Narrowboat Cratch Boards
Custom narrowboat cratch boards to fit your bow shape. Paired with our cratch covers for perfect protection.
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.
Custom Narrowboat Cratch Boards
The cratch board is the vertical board at the bow of a narrowboat that separates the cratch area from the forward end of the roof. It forms the upper attachment point for the cratch cover and defines the shape of the cratch space. A well-fitting cratch board is essential for a properly fitting cratch cover — a warped, cracked, or incorrectly sized board creates gaps that let in rain regardless of how good the cover material is.
When to Replace Your Cratch Board
Cratch boards are typically made from marine ply and are subject to constant moisture exposure. Signs that replacement is needed include delamination of the ply layers (usually visible at edges and corners), surface rot, significant warping that prevents the cover from sitting flat against the board, and cracks around the press stud fittings that have become loose or torn through.
How We Make Replacement Cratch Boards
Post your existing cratch board to us (or send a paper template of its shape with key dimensions marked) and we'll cut a replacement from marine ply to the same profile. We can also fit the press studs at the correct positions for your existing cratch cover, or make new press stud positions if you're ordering a new cover at the same time. The board is sealed and painted for weather resistance before dispatch.
Replacement cratch boards from £189. No VAT. Combining a new cratch board with a new cratch cover is the most cost-effective approach — contact us to discuss both together.
