John is a true professional. It was a perfect match for his teaching style and my learning methods.

Just wrapped up Boat Canvas University two days ago and wanted to share what a terrific week it was! John’s expertise was obvious as was his ability to convey that knowledge and passion in clear, interesting, and thorough manner. His methods work as I would be happy to have every single student’s Bimini, front and side curtains installed on my boat! Not only was the class great, but I observed, first hand, how accessible and helpful he is to former students. Many thanks for a great experience and I look forward to a long lasting friendship!

I used the video to make boat curtains for a Grady white I have never made anything like that but I do know how to sew. I did buy a walking foot sewing machine and they came out perfect.

We own a 52 foot Hatteras which needed new canvas and strataglass. Not too many people provide this service and the estimate was about $20,000! We decided to do it ourselves. We bought the courses from Boat Canvas University, a industrial strength sewing machine and all the materials and went to work. The total cost to do it ourselves was about $7,000. We couldn’t have done it without BCU! The courses are easy to follow. We had some questions so we called John. We were very surprised that he answered the phone and was happy to answer all our questions, he was extremely helpful. We have received a lot of compliments on our canvas. Many people have asked us to do it for them but we are retired and don’t want to start a new business.

John is a thorough, patient, and fantastic teacher! And the guy has a great down to earth sense of humor! I started with his video package earlier this year and learned so much that I wasn’t sure the in person workshop was necessary. I was wrong! I’m glad I didn’t stop at the videos. Being in person and hands on with John is invaluable. He takes his time answering questions and guides you in a way that you get to see your mistakes and understand how to avoid them in the future. Thanks John!

What a GREAT instructor. I’ve been sewing in canvas awning industry for over 44 years, just not marine canvas. John’s instructions give you the insight to do things the right way and he is always available if you run into problems. Thank you John! Keep up the great work

Classes are not very detailed. Payed for the full enclosure class. It was missing the bimini. There was a free video for the bimini but nit working. I asked to cancel and get money back but no a single email back. I had to claim it on my paypal. Sailrite provide better videos for free.

Would definitely recommend this to anybody thinking about getting into the canvas industry. Just one trick from John’s huge inventory of tricks is worth the price of the course. Can also vouch that Johns work ethic doesn’t stop after the course. I have called him on numerous occasions and he has always been very helpful. The class that I took from him truly is one of those gift that keeps giving can’t say enough about him.

I discovered John on you tube years ago, before the university started. I am a skilled problem solver and seamstress, so I love his fast paced, focused on the key issues approach to teaching. He is 2nd generation in this trade, where apprenticeship is paramount to learning. With his online courses, you get that. I consider John my mentor, and when I am on a job, I rewatch his courses and I know I am watching my highly experienced teacher approach a similar project. I am over 3000 miles away so I haven’t taken his workshop, but I feel like he knows me, because when I am stumped with a design, I have called him, and he knows I am part of his student members, and gives me the applicable advice & tips he can for my issue. What is the value of a resource with his credentials worth to you? In my opinion, knowing he is there for me is invaluable. I don’t think I could have my business if it weren’t for John’s videos and being available with his expert knowledge. Trust me, if you want to start a canvas shop, this membership is as important as your sewing machine, your shop and your reputation. I encourage you to learn the right methods, learn from the best!