Made to Measure Boat Canopies in Kendal

Trusted by Kendal Boat Owners

Most of our Kendal orders arrive through word of mouth — from boat clubs, marina notice boards, and recommendations passed on between neighbours on the River Kent and Lancaster Canal. We're a small family business run by Ryan and a small team of cover-makers in Carterton, Oxfordshire. Every cover is made by hand in our workshop, checked before dispatch, and sent out only when we're satisfied it meets the same standard we'd expect for our own boat.

Cumbria boaters who've used us regularly say that the combination of no-VAT pricing, accurate copying from the original cover, and consistent turnaround is what keeps them coming back when a cover eventually wears out. We also offer a repair service starting from £89, so if your boat canopy on the River Kent needs a new window, a zip replacement, or a seam repair rather than a full replacement, post it to us and we'll assess and quote before doing any work. No obligation to proceed if the quote isn't right.

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 Kendal boats mooring year-round on the River Kent, 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 Kent near Kendal.

How to Order Boat Canopies from Kendal

Our postal copy service means Kendal 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

Boat Canopies Prices for Kendal 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 Kendal boat owners mooring on the River Kent, 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 Kent boat — most quotes are turned around within one working day.

Frequently Asked Questions