Made to Measure Boat Canopies in Lewes

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Boating on the River Ouse near Lewes

Covers on boats moored along the River Ouse near Lewes face a specific set of challenges. River moorings often combine high UV in summer with current-driven spray and winter flooding risk. Covers on the River Ouse need to shed water quickly and resist UV bleaching over several seasons of continuous outdoor exposure.

Many Lewes boaters use both the River Ouse and Lewes Navigation throughout the season, moving between different mooring environments. A cover that performs on a sheltered canal stretch also needs to cope with more exposed river reaches — which is why we use the same heavyweight marine fabrics for every cover regardless of your primary mooring. Contact Ryan for advice on the right fabric for your specific mooring.

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 Lewes boats mooring year-round on the River 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 Ouse near Lewes.

How to Order Boat Canopies from Lewes

Our postal copy service means Lewes 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