Canal Boat Covers Guide
Everything you need to know about canal boat covers. Types, materials, fitting and maintenance for narrowboats and widebeams.
Why Choose UK Boat Covers?
- No VAT - save 20% compared to VAT-registered competitors
- 6-day turnaround from booking
- Marine-grade PVC and Acrylic fabrics
- Postal copy service - post your old cover, we copy it exactly
- UK-wide service - we deliver anywhere in the United Kingdom
- Family-run business with personal service
- 4.9/5 customer rating from 127+ reviews
Our Services
- Full boat canopy - from £495
- Tonneau cover - from £289
- Cockpit cover - from £263
- Cratch cover - from £329
- Repairs - from £90
Popular Boat Models
We make bespoke covers for 170+ boat models including:
Get a Free Quote
Contact Ryan at UK Boat Covers for a free, no-obligation quote. We serve boat owners across the entire United Kingdom via our postal copy service.
Get a free quote | View our prices | Learn about our postal service
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you make covers for narrowboats and canal boats?
Yes, we specialize in custom covers for narrowboats including full-length tonneau covers, cabin covers, cratch covers, and bimini tops. We serve all UK inland waterways including the Grand Union, Oxford, and Leeds-Liverpool canals.
How much does a narrowboat cover cost?
Narrowboat cover pricing depends on length, coverage type, and fabric choice. Cratch covers and small sections start from around £250, with full-length tonneau covers priced individually. Send your old cover for an exact quote. No VAT charged.
What's the best material for a canal boat cover?
For narrowboats, we recommend either marine-grade acrylic (breathable, UV-resistant) or heavy-duty PVC (fully waterproof). Acrylic suits summer use, while PVC is better for winter storage. Both withstand UK canal conditions.
Can you copy my existing narrowboat cover?
Yes, we copy existing narrowboat covers exactly. Post your old cover to us and we'll create an identical replacement with improved materials and fasteners where needed. 6-day turnaround, UK-wide postal service.
Choosing the Right Canal Boat Cover — A Practical Guide
Canal boats face a specific set of weather and environment challenges that open-water boat covers don't. Here's a practical guide to choosing the right cover for your canal boat, based on the most common questions we receive.
Which Cover Type Do I Start With?
For most first-time cover buyers, the cratch cover is the priority. It protects the bow of the narrowboat — the area most exposed to rain when moored, and the main entry point for water into the boat's interior. A good cratch cover eliminates water accumulation in the cratch area and significantly reduces damp in the saloon at the bow end. Read more about cratch covers.
Full Tonneau or Just a Cratch Cover?
If your boat is moored in the open year-round, a full tonneau provides comprehensive protection. If your boat is moored in a covered location or you use it regularly throughout the season and don't want the hassle of handling a multi-section tonneau, a cratch cover plus stern cover covers the two most critical areas at lower cost and complexity.
PVC or Canvas?
For boats moored on exposed canal stretches — particularly in Northern England and Scotland where annual rainfall is higher — marine PVC is the better choice. For boats moored in covered basins, river moorings with good wind protection, or used frequently during the season, acrylic canvas is lighter, more breathable, and easier to handle. Full comparison here.
All covers from £363. No VAT. Get a free quote. Postal copy service available from any location in the UK.
