Canopies and covers
Boat canopies, made to measure
We do build canopies, but not for any boat sight unseen. The structure, the hardware and the anchor points govern what is possible, so we always start with a feasibility assessment of your particular boat.
- First step
- Feasibility assessment
- Depends on
- Structure and hardware
- Fabrics
- Certified marine grade
- Assessment
- Free, no obligation
How we approach it
First we assess your boat, then we quote
A canopy is not just cut fabric: it is fabric working against wind, carried by a structure that has to take that load. Which is why we will not give a fixed price without seeing the boat. What can be done depends on whether a frame already exists or has to be built from nothing, on the condition of the hardware, on where the anchor points are, and on the shape of the cockpit.
So the process runs the other way round from usual: you send us photos of the boat from several angles, with detail of the fittings and the area to be covered, and we tell you plainly whether it is viable, to what extent, and with what reservations. If the structure will not carry it, we say so. We would rather not do it than hand over a canopy that works badly.
When the job does add up, it is built to the same standards as the rest of our work: certified marine fabrics from our own catalogue and stitching designed for where the load concentrates.
This service is assessed case by case. Unlike seats or mattresses there is no automatic yes here. Send us photos of your boat and you will get an honest answer about whether we can do it.
What we look at
The four points of the assessment
These are the questions that decide whether a canopy is viable and to what extent.
Is there a frame?
If the boat already has an arch, tubes or bows, we work with them. With no structure at all the scope changes completely and has to be assessed separately.
Condition of the hardware
The fittings are what take the load. If they are tired, corroded or badly anchored, a new canopy will finish them off.
Anchor points
Where it can be tensioned and where it cannot. A badly tensioned canopy bags, ponds water and eventually tears at the weakest point.
Geometry of the area
The shape of the cockpit and the available heights set the fall of the canopy, and whether water sheds on its own or sits on top.
FAQ
Questions about canopies
Do you make canopies for any boat?
We cannot commit without seeing the boat. Viability depends on the existing structure, the condition of the hardware and the anchor points available. That is why we always start with an assessment from your photos, and give you a clear answer before quoting.
What photos do you need to assess it?
The whole boat from both sides, the area to be covered from several angles, and close-ups of any existing fittings and anchor points. The better the structure shows, the more accurate the answer.
Can you remake a canopy I already have?
That is usually the simplest case, because the existing canopy serves as the pattern and proves the structure already works. We still assess it: if the original worked badly, copying it would repeat the problem.
What if it turns out not to be viable?
We tell you, and there is no charge. We would rather lose the job than hand over a canopy that will cause problems. If there is a sensible alternative, we will suggest it.
Everything you touch on board
Tell us about your boat
Send photos of the vessel and the area you want covered. You will get an honest answer on feasibility before we talk about price.