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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

Johns workshop was crucial to me starting up my canvas shop. His teaching is great and has helped me along the way even since the class. Can’t imagine what I would have done without John.

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.

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

John is a true professional. It was a perfect match for his teaching style and my learning methods.