The design inspiration for how to shape and build the new aft bench was taken from the boat’s existing front bucket seats. Using the angles and shapes from those cushions helped the team visualize the shape of a new aft bench. Where do you begin when you have a blank slate? We recently had a [...]

This 32-foot Fountain project completed in 2010 remains one of the author's favorite designs to date. How does a company go from simple box cushions to complex designs? It is not as hard as you might think. Our shop, Paul’s Custom Canvas Inc., was opened in 1979 by my father, Paul Charpentier. Like most fabricators, [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Selecting breathable, woven, acrylic fabrics helps keep the boat dry and allows for ventilation. This is especially useful with a dark-colored fabric. There are many suppliers of fabrics in the marine industry. Upon researching just one of our suppliers, I discovered more than 4,000 fabrics, spanning 11 application categories, and each fabric was uniquely created [...]

The couch, chairs and window cornices of this 2005 Lazzara 80’ were reupholstered by former Northcoast Marine Specialties students Adam and Gail Gabriel of Land and Sea Upholstery in Willoughby, Ohio. The marine industry needs foam, and a lot of it, as do a hundred other industries that provide comfort and support. From exercise equipment [...]

Photo 1. A photo of the original boat interior of a 70-foot Hatteras. The clients initially wanted to replicate the color and pattern of these Wayfair pillows in the main salon; something that proved especially challenging. For most fabricators, long-term success doesn’t come from the easy jobs, but from the challenging projects. Using two case [...]

At Custom Marine Canvas, we are always looking for ways to improve our work. After 38 years, we’re still finding new ways to do things. In this article, we share some of our favorite tools and tips for improving your cushions. Photo 1. This clever jig clamps to the table edge to help get zipper [...]