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 – $2,800

  • Video Tutorial Courses – $3,000

Student Testimonials

  • I Completed the class today and I couldn’t wait to write a review. This class gets a 10 out of 10. I was never so happy and excited to get up to go to school. The amount of money this cost in my opinion should be 3 times as much with the earning potential that you walk away with. John is extremely knowledgeable and great to work with. John provides you with the knowledge, contacts and resources to be successful. Best money that I have ever spent and would strongly recommend this class to anyone!

    Robert Catello Avatar Robert Catello
    October 28, 2022
  • We found John Cavender website BoatCanvasUniversity.com to be very professional, educational and easy to follow, highly recommended We will attend one of his workshop for sure if we visit the USA in the future

    William Massart Diamond Ingenious Sdn Bhd Avatar William Massart Diamond Ingenious Sdn Bhd
    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 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.

    Michael Felton Avatar Michael Felton
    December 4, 2021
  • 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
  • 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!

    T.J. Pera Avatar T.J. Pera
    October 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
  • 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
  • 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.

    J R DeBaun Avatar J R DeBaun
    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

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