Made to Measure Narrowboat 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 narrowboat 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.

Marine Fabrics & Materials

Narrowboat covers need to withstand constant wind, rain, and UV exposure on the canal. We use 400 g/m² marine PVC for maximum waterproofing, or Sunbrella acrylic for superior breathability — ideal for narrowboats that are lived on year-round. All seams are double-sewn with anti-wick thread, and all zips are heavy-duty YKK marine grade. Fixings are stainless steel press studs or bungee cord loops to suit your existing fittings.

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 Narrowboat 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 narrowboat cover (or a traced paper pattern) to our Oxfordshire workshop — no need to bring the boat.
2. Step 2 — We make your cover: We use your old cover as an exact template, cutting and sewing a perfect replica in your chosen marine fabric. Any worn zips, windows, or fixings are replaced as standard.
3. Step 3 — Receive your cover: Your new narrowboat cover is dispatched by tracked courier within 6 working days of us receiving your old cover.

Learn more about the postal copy service

Narrowboat Covers Prices for Chelmsford Boat Owners

Bespoke narrowboat covers start from £289 — and we don't charge VAT, saving you 20% compared to most suppliers. Our covers include heavy-duty marine PVC or breathable acrylic canvas, anti-wick thread, and stainless steel fittings. The final price depends on the length of your narrowboat, the number of features (doors, windows, cratch boards), and which fabric you choose. We can also patch or repair existing narrowboat covers from £89.

For Chelmsford boat owners mooring on the River Chelmer, our no-VAT pricing represents a saving of at least £58 on a starting-price narrowboat 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.

Frequently Asked Questions