Made-to-Measure Boat Cover Workshop
Make fitted covers for boats stored on land, from a small unit or workshop near a marina or boatyard.
- £4k-18k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
178 UK companies in this field, 23% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 13922 “manufacture of canvas goods, sacks, etc.”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small workshop that patterns, cuts and sews fitted covers for motorboats, yachts and dinghies, using marine-grade fabrics. You can also offer repairs and re-fits of older covers.
Your first three steps
- Visit local marinas and boatyards to see what covers owners use and what they pay
- Price up an industrial sewing machine, marine fabrics and a small unit or workshop space
- Make a sample cover for a friendly boat owner and photograph it for your website and local boating groups
Who pays
Boat owners, marinas, boatyards, sailing clubs and boat dealers.
How it makes money
A quoted price per cover based on boat size and fabric, plus repairs, alterations and winter storage frames. Orders often bunch up before the winter lay-up season.
Skills that help
- Industrial sewing or canvas work
- Measuring and pattern cutting
- Quoting and customer service
Watch out for
- Public liability and product liability insurance, as a badly fitting cover can damage a boat
- Business rates and planning use for a unit, check with your council
- Demand is seasonal, so plan your cash flow for quieter months
- Check the rules on returns for made-to-measure items so your terms are clear
🔒 Full research report for UK
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a boat cover workshop?
Startup costs are estimated at typically around £4,000 to £18,000, depending on the unit or workshop you use, your sewing equipment and how much marine-grade fabric you buy in.
How much can a boat cover maker earn?
Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on how many covers and repairs you complete and what you charge. Demand is seasonal, so these are estimates, not guaranteed earnings.
What rules and insurance should I check for a boat cover business?
Check public liability and product liability insurance, as a badly fitting cover can damage a boat. Ask your council about business rates and planning use for a unit, and check the rules on returns for made-to-measure items.
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