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

  • My wife and I have been students of the Boat Canvas University for many years. We find that the training is in depth and put together in a easy to learn format. We have attended many in person workshops and also use the on demand video courses. Both training’s are professionally taught at the students learning speed. The knowledge utilized to put the classes together has been gathered from three generations of canvas masters. If you want to be a success in the Canvas Industry call John at the training center and find out for yourself why his family and the Boat Canvas University are the best in the business.

    jim mcgee Avatar jim mcgee
    November 4, 2021
  • I’m a lifetime Boater and I took the course about a year and a half ago. Don’t think about it just sign up and take the course, you won’t regret it. John’s knowledge, expertise, professionalism, and teaching skills are great. The small classes makes a great teaching and learning environment. The end result is something you can take and start or improve your own business. Well worth the time and money.

    Bill Nelson Avatar Bill Nelson
    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 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.

    Jeanine Moffett Avatar Jeanine Moffett
    November 4, 2021
  • I really learned alot from the videos and they really increased my speed!

    tangi bohlmann Avatar tangi bohlmann
    November 4, 2021
  • I just finished this workshop this week. It was awesome! John was great, he is very knowledgeable about the boat canvas business. He’s like the Godfather of boat canvas fabrication and this is an opportunity you can’t refuse. He’s set me up to change my life. I had a really good time with this and learned a lot.

    Jason Wezgraj Avatar Jason Wezgraj
    April 4, 2022
  • 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
  • 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.

    Wade Hensley Avatar Wade Hensley
    November 4, 2021
  • John is a true professional. It was a perfect match for his teaching style and my learning methods.

    N Reno Avatar N Reno
    November 4, 2021
  • I am a long time subscriber to the website and was a student of their first on-site training class on canvas enclosures. John and his team have always been knowledgeable and helpful, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the continent they have provided. Over the years, I have received many times over the amount of money that I’ve spent with Boat Canvas University. I would highly recommend this organization to anyone wanting to learn more about boats canvas as a hobby or profession.

    Sailgriffin Avatar Sailgriffin
    November 4, 2021

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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