Boats and Beyond: Vince Innocenzi’s Chicago Marine Canvas

Chicago Marine Canvas had the honor of being featured in Specialty Fabrics Review July 2024 issue.  You can read the whole article by clicking the following link: Boats and beyond: Vince Innocenzi’s Chicago Marine Canvas – Specialty Fabrics Review. Alternatively, we’ve also attached a copy of the publication below. 

Moreover, we want to thank the Advanced Textiles Association and Organic Headshots located in Chicago, IL for making this possible. It was a delight to work with Organic Headshots and their team of highly professional and talented individuals.

Vince Innocenzi’s Chicago Marine Canvas takes a digital-first approach to marine coverings and more.

FeaturesPerspective | July 1, 2024 | By: Joanna Werch Takes

Vince Innocenzi of Chicago Marine Canvas. Photography by Organic Headshots
Vince Innocenzi of Chicago Marine Canvas. Photography by Organic Headshots

Vince Innocenzi’s Chicago Marine Canvas business started with a coincidence. A boat owner himself, he noticed that the boat in a neighboring slip at the marina had been uncovered for months. At the time, he was working as a banker, with a side business importing patio furniture and selling it online. He also was starting to offer custom cushions for the patio furniture. 

“I wasn’t really thinking about boats,” Innocenzi recalls, “and then I ran into the other boat owner. He said he couldn’t get anyone to come out, and I thought, ‘Why don’t we try to do a boat cover?’ It just kind of snowballed from there.”

That was in 2018. Since then, Chicago Marine Canvas has outgrown three locations and expanded its staff. He closed the patio furniture business after selling all of its inventory during the pandemic. He quit banking and now works full time at Chicago Marine Canvas.

In addition to Innocenzi, current staff consists of an upholsterer, a field technician/installer, an office manager and a sewing team of four people that includes a manager. Of the offices located eight blocks west of Chicago’s Wrigley Field, he says, “It’s nice being in that metropolitan setting where you draw on a few different resources for hiring.” He has hired graduates of Chicago’s fashion schools for a year or two before they move on to their dream jobs as well as immigrants skilled in sewing and knowledgeable about the work’s digital aspects.

Straight into Digital

“Most people in this industry will learn a pattern by hand—paper, plastic, whatever method they use—but I jumped straight into doing it digitally,” he says. He creates his patterns using computer-aided design (CAD) software. For pattern transfer, he says, “The first automated table we had to actually put the pattern on the fabric was just a plotter, so it just drew lines on the fabric and then we would cut it with scissors or a hot knife, depending on the material.”

A landing gear and engine covers project for United Airlines that used a total of 4,000 yards of material led to switching the plotter for a plotter/cutter option. “Then, when we moved to our present location, I actually found another automated table through an auction that I got a notification of through the ATA,” he says. “We went out to Pennsylvania, disassembled the machine, took it all apart in a day, loaded it onto a truck, brought it back to our shop and put it all together ourselves. And magically, it worked. So right now, we have two automated tables when it comes to cutting.”

Innocenzi and his field technician measure dimensions for boat covers and most other projects with a Proliner portable measuring tool made by Prodim of Fort Pierce, Fla. However, reupholstering existing seat cushions with new vinyl is more challenging to measure digitally, “so that is something that we still hand pattern,” Innocenzi says. “So we still kind of do some things manually, but I would say 90% is through that automated process.”

Beyond boats

Chicago Marine Canvas also makes things other than boat covers, including residential outdoor covers for grilling areas and patio enclosures. Expanding beyond marine projects, he says, offers the opportunity to even out workflow throughout the year. “Anywhere outside of where it’s warm year-round, you struggle in the wintertime. It’s always been kind of a puzzle for me: I want to increase staff for the summer to keep up with demand, but I don’t want to lay people off in the wintertime. So we have to get creative with what we do.”

Last year, for example, the company made 18,000 heavy-duty tote bags the state of Illinois used to collect gravel from quarries to test for use in concrete road construction. Chicago Marine Canvas also made canvas frames with isinglass windows to shelter drivers of electric bicycles that tow cargo holds. It also welded the frames for those canvas covers.

“People call us when they can’t find anyone else to do it,” Innocenzi says, citing a project for Hormel Foods. “They have X-ray machines that the packaged food goes through to make sure there’s no contaminants, and those X-ray machines are north of $100,000. So they had us come out and make custom covers for all of these machines because overnight, they’ll wash everything down with different cleaning solutions, and they don’t want the machines to get damaged.”

In addition to canvas projects, upholstery and flooring, Chicago Marine Canvas bends aluminum tubing to support the framing of bimini tops and dodgers and welds aluminum for rigid structures. “We’re using social media now to get the word out that we don’t just make boat covers. We do more than just one thing,” he says. “I would like to think everyone knows everything we do, but they ultimately don’t.”

Social, word-of-mouth marketing

A calendar of Facebook and Instagram topics determined at the beginning of the year highlights various projects. For example, spring discussions might focus on bow pads for the front of the boat because people like to enjoy the outdoors during the summer. “In the fall,” he says, “we’ll start talking about winter covers, maybe some more residential projects of covering outside kitchen areas or grills.”

Innocenzi says his most successful marketing comes through word of mouth on the docks. “One boat owner’s happy with our project, they’ll speak to all their neighbors, or neighbors will see they got new canvas or new upholstery.”

He’s particularly proud of a dodger and bimini top project that received an Outstanding Achievement award in the Marine Fabricators Association 2024 Fabrication Excellence Awards. A sailboat charter owner wanted a wider bimini top to offer more shade and an elongated dodger to provide both comfort and a secure space to keep his dog from falling overboard. (See sidebar.)

Innocenzi says, “The nice thing about doing the designs in the digital world was we were able to take preliminary measurements of the boat and send [the client] a rendering of what the new canvas and framing would look like” in advance of fabrication.

Innocenzi’s pride in that project and others extends to aesthetics. He says, “I think that what makes this industry unique is that you want to protect the boat and its occupants, but there’s also an artistic aspect of it where you want to make it look beautiful.” 

Joanna Werch Takes is a freelance writer and editor based in Minnesota.

SIDEBAR: Project Snapshot

Purposeful pet space

Vince Innocenzi is particularly proud of the project “Woody Wants a New Dodger,” which received an Outstanding Achievement award in the Marine Fabricators Association 2024 Fabrication Excellence Awards. Woody is the name of the dog of the commissioning charter sailboat owner. 

“[The client] was moving the rigging around when he had guests on board to actually sail the boat,” Innocenzi explains. “So, the existing frame he had would not work, and he wanted to expand the dodgers so his dog could fit on the boat in a comfortable area and not possibly fall overboard.”

Chicago Marine Canvas elongated the dodgers on more than one of the charter company’s boats, moving them forward and remaking them “in a way that looks really nice, but it’s more secure also,” Innocenzi says. The team also widened the bimini tops to provide more shade. 

Using a digital design process, Chicago Marine Canvas took preliminary measurements and sent the boat owner a rendering of the new canvas and framing before manufacturing anything. Innocenzi says, “We went back and forth a couple of times on the design and kind of narrowed things down so everything was exactly how he wanted it. It was a real nice process flow, start to finish.” 

SIDEBAR: Q&A

What is your business philosophy?

Always do what’s right for the customer. We rarely turn down a request. A customer just bought a 46-foot boat. He sold his 24-foot boat that we did a great job on the cover for a few years ago. He was happy with a small project back then, and it’s exponentially larger now. I know that if we go the extra mile on one project, it’ll pay out tenfold once we get referrals.

Marine Fabricators Association 2024 Fabrication Excellence Award

325-Dufour-Dodger-Connector-BiminiChicago Marine Canvas was recognized during the 2024 Fabrication Excellence Awards, a competition celebrating design excellence in marine fabric applications. The awards ceremony took place during the Marine Fabricators Conference held January 25-27, 2024. Chicago Marine Canvas received an Outstanding Achievement award for its Woody Wants a New Dodger project. The project was recognized in the competition’s Sailboat Dodgers & Biminis category. 

325-Dufour-Mast-WindowMFA received a total of 104 entries submitted in 11 categories in this year’s competition. Winners were selected based on complexity, design, workmanship, uniqueness and function. Judges were certified Master Fabric Craftsman professionals or professionals with 10+ years of experience who were chosen for their knowledge in a particular product area.

325-Dufour-Dodger-InteriorAll entries receive prominent recognition at the Marine Fabricators Conference. Entrants receive additional publicity through coverage in the Marine Fabricator and winners not only receive additional
coverage in the Marine Fabricator but also on the MFA website and in future MFA marketing material.

325-Dufour-Dodger-StarboardThe goal of the awards is to promote awareness of the marine fabrics used in marine products and applications ranging in size and type.

profileThe Fabrication Excellence Awards is a competition sponsored by MFA, a division of Advanced Textiles
Association (ATA), a not-for-profit trade association whose over 1,500-member companies represent the international specialty fabrics and technical textiles marketplace.

Marine Fabricators Association 2023 Regional Great Lakes Conference

Chicago Marine Canvas welcomes over 75 fabricators and vendors to the 2023 Marine Fabricators Association Midwest Regional Conference
Chicago Marine Canvas welcomes over 75 fabricators and vendors to the 2023 Marine Fabricators Association Midwest Regional Conference

On Friday November 17, 2023, Marine Fabricators Association 2023 Regional Great Lakes Conference was hosted at Chicago Marine Canvas. Marine Fabricators Association members from across the country and different parts of the world including, New Zealand and Canada, traveled to the Windy City to be part of the two-day event being held at Chicago Marine Canvas. Fellow business owners, members of the MFA board, vendors, marine sewers and upholsters, and people wanting to learn more about the marine fabrication industry made up the list of attendees for the 2023 MFA Great Lakes Regional Workshop.

Everyone that attended this event did so for various reasons, maybe to learn something new, to network, to share business and product information, to exchange and expand their skills, or simply to be in the same space as like-minded business owners and partners.  Regardless of the reasons, Chicago Marine Canvas worked hard to ensure that there was something for everyone to take home with them by covering topics like:

  • Enclosures
  • Shop Safety 101
  • Shop Trucks
  • Sewing Machine and Cutting Tables Demonstrations
  • Upholstery

Enclosures

Chicago Marine Canvas owner Vince Innocenzi shows how to measure an enclosure with a Prodim Proliner

Using top of the line technology, Chicago Marine Canvas demonstrated how they take digital 3D patterns, design their covers in CAD software and fit their enclosures on a 1:1 scale frame. Not only that but they also fabricated windows from polycarbonate, pressed polished and rolled glass materials, discussing, and providing various examples of each one along the way.  Chicago Marine Canvas showed their sewing processes and fitting of the bimini top with different types of window panels.

Shop Safety 101

Shop Safety 101

We covered some common sense practices in the workplace, such as how work with sharp tools, equipment, potent chemicals, very loud noises, and other hazards, discussing the basic steps that every shop can take to ensure a safe workspace.  One key takeaway from the Shop Safety 101 discussion that surprised many fellow marine fabrication business owners, was the discussion of ototoxicants, certain chemicals that may cause hearing loss through exposure. This goes to show that there’s always something essential to learn in the marine fabrication industry.

Shop Trucks

Marine Tops Unlimited shop truck
Marine Tops Unlimited shop truck

Chicago Marine Canvas partnered up with Steve Griffith from Marine Tops Unlimited to show off their two different shop trucks. All the attendees were able to learn some of the tricks of the trade that both Chicago Marine Canvas and Marine Tops Unlimited use while they are on the road. Some of these cool features include custom made storage and drawers that Chicago Marine Canvas installed in their shop truck to ensure that they always have a secure spot for all their tools and equipment while they are on the road. 

On the other hand, Marine Tops Unlimited showed off their sewing machine along with the bits of fabrics and different kinds of thread that they keep on board for any quick and easy last-minute adjustments. Being able to see the different kinds of features from two different shop trucks, allowed the attendees of the MFA Great Lakes Regional Workshop to start thinking about how they too can start rolling in style by getting or modifying their shop trucks, in whichever way best meets their own marine fabrication industry needs when they are on the road.

Sewing Machine and Cutting Tables Demonstrations

Showing off our Double Needle Juki sewing machine and how it applies to upholstery projects

By continuing with a hands-on-approach, Chicago Marine Canvas displayed how they use a variety of sewing machines such as straight stitch, double needle, long arm, embroidery, and many other specialty sewing machines as well. There were a few brave attendees that dared to try out an unfamiliar sewing machine for themselves and a few other lucky ones were able to snag a custom keychain made by one of the Chicago Marine Canvas team members.

Almost 100 years old, this Singer sewing machine is still in use
Almost 100 years old, this Singer sewing machine is still in use

Team members demonstrated their Prosail and Gerber automated fabric cutting tables which are used in their production process. The tables have the capability of not only cutting a variety of windows but also the polycarbonate, Strataglass and rolled eisenglass used on boat windows.

Upholstery  

An in-depth conversation about reupholstering commonly found seats for Sea Ray Sundancers
An in-depth conversation about reupholstering commonly found seats for Sea Ray Sundancers

The conference concluded with an in depth look at the process of reupholstering seats on a Sea Ray Sundancer. Chicago Marine Canvas explained the steps taken to prepare, pattern and upholster some of the common seats found on cruiser style boats. One of the more time-consuming steps in the process is foam preparation which is the foundation of any upholstered piece. The group discussed the many different ways to achieve a great looking cushion at the end.

Special Thanks

Chicago Marine Canvas showcasing their Prosail automated fabric cutting table
Chicago Marine Canvas showcasing their Prosail automated fabric cutting table

Chicago Marine Canvas wants to thank all of those that attended. It was great to see old friends and make some new ones too! We look forward to collaborating with everyone at the national convention in January.  This event wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the Chicago Marine Canvas team, the members of the MFA board, and everyone else who attended and made the 2023 MFA Great Lakes Regional Workshop a memorable one.  Chicago Marine Canvas would like to extend a special thanks to all the vendors and sponsors of the event including:

  • AP Consulting and Technical Services
  • Continental
  • Ennis Fabrics
  • Fasnap
  • Herculite Products Inc.
  • Keyston Bros
  • Marlen Textiles
  • Miami Corporation
  • Sattler Corp.
  • Serge Ferrari Group
  • Sunbrella
  • Trivantage
  • WeatherMAX Performance Fabrics
  • Xtreme Seal

Sunbrella Marine Canvas & Upholstery Cleaners

Sunbrella Marine Canvas and Upholstery

It’s no secret that owning a boat has both its pros and cons but if you’re here you know that the pros heavily outweigh the cons. Whether you’re an established boat owner or a new one, owning a boat is a significant investment which is why you need to protect this investment. To get the most out of your boat, you need to treat your boat and all its components with great care and attention so that it not only performs well but also looks good for years to come. One of the best ways to ensure that your boat is in tip-top shape and ready to go is by keeping up with the cleanliness of it.

At Chicago Marine Canvas we work with many different companies and vendors to provide you with top notch results when you decide to start a new boating project or repair with us. However, when it comes to custom marine canvas covers and upholstery or re-upholstery, Sunbrella is the number one marine grade fabric we recommend and use due to its long-lasting, high quality, unparalleled quality and performance. Now, Sunbrella has released three brand new products specially formulated for Sunbrella to clean, extract, and restore your Sunbrella marine canvas and upholstery, all which will be available at Chicago Marine Canvas.

Sunbrella Clean Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner 16-oz Trigger SprayClean

Many times, customers reach out to us at Chicago Marine Canvas asking what they can use to clean their custom Sunbrella marine canvas covers and upholstery. When repairs are dropped off at the shop, it’s common to see dirt and grime from everyday use. Similarly, when we go out to boats to take measurements and do installations for new projects, we’ll typically encounter messes from food, drinks, and pets which is to be expected and completely normal. However, the question remains – what can you safely use to clean these common spills and messes on your Sunbrella marine canvas and upholstery?

The answer is Sunbrella Clean Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner. This is your go-to multi-purpose cleaner and it comes in a 16-oz. trigger spray bottle that works great on everyday dirt, grime, spills, and water-based stains. All you do is remove excess liquid and debris from any stain before cleaning. Then, spray a light mist evenly over soiled areas and gently agitate with a soft bristle brush before wiping with a damp cloth or rinsing thoroughly. Repeat this as needed and finish off by blotting any excess water remaining and air dry.

Sunbrella Extract Oil Based Stain RemoverExtract

Although Sunbrella Clean Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner powers through spills and stains to safely clean and brighten all Sunbrella fabrics, it works best on water-based stains and newer, everyday spills. Oftentimes, existing customers will come back to Chicago Marine Canvas to get a repair done or start a new project and they’ll have older, set in stains in their Sunbrella Marine canvas or Sunbrella Marine upholstery and express that they can’t find anything to remove these stubborn stains. 

This does not mean that they’ll have to replace their Sunbrella Marine canvas or upholstery altogether thanks to the Sunbrella Extract Oil Based Stain Remover. Sunbrella Extract Oil Based Stain Remover draws out the toughest, most set-in grease and oil-based stains for quick and easy removal. This product comes in a 5-oz. spray can and works with an easy two-step process for quick removal.

RestoreSunbrella Restore Fabric Protector & Repellent 16-oz Trigger Spray

Not only does Sunbrella offer the Sunbrella Clean Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner for every day, water-based stains, and the Sunbrella Extract Oil Based Stain Remover for tougher, set-in oil-based stains, they also offer a product that will help protect and restore all your Sunbrella marine canvas and upholstery. Sunbrella Restore Fabric Protector and Repellent adds an invisible layer of protection and restores water repellency without impacting the look or feel of your Sunbrella marine canvas and upholstery. Sunbrella Restore Fabric Protector and Repellent comes in a 16-oz. trigger spray bottle that is ideal for cleaning upholstery, cushions, fabric awnings, boat covers, bimini tops, canvas, and other water-safe Sunbrella fabrics.

All you do is spray Sunbrella Restore Fabric Protector and Repellent directly onto clean, dry fabric until evenly saturated, overlapping in a crisscross pattern and let it dry, without oversaturating. Cure the treated material 12-24 hours depending on the temperature and protect the Sunbrella fabric from rain or dew until it is fully cured. If you’re still unsure about what Sunbrella cleaning product to use on your Sunbrella marine canvas and upholstery, please refer the Sunbrella Cleaning Guide, where you can find both at-home solutions and Sunbrella solutions for anything from pesky bird droppings, coffee spills (we’ve all been there!), stains from cosmetic products, and not so fun ones like vomit and rust. 

Triple Tapered Sunpads

Sea Ray Sundancer 370 Triple Tapered Sun PadsRecently, Chicago Marine Canvas had the opportunity to work on this Sea Ray Sundancer 370, pictured on the right. The Sea Ray Sundancer 370 is one of the newest members of the award-winning Sundancer family that blends the properties of a cruiser, bowrider, and coupe into one sleek vessel. While the Sea Ray Sundancer 370 already offers impressive amenities and innovative technology, Chicago Marine Canvas was able to upgrade this vessel and take it to another level. The addition of custom made triple tapered sun pads fit in perfectly with the rest of the Sea Ray Sundancer 370’s aesthetic details.

Sea Ray Sundancer 370 Triple Tapered Sun PadsThis project, like many others, came with its own set of challenges but you can count on Chicago Marine Canvas to have the right tools and skills to bring your boating ideas to life! As shown on the left, the triple tapered sun pads had to be precisely cut and measured to perfectly fit around the three windows located on the Sea Ray Sundancer 370’s bow. Using a 3D portable printer, Chicago Marine Canvas was able to achieve this and maximize space, which is exactly what the customer wanted.  Not only do the triple tapered sun pads fit like a glove, but they are also made from Serge Ferrari Batyline Elios upholstery fabric in the color “Spring.” Serge Ferrari Batyline Elios has exceptional abrasion, UV, and mold resistance while also being waterproof and easy to clean.

While Chicago Marine Canvas has done many custom made sun pads in the past, this project called for a more unique approach. What do you see when you look over at the picture on the right? At first glance, these may appear to be just three standard sun pads, right? Look closely! We tapered the foam from 3” on the inside to 6” on the outside to create a flat surface on a convex fiberglass topside. This ensures that whoever lays on these custom made triple tapered sun pads, does not slide off the boat. Another neat feature is the Solarfix PTFE thread used to sew these triple tapered sun pads, which is commonly used in marine upholstery due to its multiple high-quality properties. Solarfix PTFE thread is known for being exceptionally UV light and chemical resistant. This guarantees that the sun pads will be long lasting and safe to maintain with most cleaners.

Sea Ray Sundancer 370 Triple Tapered Sun PadsNothing’s worse than trying to relax on a beautiful sunny day with a cool drink in hand but having nowhere to set it down in between sips. Except maybe having your phone, keys, or other valuables fall into the water because you didn’t have a secure spot to set them down. What if you want a place to rest your head? Perhaps you could use any old pillow. Well, when you choose to get custom made sun pads by Chicago Marine Canvas, you don’t have to worry about any of that. Check out the custom headrests and pockets behind the headrests on these triple tapered sun pads. There are also built-in cupholders in the headrests which can be omitted or added based on your preferences.