Custom Stainless Steel Frames
Precision-Engineered Stainless Steel Frames Built to Last a Lifetime
Custom-fabricated marine-grade stainless frames for bimini tops, enclosures, and specialized applications. Engineered for strength, designed for beauty, guaranteed to fit your vessel perfectly.
Why Stainless Steel Frames Matter
The Foundation of Every Great Marine Canvas Project
Your canvas is only as good as the frame supporting it. A poorly designed or weak frame leads to sagging fabric, stress tears, and constant repairs. At Robie Canvas, we engineer custom stainless steel frames that provide the structural integrity your canvas deserves - frames that stand up to wind, waves, and years of marine exposure without corrosion, flexing, or failure.
Our Frame Capabilities
Custom Solutions for Every Application
Bimini Top Frames
From simple 2-bow biminis to complex 4-bow designs. We create frames that provide maximum shade coverage while maintaining clean sight lines and easy operation.
2-bow, 3-bow, and 4-bow configurations
Folding and fixed designs
Custom height and width specifications
Enclosure Frames
Full and partial enclosure frames engineered to support large Strataglass windows and heavy canvas panels. Designed for rigidity and weather resistance in the harshest marine conditions.
Full cockpit enclosures
Partial side and aft enclosures
Flybridge enclosures
Custom & Specialty Frames
Unique applications require unique solutions. We design and fabricate one-of-a-kind frames for specialty needs.
Dodger frames
T-top frames
Radar arch integration
Rod holder and accessory mounting systems
Sunshade and awning frames
The Robie Canvas Frame Advantage
Section Headline: Engineered Right, Built to Last
Marine-Grade 316 Stainless Steel
We use only marine-grade 316 stainless steel - the highest quality stainless available for saltwater environments. Unlike cheaper 304 stainless, 316 contains molybdenum for superior corrosion resistance. Your frame will look as good in 20 years as it does on day one.
Precision 3D Patterning
Using our 3D Proliner technology and CAD software (Rhinoceros and Grasshopper), we capture exact measurements of your boat's geometry. Every curve, angle, and mounting point is digitally mapped before we bend a single tube. The result? A frame that fits like it was born on your boat.
Engineered for Load Distribution
We don't just bend tubes - we engineer frame geometry to properly distribute wind loads and fabric tension. Strategic bracing, appropriate tube diameter selection, and smart mounting point placement ensure your frame stays rigid and your canvas stays taut.
Integrated Hardware & Accessories
We can integrate mounting points for:
LED lighting systems
Solar panels
Speakers and electronics
Rod holders and fishing accessories
Grab rails and safety equipment
Our Frame Design Process
Section Headline: From Concept to Installation
Step 1: Consultation & Design
We discuss your needs, usage patterns, and aesthetic preferences. Want maximum headroom? Need specific mounting points? Prefer a sleek low profile? We design around your requirements.
Step 2: Precision Measurement
We visit your boat (within 60 miles) or you bring it to our Bellingham, MA shop. Using 3D scanning technology, we capture every dimension and contour. This data feeds directly into our CAD system for design work.
Step 3: Frame Engineering
Your frame is designed in EZFrame Plus software. We optimize tube routing, calculate load paths, and measure and execute every bend using our precision CrownArc tubing bender.
Step 4: Fabrication
Marine-grade 316 stainless tubing is precision-bent, and fitted.
Step 5: Test Fit & Installation
We test-fit the frame on your boat, make any final adjustments, and install all mounting hardware. Your frame is secured properly to distribute loads and prevent stress points on your boat's structure.
Step 6: Canvas Integration
Once the frame is installed and approved, we fabricate your custom canvas to fit the frame perfectly. The result is a complete system that works flawlessly together.
Frame Modifications & Repairs
Section Headline: Extending the Life of Existing Frames
Already have a stainless frame that needs work? We can help.
Reinforcement: Add bracing to weak or flexing frames
Modification: Change height, add bows, integrate new hardware
Repair: Replace damaged sections
Refinishing: Polish and restore corroded or stained stainless
Hardware Replacement: Update old fittings with modern hardware
Materials & Specifications
Section Headline: Built with the Best
Tubing
Marine-grade 316 stainless steel
Standard diameters: 7/8", 1", 1-1/4" (custom sizes available)
Wall thickness selected based on span and load requirements
.065" wall thickness
Hardware
Marine-grade stainless steel fittings
Quick-release deck hinges (if desired)
Stainless eye ends and jaw slides
All fasteners are 316 stainless
Why Choose Robie Canvas for Your Frame?
Experience, Technology, and Craftsmanship
Navy-Rooted Expertise
Our team brings Navy-level precision and attention to detail to every frame we build. We understand marine environments and engineer accordingly.
Advanced Technology
3D scanning, CAD design, and precision fabrication equipment ensure accuracy that's impossible with traditional methods.
Trained by the Best
Our team was trained by Mark Hood of Hood Canvas LLC, a world-renowned marine canvas expert. We learned frame design and fabrication from someone who's built frames for some of the world's finest yachts.
Complete Integration
Because we design both the frame and the canvas, you get a complete system optimized to work together - not a frame built by one shop and canvas by another.
Guaranteed Fit
Our frames are guaranteed to fit your boat perfectly. If we need to make adjustments, we make them right - no excuses, no upcharges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a custom frame take?
Typical turnaround is 3-4 weeks from final measurements to installation, depending on complexity and our current schedule. We'll give you a realistic timeline upfront.
Can you match an existing frame?
Yes. If you need to replicate or mirror an existing frame, we can measure and duplicate it precisely.
What's the difference between 304 and 316 stainless?
316 stainless contains molybdenum, which dramatically improves corrosion resistance in saltwater. It costs more but lasts significantly longer in marine environments. We only use 316.
Can I get just a frame without canvas?
Absolutely. We fabricate frames as standalone products if you're working with another canvas shop or doing the canvas yourself.
Do you ship frames?
For customers outside our service area, we can ship frames. However, we recommend local installation or very detailed measurements to ensure proper fit.
How much does a custom frame cost?
Frame pricing depends on size, complexity, tube diameter, and hardware. A simple 2-bow bimini frame starts around $1,400. Complex 4-bow frames with integrated hardware can range $2,000-4,000+. We provide detailed quotes after measuring your boat.
Service Area
Based in Bellingham, Massachusetts, we serve boat owners throughout Rhode Island (excluding Block Island), southern Massachusetts, and parts of Cape Cod. We travel up to 60 miles for on-site measurement and installation.
Ready for a Frame That's Built Right?
Get Your Custom Frame Quote Today
Whether you're building a complete bimini system, need a custom enclosure frame, or want to modify an existing frame, we'll engineer a solution that fits your boat perfectly and lasts a lifetime.