customcover Archives | Chicago Marine Canvas

October 12, 2017December 4, 2023

Rinker Fiesta Vee 270

To protect the interior of your boat, it is important to have a waterproof cover. Here at Chicago Marine Canvas we do custom covers for every boat, because every boat is different and we want your cover to fit tight so there is no room for water leaks when a rain storm comes. This is a Rinker Fiesta Vee 270 and we fabricated a custom cover for it this summer.

We start off our process by going out on site to the boat to take measurements. Here at Chicago Marine Canvas we have a lot of cost-effective, labor-saving tools that help cut your covers cost down while making sure it is the perfect fit! For measuring we use a portable 3d measuring device. After we gather all the measurements needed we head back to the shop to start the design process. For this cover our designer made sure to make cut outs for all the framing on this boat, leaving it up to our seamstress to make individual boots for each pole, along with velcro straps to assure the cover isn’t going anywhere in these Chicago winds. After we do all of our design work we head over to our plotter which draws out all of the pieces of your cover we just finished up. This is another one of our labor-saving tools. Our plotter can quickly draw out all of our patterned pieces for your new cover, instead of us having to do it all by hand! After everything is drawn out, we hand it all over to our seamstress so she can begin her process. She starts off by cutting everything out and then looking at the pattern to figure out the best way to sew everything together. After that, she organizes all the pieces and gets to work.

For this cover we used Sunbrella fabric in the color doubonette tweed. We love using Sunbrella fabric! It is fade resistant and has a 10 year warranty! To sew everything together we used GORE tenara thread in black. GORE tenara is another favorite product of ours. It is UV, salt water, chemical and extreme weather resistant! It has a lifetime guarantee, which means, all of your seams will outlast your canvas! We also installed a Boat Vent II in the middle of this cover so that all water that hits it, runs off!

We used DOT snaps in burgundy to blend into this cover, as well as stay puts all along the back.

September 19, 2017December 4, 2023

Sundancer Full Enclosure

This Sundancer 300 was in need of a new full enclosure.

We always begin our process by going out to the boat with our team to take measurements. We use a 3d measuring device that is quick and efficient, which saves us time and you money at the end of the day. After we take the measurements, we head back to the shop to start the design process. We do all of our design work on the computer, making sure to custom tailor your new cover so that it fits perfectly. Once we finish up the design work, we have our plotter draw out all of the patterned pieces for this enclosure. Then we hand it over to our seamstress so they can get to work.

For this project we used Sunbrella in black, GORE tenara thread in black, and Sunbrella binding in black. GORE tenara thread has a lifetime warranty which means no more sun eaten seams. We also used Lenzip zippers in black which also have a life time guarantee.

For the front windows we used Makrolon which is a semi-rigid polycarbonate. The great thing about Makrolon is that it doesn’t sag like other vinyls. It also doesn’t expand or contract in different temperatures that way your cover always look brand new. With Makrolon your new enclosure looks like an extension off of your windshield, making your new cover looking super clean and chic.

The aft windows on this boat are Strataglass. We used large pieces of glass for maximum visibility. Strataglass is now the only vinyl on the market that comes with a 2 year warranty after install.

We also created large canvas panels in the aft area of the boat, on the port and star side to help with shade while out on the water.

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