Cost of Canvas!

[gtochris]

I just dropped my new-to-me boat off at a canvas shop in our area this AM, the current bow & cockpit cover have seen better days but essentially the hemming is what is going bad and it seems to have shrunk over time so I will likely have that just done for now. I can't believe how much new canvas cost! $900-1,100 roughly for a 21ft bowrider...! I think end of year I'll just get the best fitting trailer cover I can buy from here and do a snap kit however still have the bimini top issue (cutouts are hard with a mooring cover with drawstring/ elastic...

I should have stuck with sewing in Home ed!

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Cost of Canvas!

Aside from the cost of the canvas (Sunbrella is $15-17 per yard...my shop cost), you're also paying for a professional to size it, seam it all together (double stitched with Tenara thread....$170/ 1 lb spool), sew in 1" webbing around the perimeter for strength, bind it with matching Sunbrella trim, and install approx. 50 SS snaps. All those items add up faster that you think. There isn't that much profit in canvas work because all of the UV rated supplies are so costly.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Cost of Canvas!

This is a great area for two camps of people:

1.) those with more money than time to pay a pro.
2.) those with more time than money to learn it and DIY.

Keep in mind once you start sewing heavier duty fabrics, vinyls etc your home machine may struggle. You then either upgrade or pay the pros. Personally I have sewn interior cushions, always ended up paying for canvas work. Some day I might learn to do my own, but not any day soon!

 

[bajaunderground]

Re: Cost of Canvas!

Get a good used industrial machine (Juki, Consew, Singer, etc.) used off craigslist or a local sewing machine place...practice, practice and more practice. Then make templates and sew...there will be a few mistakes, and they may not turn as exactly as a pro would do them...however, the costs is 1/4-1/3 of what you'd be into them for!

After complete sell said sewing machine back on CL for what you paid for it...

~BRett

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Cost of Canvas!

Just called the local canvas guys and for my 16', 87" beam, a side console, traveling cover with snaps....... $625 From what I'm hearing, that's pretty standard for my neck of the woods...... Goes in on the 22nd. I guess I may get it back later that day.... That's service....

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Cost of Canvas!

Get a good used industrial machine (Juki, Consew, Singer, etc.) used off craigslist or a local sewing machine place...

And a good used machine will set you back $500-$800. You can sell it as long as you don't mess it up. Industrial machine mechanics get $75/hr. That adds up, too!

Here's the difference between professional and DIY (in most cases):

 

[Brian 26]

Re: Cost of Canvas!

I had a 18' boat that already had a bow cover and full fishing canvas to cover the cockpit (so snaps were already on the hull). I called a guy to have a cockpit cover made for mooring, he said he won't do just the cockpit cover he'd only do a complete mooring cover and it would be about $1,000. With that said it is worth it to have a high quality custom cover.

If I had the spare time I would definitely try to do it myself.

 

[bajaunderground]

Re: Cost of Canvas!

Both the cockpit and bow cover with first times for me!



It's possible to do decent work with practice...For me, I got my industrial sewing machine for free, bought a few items (dogs, plates and servo motor). I've seen them for $300-$800, messing them up, while possible, is unlikely as they tend to be more robust than the home versions...I'm by no mean advocating for putting the professionals out of work, for many the greatness of iboats it the DIY aspect?!

Cheers.

~Brett

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Cost of Canvas!

We have a good number of shops locally and the prices are all over the board. Some must think thiers are better than the others.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Cost of Canvas!

I made my own cover. It took a weekend and cost me about $300 for the material. I expect it to last about 3 years. First time sewing in years and I made some mistakes. Next time depending on how much space I have to work (may be buying a new house) and time I may go at it again or drop it off at the canvas shop. I think the consensus on a cover is about $1,000 but anyone have an idea of what a cockpit reupholster would cost?

 

[gtochris]

Re: Cost of Canvas!

Both the cockpit and bow cover with first times for me!

It's possible to do decent work with practice...For me, I got my industrial sewing machine for free, bought a few items (dogs, plates and servo motor). I've seen them for $300-$800, messing them up, while possible, is unlikely as they tend to be more robust than the home versions...I'm by no mean advocating for putting the professionals out of work, for many the greatness of iboats it the DIY aspect?!

Cheers.

~Brett

That is really good work Brett! I suppose you bought the material in a big roll? I would think the measuring and cutting would be the hardest part (not too big, not too small...)

I haven't heard back from the place that has my boat yet, but for now, I think I'll just advise them to do the stitching. It's been a rough spring with expenses! My school tuition, home improvements, newer boat purchase and retrofitting, weddings, car repairs, the money tree is really looking thin right now.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Cost of Canvas!

I think what some have left out of this equation is the ability to lay the fabric out flat and be able to turn it while sewing. If you look at the pro's they have a table that resembles a one car garage to lay it out.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Cost of Canvas!

Bajaunderground.....That's a great looking cover. You are the exception to the rule. True, industrial machines are much more bulletproof than home machines, but when they do break something (feed dog, needle bar, etc), the repairs are much more. I'm not saying the average person can't do it, just that most won't take the time to do it right. Heck, I even let people use tools & supplies to do their own work. Sometimes I even talk them through it.