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.
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!
David YoungdahlI 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 BeckerThis 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.
Glen JensenJohn 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
Bob QualeJohn 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.
Eric LowmasterWe 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 BhdOn several occasions I have utilized your videos to help me learn a new trade of business. your detailing is the best in my learning experience. I look forward to utilizing your on line training in my future as I grow my business. thank you for your help. Mrs. T’s Canvas & Upholstery Shop, Inc. Painted Post, NY
Tina Butters-HargraveIf I had any sort of question, it was answered immediately! I liked that. The courses were easy to understand and follow…
Karen KrugJohn is by far the best resource for people starting out in this business. He is responsive to emails, takes calls anytime and stops what he’s doing to help his students. If you are looking for marine canvas training, look no further. John is the man. His videos go at just the right pace! If you’ve watched others they can progress painfully slow. John is quick and informative without boring you to death. I highly recommend Boat Canvas University for your training. I will be signing up for the workshop training soon!
Ken WallaceI subscribed to John’s videos to help me redo my canvas. Even though I had never done any canvas work before, I was especially interested in using hard acrylic instead of the traditional isinglass. His detailed instructions helped me do a great job on my Regal. He also answered some additional questions via texting. Great resource.
Ed M 