How Much Does a Custom Boat Cover Cost in Ontario?

ktlmarine1

Sep 29

4 min read

If you're looking into a custom boat cover, one of the first questions you're probably asking is:

How much is this going to cost?

The honest answer is that there isn't one price that fits every boat. A custom boat cover is made specifically for the boat, and the size, design, material, hardware and amount of work involved can make a big difference in the final price.

At KTL Marine & Auto, I don't price custom covers simply by the foot. I look at the actual boat and what you need the cover to do.

What affects the price of a custom boat cover?

1. The size and shape of the boat

A 17-foot runabout is obviously going to require less material and labour than a 24-foot cruiser.

But length isn't the only thing that matters.

Some boats have relatively simple shapes, while others have consoles, windshields, rails, towers, arches, unusual seating arrangements or other features that require more patterning and fitting.

The more complicated the boat, the more time it can take to make a cover that actually fits properly.

2. The type of cover you want

There are several different types of boat covers, and they don't all require the same amount of work.

A simple storage cover is different from a custom travel cover. A cockpit cover is different from a full boat cover. Some owners want a cover primarily to keep the boat clean while it's sitting at the cottage, while others need something that can handle regular trailering.

Those requirements affect the construction.

3. The fabric

The material you choose can have a significant effect on the price.

There are different grades and types of marine fabrics, and I generally recommend choosing the material based on how the boat is actually going to be used rather than simply choosing the cheapest option.

A boat that spends the summer outside in the sun needs different consideration than one that is stored under cover most of the time.

The fabric is important, but it's also only part of the finished cover.

4. Hardware and details

A properly fitted custom cover can involve a lot more than fabric.

Depending on the design, there may be:

Snaps
Zippers
Reinforcement patches
Straps
Poles
Support systems
Fasteners
Vents
Binding
Reinforced stress points

These details can make a big difference in how the cover performs and how long it lasts.

Why two similar-sized boats can have very different prices

This is something I see fairly often.

Two boats might both be 20 feet long, but that doesn't mean the covers should cost the same.

One might have a simple open layout and require a relatively straightforward pattern.

The other might have a windshield, a complicated bow, multiple seating areas, a tower and several areas that need to be worked around.

The second boat can take considerably more time even though the boats are similar in length.

That's why I prefer to look at the actual boat before giving a firm price.

What should you expect to pay?

For custom boat covers in Ontario, prices can range widely.

A smaller, relatively straightforward cover may be in the low thousands of dollars, while a larger or more complicated custom cover can easily move into the several-thousand-dollar range.

There are also situations where a very large or highly customized cover can cost considerably more.

The important thing is to compare what you're actually getting, rather than comparing two prices without comparing the materials, construction and scope of work.

A cheap cover isn't necessarily cheap if it doesn't fit properly, doesn't hold up to trailering or needs to be replaced again in a few years.

Is a custom boat cover worth it?

For many boat owners, absolutely.

A good cover protects the interior from sun, rain, dirt and weather. It can help keep your upholstery looking better and reduce the amount of cleaning and maintenance required.

And if you've already invested thousands of dollars into your boat and its interior, protecting that investment makes sense.

I've seen plenty of boats where the upholstery is still structurally good but looks tired simply because it has spent years exposed to the elements.

A properly fitted cover can make a big difference.

Can you repair an existing boat cover instead?

Sometimes.

If the fabric is still in good condition and the problem is limited to a few damaged seams, snaps, zippers or worn areas, repairing the existing cover may make more sense than replacing it.

But if the fabric has become brittle, badly faded, stretched out or is failing in multiple areas, putting money into repeated repairs may not be the best option.

That's something I can look at with you and give you an honest opinion on.

The best way to get an accurate price

If you're looking for a custom boat cover, the best way to get an accurate price is to start with the actual boat.

Photos are helpful, but depending on the design, I may need to see the boat in person to determine the best way to pattern and build the cover.

I'll want to know things like:

Boat make and model
Year
Overall length
How the boat is stored
Whether the cover will be trailered
What areas you want covered
Any special features such as a tower, windshield or arch
What you're looking for in terms of material and design

From there, I can give you a much more realistic idea of what the project will involve.

Looking for a custom boat cover in Southwestern Ontario?

KTL Marine & Auto provides custom boat canvas, boat covers and marine canvas repairs for boat owners throughout Southwestern Ontario.

If your existing cover needs repair, or you're ready for a properly fitted custom cover, get in touch and let's talk about what you need.

Don't know exactly what you need yet? That's okay. Send me some pictures and some information about your boat and we can start there.