Dinghy boat covers by class
Every cover is cut to its class. You can filter the product range above, or go straight to the ones we're asked for most.
Our ILCA (Laser) boat cover fits the ILCA 4, ILCA 6 and ILCA 7. Same hull, same cover, and only the name on the sail has changed since the 2019 rebrand. If you're searching for an ILCA boat cover, this is it. You can also shop our Laser 2000 boat cover if you’ve got the bigger dinghy.
The Mirror dinghy boat cover is popular, which is no surprise for a class this size and this well used. Meanwhile, our three Wayfarer boat cover options include cruising, training and racing.
The Enterprise boat cover stays in demand, as does the GP14 boat cover.
For a boat that’s usually bought by parents and often lives on a trailer, we sell an undercover worth considering alongside the RS Feva boat cover.
Which style of dinghy cover do you need?
There are four styles of boat covers for dinghies, each solving a different problem. Most sailors end up with a top cover and an undercover, and use them for different parts of the year.
Flat top covers are the everyday option. These sailing dinghy covers fit with the mast up or down, and the main halyard attachment ring pulls the centre up so water runs off instead of pooling. If you're only buying one cover, this is usually the one.
The best protection over winter is an overboom cover. Sitting the cover over the boom sheds water completely and lets air circulate underneath, which is the part that matters. A boat under a tight flat cover in November stays damp for months. One thing to know before you buy: you cannot tow with an overboom cover fitted.
A trailing cover is a top cover with no openings for the mast or shrouds, which cuts wind drag on the motorway. If you're travelling to open meetings all season, this is the one that stops your cover behaving like a spinnaker at 60mph.
Finally, an undercover protects the hull from knocks and scratches, and earns its keep on the trailer more than anywhere else. Made from UK-sourced 7oz nylon, specially coated to resist shrinkage.
Buying at the end of the sailing season
September and October are when covers get bought, for the obvious reason that this is when people look at their boat and think about the next six months of weather.
Two practical notes if you're ordering now. Most classes are in stock and ship straight away, though a handful currently carry a lead time of three to six weeks, shown on the product page. And a cover is a good deal more useful on a clean, dry boat than a wet one, so it's worth pairing with a proper lay-up.
Check out our practical guides as we cover what to do about wet gear, fittings and ropes before the boat goes away.
FAQs
How do I know which cover fits my boat?
Covers are made to measure by class. Filter by Dinghy Class to find yours and the cover will be cut to that hull's dimensions. We carry 70 classes, from Optimist through to Wayfarer.
Do you make an ILCA boat cover?
Yes. Our Laser boat cover fits the ILCA 4, 6 and 7. The class was renamed in 2019 and the hull is unchanged, so one cover fits all three rigs. It's listed under Laser because that's still what most owners call it, and searching either name will get you to the same product.
Do you make a Mirror dinghy boat cover?
Yes, and it's one of our most popular. The Mirror boat cover is available in flat top, overboom, trailing and undercover styles from £195.
Can I tow with the cover on?
With a flat top or trailing cover, yes. Trailing covers are designed for it, with no mast or shroud openings to catch the wind. You cannot tow with an overboom cover fitted.
