acrylic options from £429.

Why Choose a Bespoke Cover for the Shetland Sealark?

For a boat as distinctive as the Shetland Sealark, a 'one-size-fits-all' cover simply won't suffice. Its unique 18ft length and 7ft beam, coupled with its specific hull shape, often featuring a slightly raised cuddy or cabin and a well-defined cockpit, mean universal covers will invariably sag, flap, or fail to provide adequate protection. These ill-fitting covers create water pooling, stress points, and leave vulnerable areas exposed, accelerating wear and tear. A bespoke cover, on the other hand, is meticulously crafted to contour every curve, angle, and deck fixture of your Sealark, ensuring a drum-tight fit that repels water and prevents debris accumulation. Our unique postal copy service is particularly valuable here; by simply sending us your old cover, even if it’s damaged, we can precisely replicate its dimensions and design, guaranteeing a perfect, tailor-made fit for your specific vessel without you ever needing to bring the boat to us.

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

Cover Types Available for the Shetland Sealark

UK Boat Covers offers a range of bespoke cover types perfectly suited for your Shetland Sealark, each designed to meet different protection needs on the Canals, Rivers, and Broads. Our **canopy covers** provide full enclosure, ideal for overnight stays or extended mooring, transforming your cockpit into a protected living space. **Tonneau covers** are excellent for day-to-day use and short-term mooring, keeping the cockpit dry and clean while allowing for quick removal. For those with open cockpits, a **cockpit cover** is a direct and efficient solution. While not typical for a Sealark, we can also integrate **spray hoods** if required for specific setups. For winter storage or extended periods out of use, a robust **winter cover** is paramount, offering unparalleled protection against heavy rain, snow, and UV degradation. Each type is tailored to fit your Sealark's precise dimensions and features, ensuring optimal performance.

• 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 Sealark Covers

Choosing the right material for your Shetland Sealark's cover is crucial for its longevity and performance. We primarily offer two exceptional marine-grade fabrics: **PVC** and **Acrylic**. Our heavy-duty PVC marine fabric is incredibly waterproof and highly durable, making it an excellent choice for a robust winter cover or for boats left exposed to the elements on the often-damp Canals and Rivers. It offers superb resistance to mould and mildew. However, PVC is less breathable, meaning good ventilation is essential to prevent condensation. On the other hand, our premium **Acrylic fabric** is a breathable material that offers superior UV resistance, excellent colour fastness, and a softer, more fabric-like feel. While highly water-resistant, it’s not entirely waterproof like PVC. For the Shetland Sealark's typical use on inland waterways, Acrylic is often preferred for day covers due to its breathability and aesthetic appeal, preventing moisture build-up inside the boat, while PVC makes for an excellent heavy-duty all-weather or winter option.

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

Measuring Your Shetland Sealark for a New Cover

Accurately measuring your Shetland Sealark for a new cover is vital for a perfect fit, though our postal copy service can largely eliminate this step. For a new design, you'll need its precise overall length of 18ft, measured from the very tip of the bow to the stern. The 7ft beam measurement should be taken at the widest point of the boat, typically across the cockpit area. When measuring, remember to account for any existing structures like the windscreen, grab rails, or a small cuddy. You’ll also need to consider the height from the sheer line to the highest point you want covered. Take measurements over any potential obstructions to ensure the cover clears them comfortably. However, the simplest and most accurate method is to utilise our postal copy service; send us your existing cover, and our skilled team, led by Ryan, will meticulously use it as a template to craft your new, perfectly sized bespoke cover, removing any possibility of measuring errors.

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

Shetland Sealark Cover Prices

At UK Boat Covers, we pride ourselves on offering exceptional value for your Shetland Sealark cover. Our bespoke PVC covers start from an accessible £363, while our premium Acrylic covers begin at £429. The final price is determined by factors such as the specific cover type (e.g., tonneau vs. full canopy), the chosen material, and any additional complexities in your boat’s design that might require extra fabrication. What truly sets us apart, and offers a significant saving, is that as a small, family-run business, we are not VAT registered. This means you effectively save 20% compared to competitors who must charge VAT on top of their prices. This makes our bespoke covers not only perfectly tailored but also incredibly cost-effective. Choosing a custom-made cover for your Shetland Sealark, despite its initial cost being slightly higher than a generic universal option, offers unparalleled protection and longevity, representing a far better long-term investment.

View full price list | Request a personalised quote

How to Fit a Cover on Your Shetland Sealark

Fitting your new bespoke Shetland Sealark cover correctly ensures maximum protection and extends its lifespan. When you first receive your cover, lay it out over your boat, aligning the bow and stern. Ensure the cover sits snugly over any unique features such as your windscreen, grab rails, or the cockpit coaming. Use the integrated fastening points – usually snap fasteners, bungee cords, or tie-downs – to secure the cover evenly around the boat, working from bow to stern. It's crucial to create a slope to prevent water pooling, especially over the large cockpit area typical of a Sealark; consider using support poles if needed to create an effective dome shape. Proper ventilation is also key, particularly on a covered boat on inland waterways, to prevent mould and mildew. Ensure all access points are sealed tightly to keep moisture and pests out while allowing for some air circulation, maintaining a dry interior for your cherished Shetland Sealark.

Caring for Your Shetland Sealark Cover

To ensure your Shetland Sealark boat cover provides years of reliable service, regular maintenance is essential, particularly given its use on Canals, Rivers, and Broads where algae and dampness can be prevalent. For both PVC and Acrylic, regular cleaning with mild soap and water, followed by a thorough rinse, will prevent the build-up of dirt, grime, and environmental pollutants. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive brushes which can damage the fabric's protective coatings. For Acrylic covers, applying a re-proofing spray annually will help maintain its water resistance and UV protection. During winter storage, ensure the cover is completely dry before stowing it away in a breathable bag to prevent mildew. Periodically inspect the cover for any small tears or worn stitching; addressing these promptly will prevent them from becoming larger issues. With proper care, your bespoke UK Boat Covers cover will keep your Sealark protected for many seasons, safeguarding your investment against the elements.

More tips: Cleaning guide |

Our Postal Copy Service for Shetland Sealark Owners

Our unique postal copy service offers the ultimate convenience and precision for Shetland Sealark owners across the UK. The process is simple and incredibly effective: you simply post us your old Shetland Sealark boat cover, regardless of its condition. Once it arrives at our workshop in Carterton, Oxfordshire, our expert team, led by Ryan, will meticulously use your existing cover as a precise template. We then cut and craft your brand-new, marine-grade cover to the exact dimensions and specifications of your original. This guarantees a perfect, custom-fit cover for your specific Sealark without the need for complex measuring or you having to transport your boat to us. Once fabricated, your new cover is promptly dispatched to you within just 6 working days, ensuring your treasured Sealark receives its bespoke protection swiftly and with zero hassle.

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