Boat Cover Fabric Manufacturer & Exporter: Marine Canvas
Heavy cotton and poly-cotton marine canvas from 10 to 18 oz with high water, UV and rot resistance. Low-shrinkage boat cover fabric, tested to ISO methods and exported to marine canvas makers worldwide from Kanpur, India.
Canvas That Stands Up to Sun, Salt and Water Every Day
Boat covers protect hulls, decks, engines and upholstery from rain, sun and salt spray. Heavy canvas in cotton or polyester-cotton blends is the traditional choice for boat covers and general marine use, because it sheds water while still letting trapped moisture escape.
Cotton Canvas manufactures boat cover fabric with high light fastness, low shrinkage and strong rot and UV resistance, so covers keep their fit and colour season after season.
- Full & mooring boat covers
- Sprayhoods, dodgers & biminis
- Jet ski & tender covers
- Sail, console & engine covers
Boat Cover Fabric at a Glance
The core construction details buyers specify for marine canvas.
- Fabric base
- Cotton or Polyester-Cotton blend
- Common weights
- 10 oz to 18 oz
- Weave pattern
- Plain & Ripstop
- Key property
- High water & UV resistance
What a Good Boat Cover Fabric Must Deliver
Boat cover fabric has to handle constant sun and water exposure without shrinking or rotting. Our marine canvas is built around these six requirements.
High light fastness
Grade 4 to 5 light fastness (ISO 105-B02) keeps covers from fading under constant sun.
High water resistance
Spray ratings of 85 to 95% and a 24-hour cone test with no drop keep boats dry.
Low shrinkage
Shrinkage as low as 0.75% warp and 0.5% weft (ISO 6330) so fitted covers keep their shape.
Good rot resistance
Passes soil burial (ISO 11721-1) and A. niger (ISO 14119) anti-fungal testing for damp marine conditions.
UV resistance
UV-stabilised finishes slow fibre breakdown on covers left out all season.
Breathability
Breathable canvas lets moisture escape, preventing mould and mildew under the cover.
Boat Cover Fabric Technical Specifications
Common boat cover canvas weights with approximate GSM, followed by lab-tested data for every available quality. Click View PDF on any row to open the full technical specification sheet in a new tab, where you can also download it.
| Weight (oz per sq. yd) | Approx. GSM | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 10 oz | 339 GSM | Sprayhoods, dodgers & biminis |
| 12 oz | 407 GSM | Console, sail & seat covers |
| 15 oz | 509 GSM | Full & mooring boat covers |
| 18 oz | 610 GSM | Heavy-duty storage & trailer covers |
The commonly used boat cover qualities are 10, 12, 15 and 18 oz, in plain and ripstop weave.
Available GSM by Fibre Type
Test results from our technical specification sheets. All qualities are woven up to 200 cm wide, pass a 24-hour cone test with no drop, rate grade 3 to 4 for dry and wet rubbing fastness, and pass anti-fungal testing.
100% Cotton Marine Canvas 275 to 800 GSM
Natural cotton canvas that breathes and swells when wet to shed water. A traditional, breathable choice for full and mooring covers.
| Quality | Fibre blend | Yarn | Tensile strength warp / weft (N) | Tear strength warp / weft (N) | Shrinkage warp / weft (%) | Water column (mm) | Spray rating (%) | Light fastness (grade) | Spec sheet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 275 GSM | 100% Cotton | Ringspun | 1,151 / 1,010 | 51 / 37 | 1.00 / 0.50 | 410 | 90 | 4-5 | View PDF |
| 300 GSM | 100% Cotton | Ringspun | 1,288 / 1,080 | 57 / 35 | 1.00 / 0.50 | 610 | 90 | 4-5 | View PDF |
| 350 GSM | 100% Cotton | Ringspun | 1,202 / 1,090 | 73 / 50 | 0.75 / 0.50 | 250 | 90 | 4-5 | View PDF |
| 400 GSM | 100% Cotton | Ringspun | 1,550 / 1,450 | 92 / 66 | 0.75 / 0.50 | 300 | 90 | 5 | View PDF |
| 480 GSM | 100% Cotton | Open-end | 934 / 996 | 67 / 61 | 1.00 / 0.50 | 250 | 90 | 4-5 | View PDF |
| 490 GSM | 100% Cotton | Ringspun | 1,650 / 1,150 | 153 / 108 | 1.00 / 0.50 | 280 | 90 | 4-5 | View PDF |
| 500 GSM | 100% Cotton | Ringspun | 2,121 / 1,552 | 160 / 109 | 1.50 / Nil | 300 | 90 | 4-5 | View PDF |
| 540 GSM | 100% Cotton | Open-end | 1,699 / 882 | 118 / 74 | 1.00 / 0.50 | 250 | 85 | 5 | View PDF |
| 600 GSM | 100% Cotton | Open-end | 1,403 / 1,301 | 89 / 76 | 2.00 / 1.75 | 250 | 90 | 4-5 | View PDF |
| 650 GSM | 100% Cotton | Open-end | 1,826 / 969 | 135 / 141 | 1.00 / 0.50 | 250 | 85 | 4-5 | View PDF |
| 800 GSM | 100% Cotton | Open-end | 1,690 / 1,520 | 212 / 155 | 1.00 / 0.50 | 250 | 85 | 4-5 | View PDF |
Polyester Cotton Marine Canvas 220 to 580 GSM
Blends from 30:70 to 65:35 combine cotton breathability with polyester strength, lower weight and faster drying. Ripstop qualities resist tear propagation. Popular for fitted covers that need strength with lower shrinkage.
| Quality | Fibre blend | Yarn | Tensile strength warp / weft (N) | Tear strength warp / weft (N) | Shrinkage warp / weft (%) | Water column (mm) | Spray rating (%) | Light fastness (grade) | Spec sheet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 220 GSM | 65:35 Poly-Cotton | Ringspun | 1,297 / 1,229 | 140 / 66 | 1.00 / 0.50 | 300 | 85 | 4-5 | View PDF |
| 320 GSM Ripstop | 52:48 Poly-Cotton | Ringspun | 1,709 / 1,300 | 161 / 113 | 1.00 / 0.50 | 300 | 85 | 4-5 | View PDF |
| 320 GSM | 65:35 Poly-Cotton | Ringspun | 2,202 / 1,705 | 264 / 166 | 1.00 / 0.50 | 300 | 90 | 4-5 | View PDF |
| 350 GSM | 30:70 Poly-Cotton | Open-end | 956 / 820 | 64 / 43 | 1.00 / 0.50 | 230 | 85 | 4-5 | View PDF |
| 410 GSM | 50:50 Poly-Cotton | Ringspun | 1,900 / 1,450 | 138 / 123 | 1.50 / 0.50 | 250 | 90 | 4-5 | View PDF |
| 450 GSM | 50:50 Poly-Cotton | Ringspun | 2,146 / 1,650 | 155 / 95 | 1.00 / 0.50 | 280 | 90 | 4-5 | View PDF |
| 480 GSM Ripstop | 50:50 Poly-Cotton | Ringspun | 2,350 / 1,700 | 198 / 165 | 1.50 / 0.50 | 400 | 95 | 4-5 | View PDF |
| 510 GSM | 50:50 Poly-Cotton | Ringspun | 2,433 / 1,823 | 246 / 153 | 0.75 / 0.50 | 250 | 90 | 4-5 | View PDF |
| 580 GSM Ripstop | 50:50 Poly-Cotton | Ringspun | 2,450 / 1,900 | 256 / 180 | 0.75 / 0.50 | 350 | 90 | 4-5 | View PDF |
100% Polyester Marine Canvas 250 to 410 GSM
The highest tensile and tear strength with minimal shrinkage, in filament (300D and 600D) and spun constructions. Ideal for jet ski, console and trailer covers.
| Quality | Fibre blend | Yarn | Tensile strength warp / weft (N) | Tear strength warp / weft (N) | Shrinkage warp / weft (%) | Water column (mm) | Spray rating (%) | Light fastness (grade) | Spec sheet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 250 GSM (300D) | 100% Polyester | Filament | 2,426 / 1,334 | 157 / 128 | 1.00 / 0.50 | 250 | 85 | 5 | View PDF |
| 310 GSM | 100% Polyester | Ringspun | 2,694 / 1,639 | 259 / 178 | 1.00 / 0.50 | 250 | 85 | 4-5 | View PDF |
| 350 GSM (600D) | 100% Polyester | Filament | 2,702 / 1,708 | 277 / 219 | 1.00 / 0.50 | 250 | 85 | 5 | View PDF |
| 410 GSM (15P) | 100% Polyester | Ringspun | 2,386 / 1,704 | 368 / 278 | 1.00 / 0.50 | 250 | 90 | 4-5 | View PDF |
| 410 GSM | 100% Polyester | Ringspun | 2,946 / 2,181 | 278 / 225 | 1.00 / 0.50 | 250 | 85 | 4-5 | View PDF |
Values are typical laboratory results and may vary within normal manufacturing tolerances. Custom constructions can be developed to your specification.
Test Methods Used
Which Marine Canvas Suits Your Cover?
Typical fabric choices by cover type. Our team will confirm the best construction for your boat size, climate and mooring conditions.
Full & Mooring Covers
Heavy, breathable canvas for boats left on moorings through the season.
Cotton or poly-cotton 480 to 610 GSM
Sprayhoods, Dodgers & Biminis
Colourfast, tear-resistant canvas that handles wind and spray.
Poly-cotton 320 to 410 GSM
Jet Ski & Tender Covers
Low-shrinkage fabric that keeps a snug fit on small craft.
Polyester 250 to 410 GSM
Sail, Console & Engine Covers
UV-resistant canvas that protects sails and equipment from sun damage.
Poly-cotton 410 to 510 GSMRecommended Cotton Canvas Fabrics for Boat Covers
Our Canvas Tarpaulin and Water Repellent Fabrics ranges are a natural fit for boat covers, combining strength with reliable water resistance. For extended exposure to salt water and weather, Waxed Proof Canvas adds an additional layer of protection.
Built for International Marine Canvas Makers
Custom constructions
GSM, blend, weave and width developed to match your marine cover specification.
Finishes on request
Water-repellent, wax-proofed, PU/PVC coated, flame-retardant, UV-resistant and rot-proof.
Shade & weight consistency
Controlled dyeing and weaving tolerances for repeat and multi-container orders.
Documented quality
ISO-method test data and technical specification sheets for every quality.
Boat Cover Fabric: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best fabric for boat covers?
Heavy cotton or polyester-cotton canvas between 10 oz and 18 oz is the traditional choice for boat covers. It sheds water, resists UV and rot, and breathes so moisture does not get trapped. Polyester canvas is used where low shrinkage and high strength are most important.
What weight of canvas is used for boat covers?
Sprayhoods, dodgers and biminis typically use 10 to 12 oz canvas (about 340 to 410 GSM), while full mooring and storage covers use 15 to 18 oz (about 510 to 610 GSM).
Is marine canvas waterproof and breathable?
Our boat cover qualities pass a 24-hour cone test with no water drop and record spray ratings of 85 to 95%, while remaining breathable. Water-repellent, wax-proofed or coated finishes can be added for higher water resistance.
Will the canvas shrink when wet?
Our qualities are tested to ISO 6330, with shrinkage from as low as 0.75% warp and 0.5% weft. Poly-cotton and polyester constructions offer the lowest shrinkage for fitted covers.
Does boat cover fabric resist UV and mildew?
Yes. The fabric achieves grade 4 to 5 light fastness, can be UV-stabilised and passes anti-fungal soil burial and A. niger tests for resistance to rot and mildew.
How can I get the technical specification sheet?
Use the “View PDF” link next to any quality in the tables above to open or download its technical specification sheet, or contact info@cottoncanvas.com for custom constructions.
Do you export boat cover fabric?
Yes. Cotton Canvas manufactures in Kanpur, India, and has supplied canvas since 1983. Marine canvas is exported worldwide to boat cover makers and marine trimmers.
Ready to Specify Canvas for Your Boat Covers?
Share your cover type, target GSM, colour, finish and quantity. We will recommend the right construction and send technical data sheets and a quotation.