Vince Innocenzi, Author at Chicago Marine Canvas | Custom Boat Covers

November 14, 2016December 4, 2023

38′ Lagoon Catamaran – Laced On Bimini

This 38′ Lagoon Catamaran needed a new boat cover. This bimini had a different design needed then most of the boats we work on. It needed to be laced on around the metal framing on the boat.

For this cover we used Sunbrella fabric in the color Captain’s Navy. We used GORE Tenara thread in black which is guaranteed to last a life time, and we used Lenzip zippers, which are also guaranteed to last a life time as well.

We had to reenforce a lot of areas on this cover because of possible rubbing on the metal framing, as well as rubbing from the boom. To do this we add another piece of fabric, or some webbing to add extra strength and durability to the piece. We also included a roll up section on the cover for the captain to have good visibility!

This cover turned out great and we again have another happy customer!

November 11, 2016December 4, 2023

37′ Sea Ray – Full Enclosure

This 37′ Sea Ray needed a new marine canvas! The owners decided to go with a full enclosure design.

This cover was constructed with Black Sunbrella fabric and sewn with GORE Tenara thread. GORE Tenara thread is guaranteed to last a life time! It’s great for your boat cover because it is UV resistant, chemical resistant, acid rain resistant, and salt water resistant. It’s also made with a non fading pigment to ensure that your sew lines will always look as good as they did on the first day you put your boat cover up! The customer decided to go with Strataglass for their windows we constructed. We made five forward windows for this Sea Ray that attached to a smaller forward bimini and one big drop down aft cover with a single window. This aft piece attaches to the radar arch using a piece of kedar we sewed to the pack panel.

This cover turned out great and will be keeping this boat dry when there’s a rainy day in Chicago!

November 11, 2016December 4, 2023

32′ Forumla – Cockpit Cover

For this 32′ Forumla we designed a cockpit cover. Using our 3D portable measuring instrument we were able to design a new marine canvas using CAD software.

For this cockpit cover we used marine grade Sunbrella fabric in Charcoal Grey using DOT snaps in black enamel to bring out the black pinstripe on the boat! We also used black Gore Tenara thread which is guaranteed to last a life time!

To help bring air flow into the cockpit when the cover is up, we used Boat Vent II pole holder. This boat cover turned out great and now this 32′ Formula can stay dry and free from other debris when hits owner isn’t around!

November 10, 2016December 4, 2023

31′ Tiara – Open Enclosure

The owner’s of the 31′ Tiara reached out to us for a new open enclosure. Using our 3D portable measuring device we made a design using CAD software to create this marine cover.

The customer decided on Sunbrella Black canvas for this new enclosure along with Strataglass for their new windows. The customer decided to have us construct this new boat cover using Gore Tenara thread which is guaranteed to last a life time from weather, water, and sun! We also used Lenzip zippers on this enclosure between all of the panels on the boat that also come with a lifetime guarantee.

The back consists of three drop down panels that easily roll up to open up access to the back end of the boat.

We also created a one piece Aft
cover for this boat which consisted of only Sunbrella fabric that attached to the radar arch using Silver DOT snaps to attach to the boat.

November 10, 2016December 4, 2023

30′ Bayliner Ciera – Full Enclosure

This customer called us up telling us about their 30′ Bayliner Ciera which was in need of a full enclosure! This customer wanted maximum visibility with their new marine canvas!

The first step in this process was having the customer pick out the materials they wanted us to use to fabricate their enclosure. They picked a Sunbrella Navy fabric, Lenzip zippers, Navy DOT snaps, Gore Tenara thread, which has a lifetime guarantee from weather, sun, and water, and double polished Eisenglass.

After the customer picked out the materials they wanted us to use, we started the design process. For the Aft part of the boat, we designed four large panels that were mainly glass, for the maximum visibility.

For the Forward part of the boat, we created five large windows. We again used mostly Eisenglass to create the forward panels giving this cover a nice clean look to it.

At the end of this project this boat looks great from the inside out with its brand new full enclosure!

November 10, 2016December 4, 2023

24′ Bayliner Ciera – Cockpit Cover

This boat owner reached out to us in desperate need of a new cockpit cover for his 24′ Bayliner Ciera. In speaking with him he said he could have the worst cockpit cover we’ve ever seen currently on his boat, he wasn’t kidding! This cover was old, faded, and falling apart. It simply wasn’t doing the job anymore!

So, the customer decided that he wanted a cockpit cover that started at the top of the windshield for easy on/off accessibility instead of over the windshield which provides maximum protection.

It was sewn with Sunbrella Captain’s Navy canvas and Gore Tenara heavy marine grade thread, which comes with a lifetime guarantee not to degrade from the weather, sun, or water!

A mix of DOT snap and twist fasteners were used on the project along with a Boat Vent II pole holder which allows air flow into the cockpit while the cover is up. In the end, this project turned out great! This cover helped make this boat look more clean and up to date!

May 9, 2016

Cruisers Yachts 3672 Express

This Cuisers Yachts 3672 Express was a great project to work on! The owner recently purchased this yacht in Wisconsin last November. We were able to measure 3D via our Proliner with the wind blowing 25 mph+. The owner went with top notch materials and it shows.

Canvas

Sunbrella Supreme Marine (Black on Black) – Sunbrella Supreme is a luxurious, waterproof exterior marine fabric featuring Sunbrella canvas on the exterior face and a special Sunbrella flocking on the reverse side. The unique bonding process creates a waterproof Sunbrella canvas with a beautifully soft headliner underneath.
Makrolon AR2

Forward Windows

Markrolon – Makrolon AR2 abrasion resistant polycarbonate sheet offers superior abrasion resistance and glasslike surface hardness, along with the impact strength of polycarbonate. It features a unique clear hard coat finish that resists all types of abuse, from physical attack to chemicals and spray paint. Additionally, Makrolon AR2 offers resistance from yellowing and hazing for longer service life in high profile applications.
Crusiers Yachts 3672 Express Aft Enclosure

Aft Windows

Strataglass – A remarkably clear and scratch-resistant vinyl sheet, Strataglass performs well in boat curtain, automotive window and awning applications, where perfection of clarity and lack of distortion are demanded. This premium, flexible vinyl sheet resists scratching from handling, etching from industrial fallout and damaging effects from the sun’s rays. Made in the USA.

February 24, 2016June 9, 2022

Cockpit Covers

Cockpit covers are one of the most common types of boat covers used in the marine industry. These types of covers can be used on all types of powerboats and have different variations available.

Most extend from the top of the windshield toward the aft of the boat. Another option is to extend the cover over the windshield protecting the windshield and the dashboard area from constant direct sunlight. Have you ever seen a dashboard that faded out, an over the windshield cockpit cover would have helped postponed this fading.

Cockpit Cover in Sunbrella Charcoal Grey

Frequently the boat covers are connected with button snaps but there are also other variations of fasteners that can be used. Twist the Dot and Lift the Dot fasteners can be beneficial in specific situations where there is extreme tension on the canvas.

Multiple types of fabric can be used for the cover. Sunbrella is a popular option and has over 70 fabric options in marine grade canvas available. A complete list of available can be found here – Sunbrella Samples . WeatherMax has super high strength and durability combine with long-term color retention and is cost-effective fabric available for marine covers and tops. Both fabrics have outstanding durability, high water repellent and excellent breathability.

Cockpit Cover with "Mesh" CAD rendering — Cockpit Cover with “Mesh” CAD rendering

We measure all of our cockpit covers via 3D and build out the design in CAD software. This provides for a great fitting cover that will be enjoyed for years to come. Some of the pictures show the rendered design in a “Mesh” along with the finish product. Please contact us with any of your cockpit cover needs.

Baliner Cockpit Cover in Sunbrella Marine Blue Tweed

February 19, 2016February 19, 2016

39′ Carver Aft Cabin Flybridge Enclosure – Let’s Dance

3D Rendering of Flybridge — We measure in 3D and construct the enclosures in CAD software providing an efficient way to fabricate enclosures.

We were contacted by the owner to fabricate a new Flybridge Enclosure during the off-season while the boat was being stored indoor at Marine Services in Dolton, IL, a class A facility. The owner requested the enclosure to be similar to the existing enclosure with roll up windows on the center panel along with the port and starboard side windows. The yacht has a larger size bimini with 4 bows and arch attachment aft along with a total of 7 panels. This was a very fun project and we have a complete list of materials used below too.

Exterior View Forward Port

SeaMark Canvas – SeaMark is a great option for bimini tops. It’s essentially Sunbrella fabric with a rubberized coating which provides 100% waterproof protection.
Sunbrella Canvas – In addition to the SeaMark, we used Sunbrella fabric which is lighter than the SeaMark and is great for constructing the panels.
Strataglass (40 gauge clear) – This type of isenglass is perfect for the midwest climate. It’s scratch and UV resistant providing 10+ years of enjoyment. It won’t yellow like traditional double polished isenglass and has a minimal shrinkage of 1-2%.
Interior View Forward Port

GORE® TENARA® Sewing Threa – Manufactured from 100 percent expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), the chemical name for Teflon® from DuPont. Expanded PTFE is two to three times stronger than conventional PTFE. Is your thread breaking down? Then you don’t have Tenara which is guaranteed for life!
Lenzip Zippers – Located in Rolling Meadows, Lenzip offers a lifetime guarantee on all of their zippers and is an excellent choice for marine grade zippers.
DOT Fasteners – we used DOT black enamel snaps to give the panels a nice clean finished look.

Interior Bimini Top – Wrinkle Free Boating!

Where's the Zipper? — Where’s the Zipper? We use a technique to hide the zippers between panels resulting in a clean finish inside and out!

February 14, 2016February 14, 2016

Chicago Harbors 2016 Weekend Schedule

Date	Event	Location
May 1st	Harbors are Officially Open
May 27th – 30th	Memorial Day Weekend
May 28th – September 3rd	Navy Pier Fireworks every Wednesday 9:3o pm and Saturday 10:15 pm	Navy Pier
June 10th-12th	America’s Cup World Series	Navy Pier
June 11th	ACWS Boater’s Bash	Monroe Harbor
June 17th – 19th	NOOD Regatta
June 25th – 26th	Harbor Fest 2016	31st Street Harbor
July 1st – 4th	4th of July Weekend
July 6ht – 10th	Taste of Chicago	Grant Park
July 22nd – 23rd	Race to Mackinac	CYC Monroe
July 28 – 31st	Lollapalooza	Grant Park
August 6th	Chicago Scene Boat Party	Playpen
August 6th	31st Street Music Festival (formerly Aquapalooza)	31st Street Habor
August 12th – 14th	Verve Cup Offshore Regatta
August 19th – 21st	Air and Water Show	North Ave Beach
September 5th	Labor Day Weekend
September 10th	Venetian Night	Navy Pier
September 10th	Chicago Regatta	31st Street Harbor
October 31st	Harbors are Officially Closed

Chicago Harbors 2016 Weekend Schedule, your #1 guide for all the top events and activities for boating in Chicago this summer.

Canvas

Forward Windows

Aft Windows