Choosing a Canvas Shop
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Owning a boat gives you the chance to explore all kinds of waterways & let's you travel in the comfort of your own space. Although it is a great feeling to have new covers installed on your boat, it is not so great when you are unhappy with a less than perfect result. Besides considering the cost of your project, be sure to look at the final quality & workmanship that ultimately determines it's long term value.
Some questions to ask are:
Q. How long do you warranty your workmanship?
A. We warranty our workmanship for the life of the cover. This means that if the cover fails due to faulty construction(not the breakdown of thread or fabric), we will repair our work at no charge. Our warranty far exceeds the industry standard.
Q. How long have you been in business?
A. We have been making boat canvas for over 15 years.
Q. Is this your full time job or is this a part time venture?
A. This is our full time business.
Q. Do you have a place of business or do you work out of your basement or garage?
A. We maintain a 1500 square foot work shop and have mobile capabilities. Boats on trailers can be brought to our shop for completion. Larger boats and yachts can be completed dockside.
Q. In what geographic areas can you provide your services?
A. We provide services in all of Southwest Florida, Northern Lower Michigan plus other areas upon request.
Q. Do you have references or can I see a project you completed?
A. The pictures on this website are all projects we have actually completed. Many other canvas shop websites have used pictures that are not their work. References will be provided upon request.
Q. Can you use my old canvas as a pattern for a new cover?
A. No. Over time, marine fabrics shrink and/or expand. Each and every cover is custom made to fit your boat.
Q. Can I use parts from my old canvas to construct the new canvas?
A. We do not use parts to construct new projects. It costs as much or more in the long run to piece together parts that were never meant to be part of each other from the start.
Q. How did you learn canvas fabrication, layout & design?
A. We bring a college degree in fabrication and layout to the table to aid the boat owner in planning their project. Some canvas "schools" turn out students in as little as 40 hours. Any person with a sewing machine & a roll of material can call themselves a canvas shop!
Q. Do you have insurance if you damage my property or if someone is hurt on my property?
A. We carry complete business liability insurance.
Q. Do you do repair work?
A. We do repairs on clean canvas in good condition. As the material ages it can become brittle making some repairs more difficult. We must examine the damage in order to determine whether repairs can be made.
Q. What if I am thinking of selling my boat?
A. Just like a home, you want your boat to have "curb appeal". It is perceived that if the canvas is in good condition, the entire boat must have been well maintained! Our observation has been that boats sell faster and sell for a better price above the cost of new canvas. Prospective buyers can see themselves enjoying your boat instead of looking forward to repairs.
If you like your existing boat, now more than ever it makes sense to invest in it to keep it in "Tip Top" shape. Ask yourself "What would it cost to replace my boat?".