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

  • Would definitely recommend this to anybody thinking about getting into the canvas industry. Just one trick from John’s huge inventory of tricks is worth the price of the course. Can also vouch that Johns work ethic doesn’t stop after the course. I have called him on numerous occasions and he has always been very helpful. The class that I took from him truly is one of those gift that keeps giving can’t say enough about him.

    thumb Leonard Parks
    November 4, 2021
  • 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!

    thumb 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

    thumb William Massart Diamond Ingenious Sdn Bhd
    November 4, 2021
  • 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!

    thumb Jennifer Becker
    November 4, 2021
  • 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.

    thumb Lorin Sawyer
    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.

    thumb Bill Nelson
    November 4, 2021
  • I bought the yearly video subscription. John has been responsive to any question that I have had. Watchung the videos has been very enlightening to me . There are many nuggets of information portrayed in these videos that have been invaluable.

    thumb Sam McGuire
    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
  • 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
  • If I had any sort of question, it was answered immediately! I liked that. The courses were easy to understand and follow…

    thumb Karen Krug
    November 4, 2021

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