The Hood California dodger installed on the boat. In the last article (Jan/Feb issue), we covered patterning a California dodger on the boat. Then we went back to the shop and developed the raw pattern into a workable version for cutting out the dodger pieces and parts. (Refer to our “Fabricating an enclosure” [...]

Build a tangle-free cradle for binding and bungee. Problem Narrow goods, like binding, bungee and line, sold on spools, can be difficult to work with, and can tangle while working. Solution Build a simple cradle out of plastic or plywood to hold various size spools. Process Cut cradle pieces to the size and shape, as [...]

A Hood California dodger on a Catalina 30 sailboat. At Hood Canvas, we use a 10-inch radius bender for our California dodgers. This produces a squarer frame than our more rounded 18-inch radius traditional dodgers. The style provides more room under the dodger, as well as superior ventilation and visibility for the helmsman. [...]

Organize multiple rolls of webbing and Velcro. Problem Storing different sizes, colors and types of webbing and Velcro takes up a lot of space, and can be messy. Solution Build a simple storage tower out of scrap materials that will organize multiple rolls of webbing, and will allow you to take your webbing to the [...]

I am going to discuss what we refer to in our shop as “natural intersections.” I have been on so many boats with gaps to the outside at the bimini corners. These gaps allow water to enter the enclosure, which is unacceptable in quality canvas fabrication. There are many acceptable ways of fabricating canvas to [...]

Draw even, neat and accurate seam allowances and cut lines. Problem Drawing even seam allowances and sew lines on curved or odd-shaped pieces can be difficult and inaccurate. Solution Make a simple marking tool that has fixed pencil positions for predetermined seam allowances and cut line widths. This tool can be used with a straight-edge [...]

I’m often asked about making a good-looking corner on a cushion. The answer depends on the cushion style and the materials you are using. Let’s start with the basic, no-frills cushion: square, no sew foam applied, but with a welt cord. I make all my own cord. I have tried to use a [...]

Position bimini frames easily and safely on boats with no hardware. Problem Positioning a new bimini frame on a boat without existing hardware can be difficult and dangerous, particularly when working by yourself or with a large, heavy frame. Solution Make simple, non-skid, non-marking “feet” that you can attach quickly and easily to the bimini [...]

Customize widths, eliminate clutter and save money by cutting Velctro strips. Problem Stocking all sizes, colors and styles of Velcro is costly and space prohibitive. Solution Make a simple Velcro slitter to customize 2-inch Velcro to any width. You can easily customize the Velcro into 1/2-inch, 1-inch and 1 1/2-inch strips by placing the razor [...]

You got the upholstery job on the customer’s boat, and the new material is in the shop. All you have to do now is make the patterns. Before You may be doing a restoration of an older boat, and your customer wants it to look like it did in its glory days. This [...]