Smallcraft Weekender 17ft Boat Cover Guide: Sizes, Materials & Prices

Introduction: Why Your Smallcraft Weekender 17ft Deserves a Bespoke Cover

Welcome, fellow boaters, to the ultimate guide for securing the perfect cover for your beloved Smallcraft Weekender 17ft! This iconic 17ft vessel, with its comfortable 6ft 6in beam, is a familiar sight gracing the serene Canals, tranquil Rivers, and picturesque Broads of the UK. Protecting your investment from the unpredictable British weather is paramount, and a bespoke cover is not just an accessory but a necessity. This guide from UK Boat Covers, your trusted family-run business in Oxfordshire, will walk you through everything you need to know to safeguard your Weekender. Discover why a tailor-made cover ensures longevity and pristine condition for your boat, with prices starting from just £869 for PVC and £979 for Acrylic options.

Why Choose a Bespoke Cover for the Smallcraft Weekender 17ft?

For a boat as distinct as the Smallcraft Weekender 17ft, a universal cover simply won't suffice. Its unique hull shape, specific deck layout, and precise 6ft 6in beam demand a cover that fits like a second skin, preventing pooling water, flapping fabric, and inadequate protection. Off-the-shelf options invariably leave gaps, stress points, or an ill-fitting appearance that detracts from your boat's aesthetic. A bespoke cover from UK Boat Covers is engineered to contour perfectly to every curve and fixture of your Weekender, offering superior defence against the elements. Our innovative postal copy service allows us to replicate your existing cover's exact dimensions, guaranteeing a flawless, snug fit without the need for an on-site visit.

See our Smallcraft Weekender 17ft model page for full specifications and cover options.

Cover Types Available for the Smallcraft Weekender 17ft

UK Boat Covers offers a comprehensive range of cover types tailored for the Smallcraft Weekender 17ft, designed to meet its typical usage on Canals, Rivers, and Broads. For day-to-day protection, a practical tonneau cover seals off the cockpit, keeping rain and debris out while moored. If your Weekender features an open cabin or a helm station, a bespoke canopy cover provides overhead shelter from sun and light showers. Our spray hoods are ideal for those who navigate choppier river sections, deflecting splashes effectively. For maximum, long-term defence during colder months, a full winter cover offers robust protection, safeguarding your boat through prolonged periods of storage and adverse weather conditions.

• 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 Smallcraft Weekender 17ft Covers

Choosing the right material is crucial for your Smallcraft Weekender 17ft cover, especially given its frequent use on inland waterways. We offer two primary options: PVC marine fabric and Acrylic fabric. Our PVC covers, starting from £869, are incredibly durable, fully waterproof, and highly resistant to mildew and UV degradation, making them an excellent choice for a robust, long-lasting protective layer. Acrylic covers, from £979, offer superior breathability, preventing condensation build-up and are renowned for their exceptional colour fastness and UV resistance, often yielding a slightly longer lifespan. Both materials are marine-grade, but Acrylic's breathability can be particularly beneficial on calmer inland waters to mitigate humidity inside the boat, while PVC offers maximum impermeability.

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

Measuring Your Smallcraft Weekender 17ft for a New Cover

Accurate sizing is fundamental for a perfectly fitting Smallcraft Weekender 17ft cover. While the standard dimensions are 17ft in length and 6ft 6in beam, every boat can have subtle variations in superstructure, windscreen position, or rail configuration. To measure, identify the longest point from bow to stern, and the widest point of the beam. Also, consider the height needed to cover any elevated elements like windscreens or grab rails. However, the easiest and most accurate method, completely eliminating measuring errors, is our postal copy service. Simply send us your existing cover – regardless of its condition – and we will use it as a precise template to craft your new bespoke Smallcraft Weekender 17ft cover, ensuring an unparalleled, tailored fit.

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

Smallcraft Weekender 17ft Cover Prices

Investing in a bespoke cover for your Smallcraft Weekender 17ft is an investment in its longevity. Our covers start from £869 for PVC and £979 for Acrylic, offering exceptional value. The final price can vary slightly based on specific design complexities, such as cut-outs for fittings or additional reinforcement. What truly sets us apart at UK Boat Covers is that, as a small family-run business, we operate without VAT. This means you save a significant 20% on the price compared to VAT-registered competitors, directly benefiting your pocket. This saving makes our premium, bespoke covers not only competitive but often more affordable than generic alternatives that provide inferior protection and an imperfect fit for your treasured Weekender.

View full price list | Request a personalised quote

How to Fit a Cover on Your Smallcraft Weekender 17ft

Fitting your new Smallcraft Weekender 17ft cover correctly is vital for its performance and longevity. Begin by positioning the cover centrally, aligning any specific cut-outs for windscreens or grab rails unique to your Weekender. Ensure all fastenings, such as bungee cords, straps, or press studs, are securely attached and evenly tensioned to create a taut surface. This tension is crucial to prevent water pooling, especially on flat sections or over the cockpit area, which can stretch the fabric and lead to leaks. For enhanced water run-off, consider using support poles or frames to create a peak, especially if your Weekender's design is prone to flat spots. Always ensure adequate ventilation where possible to prevent moisture build-up.

Caring for Your Smallcraft Weekender 17ft Cover

Regular maintenance is key to extending the life of your Smallcraft Weekender 17ft boat cover, particularly with the unique conditions of Canals and Rivers. We recommend seasonal cleaning with a mild soap and warm water, followed by thorough rinsing, to remove dirt, algae, and grime that can accumulate in freshwater environments. For PVC covers, a protective spray can enhance UV resistance, while acrylic covers benefit from periodic re-proofing treatments to maintain water repellency. During winter storage, ensure the cover is completely dry before folding to prevent mildew. Promptly repair any small tears or worn areas to prevent them from escalating. With proper care, your bespoke UK Boat Covers cover will protect your Weekender for many years.

More tips: Cleaning guide |

Our Postal Copy Service for Smallcraft Weekender 17ft Owners

Our postal copy service provides the ultimate convenience and precision for Smallcraft Weekender 17ft owners seeking a new cover. The process is straightforward: simply send us your old cover, regardless of its age or condition, to our workshop in Carterton, Oxfordshire. Our skilled team will then meticulously use your original cover as a pattern, copying its exact dimensions and features onto new, high-quality marine-grade PVC or Acrylic fabric. This ensures a perfect, bespoke fit that precisely matches your boat's contours and existing fittings. We pride ourselves on efficiency, and once we receive your old cover, your brand-new, tailor-made replacement will be dispatched to you within just 6 working days, completely eliminating the need for any on-site measurements or 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