About Robie Canvas: A Family Legacy of Marine Craftsmanship
Three generations. One commitment: Protecting your boat like it's our own.
Robie Canvas, LLC is a veteran-owned, family-run marine canvas and upholstery business serving boat owners throughout Rhode Island, Southern Massachusetts, and Cape Cod. What started with Jim Robert's Navy background and passion for marine craftsmanship has grown into a true family operation—with his son and daughter working alongside him to deliver precision-fitted boat covers, bimini tops, enclosures, and custom upholstery.
Our Story: Navy Roots Meet Family Values
Founded on the principles of integrity, precision, and dedication learned in the Navy, Robie Canvas has become a trusted name in marine canvas fabrication. Jim Robert leads the business with the same attention to detail and commitment to excellence that defined his military service.
But what truly sets Robie Canvas apart is that it's a genuine family affair. Jim's son brings technical expertise and innovation to the shop, while his daughter manages operations and customer relationships—all while homeschooling her three children. This balance of family life and business brings a personal touch to every customer interaction. We understand the importance of family time on the water because we live it every day.
When you work with Robie Canvas, you're not just hiring a marine fabricator—you're partnering with a family that treats your boat with the same care and respect we'd give our own.
Trained by the Best: The Mark Hood Legacy
Nine years ago, early in our journey, our entire team was trained by Mark Hood of Hood Canvas LLC—a world-renowned marine canvas fabricator whose name is synonymous with excellence in the industry. Through multiple intensive training sessions, we learned the techniques, standards, and craftsmanship that separate exceptional marine canvas work from the ordinary.
That training wasn't just about learning skills—it was about adopting a philosophy: every stitch matters, every measurement counts, and every customer deserves work that will outlast their expectations. We bring that Mark Hood standard to every project we touch.
Our Approach: Precision Technology Meets Old-School Craftsmanship
Advanced 3D Patterning
We use cutting-edge 3D Proliner technology and Polycam scanning to capture exact measurements directly on your boat. No guesswork, no generic templates—just precision patterns that ensure a perfect fit every time.
CAD Design & Automated Cutting
Your boat's patterns are digitized in Rhinoceros and Grasshopper CAD software, then cut with precision using our Carlson cutting machine. This combination of technology and craftsmanship ensures consistency and accuracy that hand-cutting alone cannot achieve.
Patterns Stored Forever
Once we pattern your boat, those measurements live in our system permanently. Need a replacement cover or cushions in five years? We'll recreate them without re-measuring your boat, saving you time and money.
.Premium Materials Only
We use exclusively marine-grade materials:
Sunbrella, Tempotest, and Stamoid fabrics – UV-resistant, water-repellent, built to last
SolarFix thread – Guaranteed to outlast the fabric itself
316 stainless steel frames – 0.065" thick-wall tubing, precision-bent to your boat's specs
Strataglass windows – Crystal-clear, durable enclosure panels
Marine-grade foam – Always replaced, never reused
What We Do
Custom Bimini Tops
Precision-fitted bimini tops with custom stainless steel frames and marine-grade canvas. Designed for easy deployment, secure storage, and years of reliable shade protection.
Boat Enclosures
Full bimini enclosures with clear Strataglass windows. Custom-fitted to your boat's exact configuration for weather protection without sacrificing visibility.
Boat Covers
Full covers, cockpit covers, mooring covers, and trailer covers. Each one custom-patterned to prevent water pooling, reduce wind flapping, and protect your investment.
Marine Upholstery & Cushions
Custom boat cushions and upholstery for cockpits, cabins, and flybridges. Every cushion includes brand-new marine-grade foam—we never reuse old, compressed foam.
Custom Stainless Steel Frames
Precision-bent 316 stainless steel bimini frames tailored to your boat's dimensions. Marine-grade construction that resists corrosion and lasts for decades.
Our Guarantee: We Stand Behind Our Work
Custom fit guaranteed. We pattern directly on your boat using 3D technology for precision you can count on.
Deadline guarantee. We commit to a timeline and meet it—or we'll reduce your invoice. In 9 years, we've missed a deadline only once.
Premium materials only. Marine-grade Sunbrella, Tempotest, Stamoid, SolarFix thread, and 316 stainless steel.
Fresh foam standard. Every cushion gets brand-new marine-grade foam—no reusing old, compressed foam.
Patterns stored forever. Your boat's measurements are saved in our system for easy future replacements.
How We Work
Seasonal Workflow
We've designed our process to work with your boating schedule:
Fall: We measure and pattern boats before winter storage using our 3D Proliner
Winter: Fabrication happens in our Bellingham, MA shop while boats are stored
Spring: Installation occurs when boats come out of storage
Year-round: Cushion and upholstery work continues, with customers picking up finished products
Currently Booking for 2026 Season
We limit projects to guarantee quality work and on-time delivery. Our calendar books months in advance because boat owners know we deliver on our promises. Reserve your spot now.
Service Area
We proudly serve boat owners throughout:
Rhode Island (excluding Block Island)
Southern Massachusetts
Parts of Cape Cod
We travel up to 30 miles one way for on-site patterning and installation. Additional travel charges may apply for time and fuel beyond our standard service area. You can also bring your boat to our shop at 437 Center St, Bellingham, MA 02019 to avoid travel charges.
Why Boat Owners Choose Robie Canvas
Transparency & Honesty
No bait and switch. No surprise bills. We tell you upfront what it costs and when it'll be ready. If we miss our deadline, we reduce your invoice. (In 9 years, we've only missed once.)
Expert Training
Trained by Mark Hood of Hood Canvas LLC, we bring world-class marine canvas expertise to every project.
Family Values
As a true family business, we understand the importance of time on the water with loved ones. We protect your boat so you can focus on making memories.
Navy Discipline
Our veteran-owned foundation means we approach every project with precision, accountability, and respect.
Technology Meets Craftsmanship
We combine cutting-edge 3D patterning and CAD design with old-school hand craftsmanship for results that exceed expectations.
Meet the Team
Jim Robert - Owner & Lead Fabricator
Navy veteran and founder of Robie Canvas. Trained by Mark Hood, Jim brings military precision and a passion for marine craftsmanship to every project. He leads the team with integrity, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
The Next Generation
Jim's son contributes technical skills and innovation, helping integrate advanced patterning technology and CAD design into the business. Jim's daughter manages operations and customer relationships, bringing organization and a personal touch to every interaction—all while homeschooling her three children. Together, they ensure Robie Canvas operates with both professional excellence and family warmth.
Our Philosophy
"We build every bimini, cover, and cushion as if it's going on our own boat."
That's not just a tagline—it's how we operate. When you trust us with your boat, you're getting the same attention to detail, premium materials, and expert craftsmanship we'd demand for ourselves.
Your boat represents freedom, relaxation, and precious time with family. We protect that investment so you can focus on what matters: being on the water.
Ready to Work with a Family That Treats Your Boat Like Their Own?
Contact us today to discuss your marine canvas or upholstery project. We'll provide a transparent estimate, honest timeline, and answer all your questions. Visit our Bellingham, MA shop to see our fabric selection and meet the family
Robie Canvas, LLC – Veteran-owned, family-operated marine canvas fabrication serving Rhode Island, Southern Massachusetts, and Cape Cod since 2016. Navy roots. Family values. Expert craftsmanship. Guaranteed results.
Contact us
Ready to protect your boat with custom marine canvas? Schedule your free estimate and we'll measure your boat for a perfect fit. Most quotes provided within 24 hours!