Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Yachts and boat covers use brass eyelets with a wide flange: for lighter covers and sunshades, eyelets with an inner opening of around 12–28 mm, and for heavy covers and tarpaulins the large No. 66 eyelets with an opening of around 39–42 mm. Brass does not rust in damp, salty conditions, which makes it the first choice for anything that stays on deck. Galvanised steel is strong and practical, but is better suited to truck tarpaulins than to constant contact with seawater.
Below you will find the specific articles from our catalogue used for yacht covers, boat canopies and marine sunshades – with exact dimensions, the difference between brass and galvanised steel, and tips for setting in acrylic and PVC fabrics.
Eyelets for yachts and boat covers – which series are suitable
Three groups of our eyelets are suitable for marine use:
- The large sizes of the KS standard eyelets – from No. 26 to No. 34, with a standard shank or an inner ring. Suitable for boat covers, sunshades, bimini tops and canvas cases.
- The large sizes of the KP flat eyelets – with a flat flange that does not stick out or catch ropes and sails.
- KT tarpaulin eyelets – No. 66, round and oval, for heavy winter covers, tarpaulins for trailered boats and large sunshades.
Chart: eyelets for marine covers by size
All values are in millimetres: D – outer diameter (for oval eyelets – length × width), d – inner opening, H – shank height.
| Code | No. | Type | D | d | H | Material | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KS-19 | 26 | standard | 24.5 | 11.7 | 5.8 | brass | sunshades, light covers |
| KS-20 | 26 | with inner ring | 24.5 | 11.8 | 6.1 | brass | covers tensioned with rope |
| KS-22 | 28 | with inner ring | 28 | 15 | 6.9 | brass | boat covers, bimini tops |
| KS-23 | 30 | standard | 28.5 | 14.7 | 9 | brass | multi-layer hems |
| KS-25 | 31 | standard | 31.3 | 17.3 | 7.96 | brass | sunshades, sail covers |
| KS-28 | 34 | with inner ring | 48 | 27.7 | 9.72 | brass | large covers, thick rope |
| KP-10 | 28 | flat | 25.05 | 13 | 6.9 | brass | covers with a smooth edge |
| KP-13 | 34 | flat | 48 | 27.6 | 7.3 | brass | sunshades, decorative covers |
| KT-01 | 66 | brass | 62.2 | 39.6 | 9 | brass | heavy winter covers |
| KT-02 | 66 | brass | 62 | 39 | 11 | brass | thick and reinforced edges |
| KT-05 | 66 | galvanised | 62.15 | 38.26 | 13 | galvanised steel | tarpaulins for trailered boats |
| KT-07 | 66 | galvanised, oval | 60 × 40 | – | 11 | galvanised steel | tie-down straps and webbing |
Separate washers are available for the No. 66 eyelets: the smooth brass washer KT-03, the toothed washer KT-04 (both D 63 mm, d 42.15 mm) and the galvanised washer KT-06, as well as the oval galvanised washer KT-08 for the oval eyelet.
Brass or galvanised steel at sea
This is the most important decision for marine products. Both materials withstand heavy loads, but they behave differently in moisture and salt.
| Criterion | Brass | Galvanised steel |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion in damp conditions | does not rust, darkens over time (develops a patina) | the zinc layer protects the steel as long as it is intact |
| Salt water and spray | suitable for constant contact | if the layer is scratched, rust and stains on the fabric can appear |
| Series in the catalogue | KS, KP, KT-01, KT-02, washers KT-03 and KT-04 | KT-05 to KT-08 |
| Typical use | yacht covers, sunshades, bimini tops | truck and trailer tarpaulins, temporary covers |
The rule is simple: if the product stays on deck, in the harbour or is regularly wetted by seawater, choose brass. Keep galvanised eyelets for tarpaulins used on land.
How to choose the size
According to the rope or cord
The inner opening should be slightly larger than the rope that will pass through it. A cover tied with a thin cord does not need a No. 66 eyelet – KS-19 or KS-22 will be more convenient and lighter. If the cover is tensioned with thick rope, a bungee cord with a hook or is fastened to metal hooks on the hull, choose KS-28, KP-13 or the KT series.
According to the edge thickness
Marine covers almost always have a double or triple hem, often with reinforcing tape too. The shank must pass through all the layers and leave enough to roll over. For thick edges, models with a taller shank are suitable – KS-23 (H 9 mm) or KT-02 (H 11 mm).
Inner ring or standard shank
Eyelets with an inner ring (KS-20, KS-22, KS-28) are stiffer and keep their shape under constant tension and vibration from the wind. They are a good choice for the corners of the cover, where the load is greatest.
Setting in acrylic and PVC fabrics
- Pre-punch the hole with a hole punch – with dense and multi-layer materials this is essential.
- Reinforce the edge: a double hem or tape under the eyelet considerably reduces the risk of tearing.
- On smooth PVC fabrics use the KT-04 toothed washer – the teeth grip the material and the eyelet does not turn.
- Use a die made exactly for the eyelet size; for No. 66 this means a heavy press, not hand pliers.
- Check the first pieces with a trial pull before setting the whole series.
Detailed advice on setting and common problems can be found in the Setting section of the eyelets page.
Finishes and logo
Brass eyelets are available in a finish of your choice – from raw (unplated) and antique brass to nickel colour, gold and black nickel colour. For marine products a raw or antique finish is often chosen, because the patina looks natural. A logo can be embossed on the flange for selected sizes of the KS, KP and KT series – see more about branding on the branding page.
Eyelets are usually ordered together with cords for tying and rings for hanging.
Eyelets for yachts from Polkom
Polkom is a manufacturer based in Sofia, Bulgaria, with over 30 years of experience in accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags, as well as technical textiles. We offer eyelets for marine covers in almost every size, round and oval, made to order and with your logo, delivered across Europe. Send an inquiry describing the cover, the material and the rope – we will recommend the exact article and send samples.
