Boat cover fitting in Exeter
Professional boat cover fitting services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-85
Typical Duration
30-60 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Boat cover fitted properly to your trailer boat. Secure, weatherproof protection - won't blow off, sheds water, protects your boat over winter.
Boat Living Outside All Winter?
You've got the cover, opened the box, looked at the pile of straps and poles, thought "this needs to go on properly or it'll be in next door's garden by December."
Correct thought. Badly fitted boat covers either blow off in the first storm or collect water and collapse onto the boat.
Fitted properly, they keep your boat dry and protected all winter.
💡 Pro tip: Support poles under the cover are crucial - without them, rainwater pools on top and either tears the cover or bows into the boat. Always use them.
Why Proper Fitting Matters
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Badly Fitted |
|---|---|
| Secure in high winds | Blows off or flaps violently |
| Sheds water properly | Pools water, cover collapses |
| No rubbing or chafing | Wears through in weeks |
| Boat stays dry | Water gets in everywhere |
What You Get
🔧 The Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Position | Get cover on properly, no snagging |
| Support | Install support poles correctly |
| Secure | Strap down tightly, check all tie-points |
| Test | Check water will shed, nothing flapping |
📦 You're Left With
- Cover fitted securely
- Weatherproof and tight
- Won't blow off
- Boat protected properly
Pricing
| Boat Size | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Small boat (14ft) | 30 mins | £60 |
| Medium boat (16-18ft) | 45 mins | £60-85 |
| Large boat (20ft+) | 1 hr | £85-110 |
Based on £60 minimum + £50/hr.
Get It Fitted If...
✅ Stored outdoors - needs weatherproof protection
✅ Winter storage - protecting till spring
✅ New cover - want it fitted right first time
✅ Previous one blew off - don't want that again
Why Choose Us for Boat cover fitting in Exeter?
Cover fitted securely
Weatherproof protection
No boat damage
Proper tension and tie-down
What to Expect
Step 1: Position Cover
Get the cover on the boat properly - making sure it's centered, nothing snagging on fittings, hem sitting where it should.
Step 2: Support Installation
Set up support poles or frame so water sheds off the cover, doesn't pool on top.
Step 3: Secure Everything
Strap it down properly - all tie-points secured, right tension (tight enough to stay put, not so tight it tears).
🔧 DIY Tips
🔧 What you need
- Your boat cover
- Support poles (usually included)
- Straps and tie-downs
- Bungee cords (backup)
- Helper (boats are awkward alone)
⛵ Fitting steps
- Lay cover over boat from bow to stern
- Center it so both sides hang evenly
- Insert support poles at high points
- Secure bow and stern first
- Work along sides, tensioning straps
- Check all edges sealed
- Test by pushing cover - should be taut
⚠️ Common mistakes
- No support poles (water pools)
- Over-tightening (tears cover or damages boat)
- Missing tie-down points (flaps in wind)
- Letting edges flap (wears through fast)
💡 Pro trick: Run a rope along the centerline from bow to stern UNDER the cover, pulled tight. Acts as a ridge pole to help water run off even better.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
⛵ Storing boat at home? Make sure it's properly supported on the trailer first - saggy trailer means saggy cover means water pools. I can check trailer support if needed.
Ventilation important: Boat covers need air vents or you get condensation inside all winter. Most covers have them built in - make sure they're not covered by straps.
Check it monthly: Even well-fitted covers can work loose over winter. Quick check once a month means you catch problems before the cover's in the neighbor's tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's involved in fitting a boat cover?
I make sure the cover sits properly over your boat (not rubbing on anything that'll wear through), secure all the straps and tie-downs so it won't blow off or flap in wind, and check it's taut enough to shed water but not so tight it damages the boat or cover. Takes 30-60 minutes depending on boat size.
Can you fit covers on boats stored outside?
Yes - that's exactly when you need it fitted properly. Outdoor boats need covers that'll survive wind and rain all winter. I make sure it's secured so a November gale won't rip it off and it sheds water properly so you don't get a swimming pool forming.
Do I need to buy the cover first?
Yes - boat covers are specific to your boat make/model. You get the right cover, I fit it properly. Some covers are tarp-style, others are custom-fit - both work fine, I just need to know what you've got.
Will fitting damage my boat?
Not if done properly - that's the point. Straps need to go around trailer or boat fittings, not rubbing on delicate bits. Cover needs support poles under it so water doesn't pool. I make sure nothing's getting damaged.
How long will the cover last once fitted?
Depends on the cover quality and how exposed your boat is. A good cover properly fitted should last 3-5 years even outdoors. Cheap covers might only last 1-2 seasons. Proper fitting definitely helps them last longer though.
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