Choosing Marine Canvas Fabric: What Actually Matters

When a customer asks what fabric we’d recommend for their boat cover, the honest answer depends on a few things: how the boat is used, where it’s moored, and how long they want the cover to last.

Here’s a practical breakdown of the main options.

Acrylic canvas (Planasol, Sunbrella, Recasens)

Solution-dyed acrylic is the standard for quality marine covers. The colour is baked into the fibre, not printed on top, so UV doesn’t bleach it out over time.

Sunbrella is the best-known brand and sets the benchmark. It’s what we use most often. It’s breathable, handles mould well, and holds up to the UV conditions you get in the Hauraki Gulf.

Planasol and Recasens are European alternatives that are comparable in quality and come in a wide colour range.

For a boat cover that will see regular use and needs to last 8–12 years, solution-dyed acrylic is the right choice.

PVC-coated polyester

Heavier and more waterproof than acrylic. Good for applications where you need a completely watertight cover, like trailer covers and boats stored on the hard.

The downside is breathability. A PVC cover over a moored boat can trap moisture and promote condensation. For boats that live in the water, acrylic is usually better.

Polyester canvas

Mid-range option. Less UV-stable than acrylic, typically cheaper. Fine for indoor applications or as a short-term solution, but not our first choice for marine use in New Zealand.

Weight matters

Marine canvas comes in different weights, typically measured in oz/yard² or g/m².

• 8–10 oz is standard for most boat covers and spray hoods
• Heavier weights for covers that need to deal with significant wind load or abrasion
• Lighter weights for interior linings or applications not exposed to UV

Get this wrong and you’re either over-engineering the job or using fabric that won’t last.

What we specify

For most Auckland marine work, including boat covers, spray hoods, biminis and sail bags, we default to Sunbrella in a weight appropriate for the application. It’s proven, it’s available in the colours customers want, and we’re confident it will last.

If you have a specific requirement, such as an unusual shape, specific colour or weight constraints, let us know when you request a quote and we’ll advise on the right fabric.

Request a marine canvas quote