™Learn to Make Boat Canvas, Bimini Tops & Enclosures
A dedicated hands-on canvas fabrication class — learn Bimini tops, T-tops, enclosures, and covers and build the skills to start your own canvas business
Canvas Work Is Where the Real Money Is
Boat canvas — Bimini tops, T-tops, full enclosures, and custom covers — is one of the most in-demand and highest-margin services in the marine industry. Most boat owners can't find anyone locally who does it well, and those who do are booked out for months.
Mid Atlantic School of Marine Upholstery offers a dedicated canvas fabrication class separate from the upholstery course. Call for details on scheduling, availability, and pricing — David will walk you through everything.
What You'll Learn — Canvas & Enclosures
Bimini Tops
Pattern, cut, and sew a complete Bimini top from scratch — including frame fitting, boot covers, and straps.
T-Top Covers
Fabricate custom T-top covers and enclosure panels that fit tight and last through years of sun and salt.
Full Enclosures
Learn to build multi-panel enclosures with clear vinyl windows, zippers, and snap attachments for a professional finish.
Boat Covers
Design and sew custom boat covers — mooring covers, travel covers, and console covers — using marine-grade canvas.
Snaps, Grommets & Hardware
Install stainless snaps, grommets, D-rings, and Velcro the right way so your canvas work holds up in real conditions.
Patterning Techniques
Master the patterning process so you can replicate any canvas piece or create custom work from scratch on any boat.
Material Selection
Learn which marine canvas fabrics hold up best — Sunbrella, Stamoid, clear vinyl weights — and how to source them.
Pricing Your Work
Understand how to price canvas jobs for profit, quote customers confidently, and build a sustainable business.
A Skill Set With Real Demand
The country has hundreds of thousands of registered boats. Canvas work wears out, gets damaged, and needs replacing constantly. Most boat owners are desperate for someone local who can do the work properly.
A skilled canvas fabricator can charge $800–$2,500 for a Bimini top, $1,500–$4,000 for a full enclosure, and more for complex T-top work. One job a week adds up fast. Many of our students start picking up work before they even finish setting up their shop.
Class Details
Ready to Learn Canvas Fabrication?
Call or send a message and David will personally answer your questions about the canvas class.