Made to Measure Cratch Covers in Chelmsford

Trusted by Chelmsford Boat Owners

Most of our Chelmsford orders arrive through word of mouth — from boat clubs, marina notice boards, and recommendations passed on between neighbours on the River Chelmer and River Blackwater. 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.

Essex 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 cratch cove on the River Chelmer 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.

Cratch Covers Prices for Chelmsford Boat Owners

Cratch covers start from £329 — no VAT charged. The price depends on the size of the cratch frame, the number of windows and ventilation panels, and whether you need a door section. We can also repair existing cratch covers — window replacements start from £89 and zip repairs from £49. All new covers include UK-wide tracked delivery.

For Chelmsford boat owners mooring on the River Chelmer, our no-VAT pricing represents a saving of at least £66 on a starting-price cratch cover 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 Chelmer boat — most quotes are turned around within one working day.

Marine Fabrics & Materials

Cratch covers are exposed to the elements year-round at the bow of the boat. We use heavy-duty marine PVC or breathable acrylic canvas with welded or sewn window panels, UV-resistant thread, and heavy-duty YKK zips. All materials are chosen to handle both the wet of canal spray and the internal condensation that builds up in a lived-in cratch. We can add ventilation panels on request.

For Chelmsford boats mooring year-round on the River Chelmer, 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 Chelmer near Chelmsford.

How to Order Cratch Covers from Chelmsford

Our postal copy service means Chelmsford 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 cratch cover to our Carterton, Oxfordshire workshop. We use it as an exact template — no measuring from your boat is needed.
2. Step 2 — We make your cover: We build a bespoke copy using your old cover as a precise pattern, replacing any worn windows, broken zips, or failed fixings. You can request fabric colour changes at this stage.
3. Step 3 — Receive your cover: Your new cratch cover is dispatched by tracked courier within 6 working days, ready to fit back onto your cratch frame without any modifications.

Learn more about the postal copy service

Frequently Asked Questions