Made to Measure Boat Canopies in Braunston

Cover Styles for Grand Union Canal Boats

Narrowboats and wide-beams on the Grand Union Canal near Braunston typically use a combination of tonneau covers, cratch covers, and stern covers — sometimes all three on a single boat. We can make any or all of these from the same order, using your existing canvases as templates throughout. Each cover is cut and sewn separately, so the fit on each section of the boat is independent of the others.

If you cruise the Oxford Canal as well as the Grand Union Canal, you may encounter different weather and exposure conditions. Our fabric options — marine PVC and acrylic canvas — both perform across the full range of inland waterway conditions, so Braunston customers don't need to choose a different cover for different stretches. Call 07939 608899 or use the contact form.

Boat Canopies Prices for Braunston Boat Owners

Bespoke boat canopies start from £349 for simple spray hoods, rising to £495 and above for full cockpit canopies with multiple windows and zips. We fabricate the canvas work only — framework supply and installation are not included. No VAT is charged, saving you 20% compared to VAT-registered suppliers. The postal copy service also eliminates transport costs since your old canopy travels to us, not your boat.

For Braunston boat owners mooring on the Grand Union Canal, our no-VAT pricing represents a saving of at least £70 on a starting-price boat canopy compared to a VAT-registered supplier — and often considerably more on larger or more complex covers.

View the full price list or contact Ryan for a personalised quote for your Grand Union Canal boat — most quotes are turned around within one working day.

Marine Fabrics & Materials

Marine acrylic is the most popular choice for full canopies — breathable, UV-stable, and available in a wide range of colours. For maximum waterproofing, heavy-duty PVC (400 g/m²) is the better option. We use double-sewn seams and anti-wick thread on all canopies to prevent water ingress at stitch lines. Clear panels are cut from marine-grade flexible PVC that resists UV yellowing for years longer than standard clear vinyl.

For Braunston boats mooring year-round on the Grand Union Canal, the choice between PVC and acrylic usually comes down to whether breathability (acrylic) or maximum waterproofing (PVC) is the priority — Ryan is happy to advise based on your specific mooring and how frequently you use the boat.

Read more about our fabric and materials choices, including which options work best for canal conditions like those on the Grand Union Canal near Braunston.

How to Order Boat Canopies from Braunston

Our postal copy service means Braunston boat owners don't need to visit our workshop in person. Here is how it works:

1. Step 1 — Post your cover: Post your existing canopy fabric to our workshop in Carterton, Oxfordshire — frame work stays on the boat. We only need the canvas.
2. Step 2 — We make your cover: We replicate the canopy exactly in new marine acrylic or PVC, replacing worn windows, broken zips (upgraded to heavy-duty YKK marine zippers), and damaged press studs.
3. Step 3 — Receive your cover: Your new canopy is returned by tracked delivery within 6 working days, ready to fit back onto your existing frame with no modifications.

Learn more about the postal copy service

Frequently Asked Questions