For this 42′ Navigator we designed a full enclosure with maximum visibility.
For this boat cover the customers went with Stamoid fabric in white. Stamoid is a material coated in vinyl and is very easy for cleaning. These boaters wanted to use Makrolon for their Forward windows. Makrolon is an a polycarbonate which is clear like glass material that is harder then other marine materials commonly used for windows. With Makrolon your windows wont bend and wont wrinkle, and wont scratch. For their side and aft windows, the customer went with Strataglass, that way they could have roll ups for easy access to air flow while the enclosure is still up! We created these roll ups with screens to help prevent any unwanted bugs from getting onto the boat. The forward windows attached to the bimini using Lenzip zippers, using GORE Tenara thread, both of these products are guaranteed to last a life time. The aft windows are attached to the radar arch using kedar and water proof seal to ensure no leakage into the boat. We also created a windshield cover for this boat to help keep the heat off the inside, and the windshield clean when no ones on the boat! This cover turned out great and looks super sharp on this 42′ Navigator!
This 40′ Sea Ray EC came to us with multiple jobs. First we started off designing a bow cover for their sunpad. We took our portable 3D measuring device out to the dock and took our measurements to start the design process. Then when we got back to the shop we designed the cover using CAD. The customer chose Black Sunbrella fabric for this cover. We used GORE Tenara thread in black which has a life time guarantee, along with silver DOT snaps to secure the cover to the boat. Our next job on the boat was creating a cockpit cover for the boat. We also did this in Black Sunbrella fabric using black DOT snaps. We used a Boat Vent II pole holder to help create air flow while the cover is up, and to help water roll off the cover instead of pooling in the center! After both of these covers were competed we reupholstered the boats Garmin cover using a Black Infinity woven vinyl. Then we moved onto reupholstering all the outdoor seating. We did this by fabricating new foam pieces for the bottom and back of the seating. After that we sewed up the new seat covers for the foam using Infinity woven vinyl in carbon fiber, which has a funky pattern to it, and then the fabric style leatherette. These two styles were the same color, but had different textures, bringing some contrast to the new seats! For these seats we also used our double needle machine to add another nice finishing touch for the stitch work!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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
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
Our Chicago Boat Storage Guide is the authority when it comes to great marinas and boatyards for winter storage for your yacht or boat. It is arranged by geographical area around Chicago with pros and cons. If you’ve had a great experience or difficult one at a storage facility listed or would like one added please submit a comment and we’ll get it on the list.
Chicago River Boat Storage
Storing your boat in the Chicago River system is a convenient option when keeping your at the various Chicago Harbors during the summer months. This can be a huge benefit when facing inclement weather in October since you don’t have to travel far in potentially rough seas. You do pay a premium for this convenience but it does allow you to get the most out of your boating season making these a favorite of the Chicago Boat Storage Guide.
Goose Island Boatyard: The only storage facility on the north branch of the Chicago River, Goose Island Boatyard is a full service medium sided facility. Access to the yard is reasonable and for the “do it yourselfers” they allow boaters to do their own work as long as it’s within reason. They do offer indoor storage which is very limited so the majority of boats are shrink wrapped outside.
Chicago Yacht Yard
Chicago Yacht Yard: A large full service boatyard located on the south branch of the Chicago River, this yacht yard has it all. They have multiple storage options of indoor (heated or cold) and outdoor. Access is good but do have rules when it comes to doing your own work.
Forest View Marina: This is a nice marina located farther down the south branch from the Chicago Yacht Yard. They have a nice indoor storage facility but also offer outdoor storage too. Offering a full range of maintenance, Forest View Marina is a good lower cost option farther down the river.
Calumet River Boat Storage
Depending on your harbor, the Calumet River is located about 20 miles south of Chicago by water. As long as the weather is co-operating it’s a nice cruise at the beginning of the season as you take in the Chicago skyline. NE winds in the fall will help push you down but you don’t want to have too much help as winds over 15 knots can make it an uncomfortable ride. Traveling on the river is enjoyable but be conscious of the barge traffic which services some of the industry located on the river. Rates are less than what you’ll find on the Chicago River but it seems to equal out when you consider the gas burned to/from along with travel distances to the area.
Crowley’s Yacht Yard Lakeside : Crowley’s is the first marina of many that you’ll find in the Calumet river. They’re a favorite in the sailboat community but there are also plenty of powerboats at this mega marina. They have plenty of indoor or outdoor storage space and are full service for all maintenance.
Skyway Yacht Works : Just beyond Crowley’s you’ll find Skyway Yacht Works. Skyway is a newer full service marina that focuses on storage and service. You’ll be able to choose form indoor heated or outdoor storage at this facility.
Sunset Bay Marina : Once you make it down the river through the loch, Sunset Bay Marina will be on your portside. They also are a full service marina with indoor and outdoor storage. They also have fuel which is generally at a good price.
Marine Services Corp
Marine Services Corporation : Marine Services Corp keep growing and recently added a 25,000 sq ft building for indoor storage. They have multiple storage buildings on site but also offer outdoor storage too. Once unique feature is that they operate their own harbor with 128 slips along with full service maintenance.
Pier 11 Marina : Pier 11 Marina has been a family business since 1983. They are a full service marina with summer and winter slips. One of their specialties is REPO boats. Pier 11 Marina works directly as an agent for the banks so you get the best deal possible. True REPOs with no middle man.
Indiana and Michigan Boat Storage
There are plenty of great storage areas across Indiana and Michigan but here are a few that we’ve had experience along with other boaters in our network. There maybe some cost savings when storing in these areas but the travel expense and time negates the savings. If you purchases your boat from a marina or boat dealer in Indiana or Michigan, that’s a great reason to return to them. These businesses like to cater to and keep their customers offering great deals on winter storage but also service.
B & E Marina : Only 38 miles from Chicago by water, B & E Marina is a premiere dealership and marina. They are authorized dealers for Sea Ray, Meridian and Boston Whaler along with a large brokerage selection. Winter storage options are for indoor or outdoor with a full range of maintenance services.
Shoreland Marine : This Michigan City, IN caters primarily to northwest Indiana and southeast Michigan but does have some boats come in from Chicago. They offer full service on maintenance and also fiberglass repair. You have the choice of indoor or outdoor storage along with all winterizing services.
Pier 33 : Located in St. Joseph, MI this full service marina is ENE from Chicago. It’s a very professional marina with new and used boat sales and service. Storage options are indoor and outdoor at a very reasonable price.
Chicago Harbors Boat Storage
Winter Storage in Chicago doesn’t get any easier than just staying at the harbor! There is some downside with storing at the harbor such as they’re not a full service marina but Skipper Bud’s does service each harbor. Both locations offer some discounts in conjunction with summer slip fees too.
Montrose Harbor : Only outdoor storage is available but they can fit up to 300 power and sail boats at the harbor for winter storage.
31st Street Harbor : The newest of the Chicago Harbors, 31st St Harbor offers indoor heated and outdoor storage for up to 200 boats.
Inland Boat Storage
If you have a trailer for your boat and can haul out yourself the options are really limitless. From your neighbor’s driveway, barns to your local public storage units you can pretty much store anywhere. You’ll just want to confirm that area is secure and a safe environment for your boat.
Munroe Storage : This is a great storage facility in Plainfield, IL that has winter storage for cars and boats. It’s indoor/unheated storage at a great price making it #1 for the Chicago Boat Storage Guide! Boat length is really not an issue but the overhead doors are 16′ tall which shouldn’t be a problem for most boaters. If you trailer you boat this is a great option that’s about 10 minutes off I-55.
Chicago Boat Storage Guide
We hope your gained some valuable information from the Chicago Boat Storage Guide and this helps you in deciding on where to store your boat over the winter. We will continue to update the Chicago Boat Storage Guide and appreciate your input.
For this 42′ Navigator we designed a full enclosure with maximum visibility.
glass material that is harder then other marine materials commonly used for windows. With Makrolon your windows wont bend and wont wrinkle, and wont scratch. For their side and aft windows, the customer went with Strataglass, that way they could have roll ups for easy access to air flow while the enclosure is still up! 
We created these roll ups with screens to help
prevent any unwanted bugs from getting onto the boat. The forward windows attached to the bimini using Lenzip zippers, using GORE Tenara thread, both of these products are guaranteed to last a life time. The aft windows are attached to the radar arch using kedar and water proof seal to ensure no leakage into the boat. We also created a windshield cover for this boat to help keep the heat off the inside, and the windshield clean when no ones on the boat! This cover turned out great and looks super sharp on this 42′ Navigator!
