Made to Measure Cratch Covers in Fort William

Frequently Asked Questions

Cratch Covers Prices for Fort William 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 Fort William boat owners mooring on the Caledonian Canal, 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 Caledonian Canal boat — most quotes are turned around within one working day.

Year-Round Cover for Fort William Boats

The Caledonian Canal near Fort William is used year-round by liveaboard narrowboats, continuous cruisers, and seasonal boaters who leave their boats moored between trips. A cover that was adequate for summer use often fails during Highland'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 cratch covers are built specifically for the conditions your boat will face on the Caledonian Canal. 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. Investing in a properly made cover for your Fort William boat means avoiding mid-season failures and the disruption of an emergency patch or replacement.

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 Fort William boats mooring year-round on the Caledonian Canal, 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 canal conditions like those on the Caledonian Canal near Fort William.

How to Order Cratch Covers from Fort William

Our postal copy service means Fort William 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