Become a Successful Boat Canvas Fabricator Making 100k+ Year!

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Boat Canvas University

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John Cavender

Master Instructor

Here’s your opportunity to learn from the best boat canvas fabricator in the United States. John Cavender has over 30 years of experience in this industry, with a proven tack record of success, including owning his very own fabrication company in Maryland. With a limited schedule, and increasing demand, classes with John sell out quickly. Click below to explore the program and enroll today.

Student Success Stories

  • As a subscriber, I have been able to call on John Cavender at Boat Canvas University for technical questions from “best size for my next cutting table”, to, “which way should the Kedder welt lay, on the radio arch of a SeaRay when I pattern the aft enclosure” [If you have a hard time envisioning the elements of that question, then you might gather how valuable a thoughtful and definitive answer was!] I have 40 years as a self-employeed professional upholsterer with 2 years on boat enclosures. I wish I had met John 2 decades ago! I am looking forward to a workshop at Boat Canvas University. As a second generation boat canvas professional, John brings a wealth of knowledge to his enterprise… AND SHARES IT generously!

    David Youngdahl Avatar David Youngdahl
    November 4, 2021
  • 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

    G Avatar G
    November 4, 2021
  • I completed the February workshop last week and enjoyed every minute of it. I walked in on the first day with very little experience and thought I was in way over my head. With John’s knowledge and instruction I was able to gain the skill, feel confident and complete the course with the ability to continue down the path of canvas work. If you are thinking of learning this trade, I would highly recommend attending the Boat Canvas University and learning from John C.

    Jeffrey Abulencia Avatar Jeffrey Abulencia
    March 4, 2022
  • 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.

    Martin Cho Avatar Martin Cho
    November 4, 2021
  • John has been a great help to me building my business I highly recommend the video courses he has always quickly answered my questions. And been there when I needed help.

    Tommy Hawkins Avatar Tommy Hawkins
    November 4, 2021
  • This is a great starter course for anyone looking to get into the field of marine canvas. It started me off and we now have a thriving business. From the very beginning, I got the feeling that he cared about teaching and would spend the time necessary for you to fully understand his methods. I enjoyed the class and learned tons! But, the support you get afterwards is just as valuable. He has been always available when I came across something over my head. If your interested in Canvas, take the course! You won’t be disappointed!

    JEFF WARREN Avatar JEFF WARREN
    November 4, 2021
  • Purchased one of the online courses, having never built a canvas before it gave me the confidence and knowledge to take on the challenge, very highly recommend

    William Rodenhauser Avatar William Rodenhauser
    November 4, 2021
  • 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!

    Jennifer Becker Avatar Jennifer Becker
    November 4, 2021
  • John is 100% legit. I was skeptical about this course to begin with after seeing his ad on Facebook and reading the comments. The amount of information and knowledge that he shares is stuff you couldn’t gain from 20 years doing it on your own. I had absolutely no sewing or canvas fabrication experience prior to making the trek to Maryland this week. Not only has John managed to teach me to sew, but fabricate quality products. I still have a lot of work and learning to do on my own, however whether you are a novice wanting to gain a skill or a fabricator looking to hone their craft, this is the course for you. Not only is John a knowledgeable, skilled craftsman, he is a no BS teacher. I figured there was no possible way he could teach me to sew in four days. Not only did he teach me to sew, he taught me to sew, maintain my equipment, set me up with the contacts I needed, pattern, fabricate, finish and maintain my work, run my business, all while making a quality product. I suggest anyone who is hesitant, take the plunge. Do it, be ready to have information overload, be ready to learn and ask lots of questions. John will go above and beyond to teach you this craft.

    Eric Lowmaster Avatar Eric Lowmaster
    April 4, 2022
  • 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!

    Chris Conrad Avatar Chris Conrad
    October 4, 2022

Results Of Recent Students

Leonard Parks

Started own business after taking the course, now makes over 100k a year with just himself.

Ken Wallace

Moved to South Florida & made 125k his first year after taking course.

Jim McGee

Existing business owner learned ways to cut time on projects and save money.

Ralph Gleason

Started his own boat canvas fabrication shop in Michigan, in 2 years grew business to over 500k a year in sales.

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