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!

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.

John Cavender makes learning to do canvas easy! He’s professional and a master at his talent! Would highly recommend to any boater or craftsman!

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.

I Just finished the class at Boat Canvas University and I couldn’t be happier. The small class sizes really help you learn John’s Method which included everything from building the bimini frame to patterning and fabricating the enclosure. John was always willing to answer whatever question we could come up with, and we had a lot. He has this down to a science and I am grateful that he is willing to share his knowledge to help others get into this lucrative career.

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!

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

My experience at Boat Canvas University couldn’t have been better! Building a Bimini Top and Enclosure by itself would have been a good value for the money. Learning tips, and techniques from a 35 plus year veteran of the business made it a great value for the money. The icing on the top, and what made my experience priceless was the business discussion on the last day of the workshop. The information and advice John Cavender gave was truly priceless for a new shop owner like me.

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.