• Tailor-fitting a wrinkle-free front panel

    Published On: March 1, 2024Categories: Exterior and Cover, Projects

    Fabric fitting gives marine professionals complete control over the outcome of their enclosure panels. When my father started our boat canvas business in the early 1970s, he had no one to ask how to do things or how to improve the fit of a front panel. So we developed a fabric-fitting technique that allows you [...]

  • How to eliminate vertical darts

    Published On: March 1, 2024Categories: Interiors & Upholstery, Projects

    It’s possible to create canvas covers that appear almost seamless. Fitting with one piece of fabric and without vertical darts achieves an elegant look and saves time. Every canvas maker has a “thing” that bugs them. For me, it’s vertical darts. Whether they are on a cockpit cover along the curved windshield or around the [...]

  • Fabric-fitting perfect windshields

    Published On: January 1, 2024Categories: Exterior and Cover, Projects

    To detect wrinkles, look through the glass at objects in the background. Every fabricator seems to have issues fitting windshields, myself included. Over the past 20 years, I’ve developed some techniques to help make perfect windshields and I’d like to share them with you. Using one of our canvas training facility’s classroom models, we created [...]

  • Advanced sewing tips and techniques

    Published On: January 1, 2024Categories: Interiors & Upholstery, Projects

    Small, unflashy and even invisible techniques can create “aha” moments that help you achieve your desired results, such as how to find the corners on a cushion. Sewing has always been a part of my life. It’s second nature to me, much like playing music or singing is for others. And as with playing music [...]

  • Inspiration: OFPANZ 2023 AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE WINNER

    Published On: January 1, 2024Categories: Awards, Projects

    Marine Fabrication Canvas Barn Marine TrimmingSwan Reach, Vic., Australiacanvasbarn.com The owner wanted to replace his screen cover with something that would maintain the internal environment of the vessel at a relatively constant temperature year-round. He also wanted the cabin to feel light, with privacy. This custom three-piece insulated screen cover is easy to attach, remove [...]

  • Sailor-friendly sailboat dodger designs

    Published On: August 31, 2023Categories: Exterior and Cover, Projects

    This California-style dodger has five attachable panels that can be used in any configuration. California-style dodgers provide maximum flexibility for different sailing conditions. I have been a sailor longer than I have been a marine fabricator. In fact, being a sailor is how I got into this business. I often hear from fellow fabricators that the [...]

  • Boat interior upholstery techniques

    Published On: August 31, 2023Categories: Interiors & Upholstery, Projects

    You’ve undoubtedly heard someone say, “Just let the next guys worry about it,” which usually means the product they’re sending out will be nearly impossible for the “next guys” to work on or repair. Boatman Marine Canvas works on all sorts of lake boats that are 38 feet and smaller. Time after time we find [...]

  • Bimini top fitting basics

    Published On: July 1, 2023Categories: Exterior and Cover, Projects

    When fabricating a bimini top, doing things in the right order is as important as the technique itself. When I was asked to write about making a bimini top in 1,000 words or less, I knew this would be a challenge, considering that I probably speak 1,000 words during each step of the process when [...]

  • Growing your small shop

    Published On: July 1, 2023Categories: Interiors & Upholstery, Projects

    Once the shop acquired enough tools for each sewing station to have a complete set, a color-coding system was implemented to keep track. Every shop is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for growing your business. Yet you can facilitate positive change at any stage by following some basic principles and taking some simple [...]

  • Center Console Enclosures

    Published On: May 1, 2023Categories: Exterior and Cover, Projects

    Center console boats are a popular style of boat in Yorktown, Va. The author believes that center console enclosures are some of the most complicated enclosures to design, and also among the most rewarding. Center console boats are a popular style of boat in my area, Yorktown, Va., along with sportfish, cruisers, trawlers and sailboats. [...]