Boat Canvas University
Program Options

Boat Canvas University is THE ONLY marine canvas fabrication training program in the country. 

Taught by Master Instructor, John Cavender, with 30+ years experience building and owning his own fabrication company. 

You’re guaranteed to learn everything you’ll need to know to start earning over 100k+ a year in your own business.

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Course Options


  • The Complete Program – $5,500

  • In-Person Workshop – $2,500

  • Video Tutorial Courses – $3,000

Student Testimonials

  • 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.

    thumb Sailgriffin
    November 4, 2021
  • 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!

    thumb Rita G
    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

    thumb William Rodenhauser
    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.

    thumb Jason Wezgraj
    April 4, 2022
  • 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!

    thumb T.J. Pera
    October 4, 2022
  • This class is very informative. I am a complete beginner to marine canvas and was able to learn the fundamentals as well as a few tricks that can only be acquired with decades in the business. This workshop course along with the videos I purchased will teach me what I need to know to become a quality canvas fabricator.

    thumb Glen Jensen
    June 4, 2022
  • Really enjoyed attending his week along class. very nice work shop and John is great person , along with his father I learned a lot from his class. Started watching his videos on his old web site, Then when he changed to his new web site, I could never get back in to finish watching them. However the ones I have watched made it easy to keep up with what I learned in his class. plus it great as a refresher because I don’t do canvass every day.

    thumb J R DeBaun
    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.

    thumb Eric Lowmaster
    April 4, 2022
  • John Cavender is the best fabricator I’ve had the experience to meet and learn from. His canvas course gave me the tools I needed to take my canvas business to the next level. I can now build a bimini that fits like a glove in less than a day. He covers the basics and finer points of enclosure fabrication thoroughly. And his entire video series which are included with the course are available as refreshers when needed. And if you have any questions John is almost always available to help you with your problem.

    thumb Joe Frattinger
    November 4, 2021
  • John has a great process of patterning, and constructing an enclosure! This class gave me the skills and confidence to start my own business! He is responsive to emails and texts, and his video content is great. If you’re interested in starting out in your own business this is a must! Thanks John

    thumb Bob Quale
    November 4, 2021

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