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!

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 have bought a few of his courses and found them very good. Being relatively new in the business, they are a great as a reference to go back to when you come across a problem or you haven’t done something for a while. the difference in doing an average job or a good job. Definitely recommend them

I bought the yearly video subscription. John has been responsive to any question that I have had. Watchung the videos has been very enlightening to me . There are many nuggets of information portrayed in these videos that have been invaluable.

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!

Found the online training videos very informative. I’m just getting started in marine canvas and this was the perfect place to start. John is a natural teacher and guides you through the steps and is humble enough to show a few mistakes too. You can tell John can do these jobs lightning fast, but slows them down so you can follow along. Buy materials and start practicing!

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.

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!

If I had any sort of question, it was answered immediately! I liked that. The courses were easy to understand and follow…