Author: Abigail Grenz

Posted on

Our Marine Fabricator Magazine Article

Recently, we got the privilege to be published in the Marine Fabricator Magazine about our new shop space!

“Adjusting to a Bigger Shop” discusses the challenges and benefits we faced when transitioning to a larger workspace here at Chicago Marine Canvas. Emphasizing the importance of planning and organizing when expanding, we had some considerations to think about. Workflow optimization, equipment upgrades, and employee training, all had to be thought of. When upgrading the number of floors, we are also upgrading our productivity too!

Click here to read it in full!

The magazine article highlights the real-life experiences of our fabricators who have successfully adjusted to a larger shop. Showcasing the positive impact it has on productivity, efficiency, and the ability to take on larger projects, our new shop has made many improvements. Ultimately, the article encourages other fabricators to carefully assess their needs and develop a strategic plan when transitioning to a bigger shop. It has led to significant growth opportunities for us and it can for you too!

Posted on

Dodger, Bimini and Frame Adjustment

Our team recently undertook an exciting project to update the dodger on a Jeanneau Yacht, customized to meet the specific needs of our valued customer. Dodgers are undoubtedly a perfect addition to any boat, much like bimini tops, providing protection and enhancing the overall boating experience. In this case, we focused on increasing the height of the dodger to ensure optimal functionality and comfort for the customer.

One of the notable features of this updated dodger is its windows, which are crafted from a polycarbonate semi-rigid material. This choice offers several advantages, including exceptional clarity that allows for unobstructed views of the surrounding environment. Furthermore, the material’s impressive durability guarantees that it will withstand the challenges of marine environments, while also providing effective rain protection. With this dodger in place, the customer can confidently enjoy their time on the yacht, even in adverse weather conditions

In addition to the top-notch materials used for the windows, we pride ourselves on the quality of the entire dodger construction. The thread and fabric utilized in most of our projects are of the highest caliber, ensuring longevity and strength. 

We encourage you to visit Montrose Harbor to see the impressive results of this dodger update. You’ll find this project to be a testament to our expertise and dedication to meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations.

Posted on

Dockside Decking and Infinity Carpeting

On this Cruisers Yacht we made correlating dockside decking and infinity carpeting.

Most places offer one service or the other, but here at Chicago Marine Canvas we offer both. By providing both we are able to make sure both the carpeting and decking perfectly match.

These floorings provide durability to protect your boat from external elements. These materials are waterproof and UV proof. 

Dockside Decking is a polyethylene based; UV-resistant closed-cell PE/EVA foam product currently available in over 10 color patterns.

It’s a revolutionary non-skid marine flooring product designed for rugged marine environments. 

It’s soft on your feet and provides excellent traction when wet or dry.

In addition to its good looks, Dockside Decking won’t absorb those troublesome liquids typically found on deck.

Such as motor oil, fish blood, red wine or beer! Lastly, it is easy to clean and is stain resistant.

Infinity Fabrics Luxury Woven Vinyl® is not only beautiful but it is very functional marine carpeting. It is featured in many 2015 boat models such as Brunswick Boat Group, Chaparral Boats, Cruiser Yachts, Marquis Yachts, Tiara Yachts, Tracker Marine, and many, many more…

Upgrading to Infinity Fabrics Luxury Woven Vinyl® carpeting has never been easier. We can pattern any boat’s interior or exterior and fit it with the carpeting via glue down, snaps or it can lay on its own. A common practice of boaters which current carpeting that fits well is having us cut the new carpeting based off the old. This not only saves you money but provides a great solution most of the time. There are new designs rolling out all the time and over 100 designs and patterns to choose from.

Posted on

Quilted Sun Pad

This project was customized to perfectly fit the costumer’s boat and vision. For this sun pad we used Sunbrella Horizon fabric along with a quilted pattern. There are over 50 standard quilting patterns available to choose from. 

This sun pad has built in headrests help with max comfort while relaxing. Sunpads are made with 3″ tampered foam, whereas the head rests are elevated to 6″. We also have custom foam cutting which is able to level the pads on a convex bow.

Sunpads can be made with either vinyl or upholstery fabrics. Both options offer many benefits. Sunbrella is known for having high quality worry-free fabric.

The fabrics are durable and perfect for indoor and outdoor projects. Sunbrella fabrics are resistant to abrasions, weather, mold and mildew. 

Sunbrella has won many awards for their fabric designs. They offer hundreds of colors, and a wide range of patterns. While the fabrics are comfortable and durable, they are also very easy to clean. 

 

Posted on

Exterior Upholstery

For this Sea Ray Sundancer we did a full boat of exterior upholstery. The cushions and chairs were made using Polari sand Dollar and Beluga Mocha fabrics. Along with ActiveFoam Vinyl. 

A diamond pattern can be found throughout the pieces to add extra details. 

Chicago Marine Canvas uses the best upholstery fabrics, vinyls and faux leathers. Which are all certified for marine use. All fabrics are not only comfortable but also highly durable.

The customer wanted Sea Ray embroidered onto different pieces. Since embroidery is fully custom, any words or logos can be embroidered. 

Posted on

Rigid Enclosure

For this Searay Sundancer we made a rigid enclosure using Tuffak (Markolon) polycarbonate material for the windows. This material does not shrink or stretch in the sun, which keeps it looking as good a new for years. 

We used SolarFix thread for these windows. SolarFix is a PTFE (PolyTetraFlouroEthylene) thread because of what it is made out of it has a lifetime guarantee. It is UV resistant and resistant to chemicals too, so this means that this customer will never need any re-stitching repairs. For zippers we used Lenzip plastic molded zippers which also have a lifetime guarantee on them.

Posted on

Custom Sun Pads

These sun pads were installed just in time for Memorial Day at the Hammond Marina in Indiana. This project was customized to perfectly fit the costumer’s boat and vision.  

 

 

These sun pads were made using Sunbrella’s Adaptation Indigo fabric, which comes with a 5-year warranty. It was also made with Dri-Fast Foam that causes it to dry very fast. Since Drifast foam is a firm open celled foam that is very porous, it allows water to run through it easily, instead of absorbing it like other closed cell foams.

These sun pads have built in headrests help with max comfort while relaxing. Sunpads are made with 3″ tampered foam, whereas the head rests are elevated to 6″. It has integrated pockets and cup holders in the headrest to hold drinks, phones, and other valuables. No more having to worry about your phone sliding into the water while you’re relaxing. 

Posted on

Custom Embroidery

Close-Up of Embroidered Logo

Chicago Marine Canvas offers custom embroidery for all of your boating needs. We can embroider on upholster, canvas and other items. All we need is a picture of your boat name or design and let our experts take it from there.

What is embroidery? Embroidery is a way to decorate fabric using thread and a machine similar to a sewing machine. Since the designs are custom, we are able to add any words or images that you want making your boat more personalized. We have many color options of thread to perfectly match your design. And no design is too simple or too complicated. Embroidered designs are highly durable and should last a lifetime. It can withstand pressure, damage, and doesn’t fade. Which is perfect to withstand wear and tear that may occur on a boat, or when washing.

What can I embroider? Almost any fabric project can be personalized using embroidery. Such as boarding mats, that can be placed down moments before a guest boards and be easily cleaned at the end of the day. Another popular option is boat chairs, where people often put a unique design. We can also embroidery on a wide range of hats, sweatshirts, towels, polos, activewear and everything and anything apparel. This is a great way to show off your personal brand while boating!

Please contact us if you have any questions about embroidery or want to get started on your own customized project.


 

 

Custom Embroidered Boat Chair
Custom Embroidered Boat Chair w/ Boat Logo
Posted on

Custom Sunpads / Bow Pads Features

Custom Sunpads have many features that make them the perfect addition to any boat.

Built-in-Pockets / Custom Sunpads

 

The Sunpads are made with a Dri-Fast foam, that causes it to dry very fast. Since Drifast foam is a firm open celled foam that is very porous, it allows water to run through it easily, instead of absorbing it like other closed cell foams. After a hard morning rain, Sunpads will be dried out by the afternoon which means no more soggy Sunpads!

Nothing is better than built in pockets, which is why Custom Sunpads have pockets along the sides to hold your valuables. No more having to worry about your phone sliding into the water while you’re relaxing.

Built in headrests help with max comfort while relaxing on Sunpads. Sunpads are made with 3″ tampered foam, whereas the head rests are elevated to 6″. We also have custom foam cutting which is able to level the pads on a convex bow.

Tapered-Foam / Custom Sunpads

The Sunpads are made with a high-quality fabric from Sunbrella. When using a fabric with a pattern, fabric pattern matching is done to keep the Sunpad’s design visually aligned and flowing at the seams and edges. Little details like this are important to ensure that the product is not only high quality, but visually appealing. The image pictured shows our commonly made Sunpads. But we are able to make all different types which are featured on our Bow Pads page.

We all know that Chicago is known for being windy, that’s why we make sure that the Sunpads are securely attached to the boats.