Frequently
Asked
Questions
What materials do you use?
We utilize premium, high-performance marine-grade fabrics and upholstery materials. Our selection includes a wide range of colors and textures, ensuring every project meets our rigorous standards for durability and aesthetic appeal. Almost all our materials are American made (except Ultraleather and Stamoid). We use Sunbrella, Strataglass glass vinyl, Patio 500 vinyl, Tenara thread, and top of the line fasteners.
How long does a project take?
Due to the high quality demand and our commitment to artisanal craftsmanship, we currently have a waiting period. This allows us to prioritize our clients and ensure that every canvas and upholstery piece is constructed to perfection. Once your project starts it typically takes 2 weeks for a dodger, 1.5 weeks for a bimini, 3 days for a connector, and a day per enclosure panel*.
*Subject to weather at the time of the project
Do you offer custom designs?
Absolutely, that's our specialty! We work closely with our clients to bring their vision to life. Whether it's a custom frame or a unique canvas design, we take immense pride in our ability to translate your ideas into high-end reality.
Do you bend frames?
Yes! We use 1" Stainless Steel Tubing for all our designs and can bend both bimini and dodger frames.
Are there projects you don't do?
Here is a list of projects we do not take on, unless they are part of a complete canvas system (dodger, bimini, connector+)
- Winch Covers
- Dorade Covers
- Companionway Cover
- Grill Cover
- Mast Boot
- Jib Storage Bag
- Lee Cloths
- Weather Cloths
- Line Bags
- Life Sling Cover/Bag
- Outboard Cover
These are projects we do not take on, as other shops in town specialize in the work:
- Dinghy Chaps/Covers: Call Habib at 919-749-4705
- Mainsail Stack Packs: Call Evolution Sails at 804-875-0107
- Canvas Cleaning: Call Hodges Street Sail Repair 252-249-0739
Do you sell materials?
We do not sell retail material, however we do give all our scraps and remnants to Inland Waterway Provision Company on Hodges Street in Oriental. Check out the back of their store to see what they have.
Can I pay to move up your waitlist?
We know waiting can be tough, but we're not able to move clients ahead of others who've been patiently waiting their turn. We appreciate your understanding — it's how we make sure every client gets treated fairly, including you.
I started to make my own canvas, and now I'm stuck. Will you take over?
I started to make my own canvas, and now I'm stuck. Will you take over?
Unfortunately we're not able to pick up a project that's already been started. Jumping into someone else's work makes it really difficult to guarantee the fit, finish, and durability you'd expect from us — and we're not able to warranty materials or workmanship on a project we didn't start from scratch. We want every piece that leaves our shop to meet the same high standard, and that's only possible when we're involved from the very beginning.
Will you make a new bimini for my enclosure?
We understand this can be frustrating, especially since biminis often wear out before the enclosure does. Unfortunately, matching a brand-new bimini to an existing enclosure isn't something we're able to do — construction techniques, materials, and even small measurements shift over time, so nothing lines up quite the way it should. In the end, trying to make the old and new work together takes more time and effort than simply building a fresh enclosure to match.
Think of it like trying to bake a new cake but using icing from the old one — even if it looks close, it was never made to fit, and the seams will always show. For the best fit, function, and finished look, we recommend building your enclosure as a complete, matched set.
Can you use my old canvas as a pattern?
In most cases, no. Fabric naturally stretches and warps over time, so old canvas rarely holds an accurate shape anymore — using it as a pattern would carry those inaccuracies right into your new piece. For items like dodgers, biminis, and enclosures, we always pattern directly off your boat's framework to ensure a precise, custom fit.
The exceptions are a binnacle cover or traditional mainsail cover — if the old one isn't shredded and still holds its shape, we may be able to use it as a reference. Outside of that, patterning from the framework is simply the most accurate way to get it right.