Made to Measure Boat Canopies in Ely

Year-Round Cover for Ely Boats

The River Great Ouse near Ely is used year-round by boat owners who moor between the active cruising season and leave their boats on river moorings through the quieter months. A cover that was adequate for summer use often fails during Cambridgeshire's wet and cold months — seams split, windows cloud and crack, and zips corrode when a cover is left under load for extended periods.

Our boat canopies are built specifically for the conditions your boat will face on the River Great Ouse. We use double-sewn seams with anti-wick thread, UV-stable fabrics that won't bleach or become brittle over successive seasons, and heavy-duty YKK marine zips that resist corrosion. If your cruising takes you between the River Great Ouse and River Cam, your cover is also tested against a wider range of conditions — an argument for choosing the heavier PVC option, which handles both protected and exposed stretches without compromise.

Boat Canopies Prices for Ely 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 Ely boat owners mooring on the River Great Ouse, 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 River Great Ouse 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 Ely boats mooring year-round on the River Great Ouse, 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 river conditions like those on the River Great Ouse near Ely.

How to Order Boat Canopies from Ely

Our postal copy service means Ely 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