How Our Winter Boat Canvas Process Works

Understanding our winter fabrication timeline helps you plan ahead and ensures your boat is ready the moment spring arrives.

Fall: Pattern Creation (September - November)

Before your boat goes into winter storage, we visit your location to create custom patterns using our 3D Proliner and Polycam scanning technology. This critical step captures every measurement, curve, and detail of your boat while it's still accessible. Your boat then goes into storage while we retain all the data needed for perfect fabrication.

Winter: Expert Fabrication (December - March)

This is when the magic happens. While Rhode Island and Massachusetts are blanketed in snow, our team is in the shop creating your custom marine canvas. Every project receives our full attention during winter months when we're not juggling installation schedules. Winter boat canvas fabrication includes:

·         Custom boat covers - Precisely fitted to shed snow and water

·         Bimini tops - Frame fabrication and canvas work

·         Boat enclosures - Full or partial with Strataglass windows

·         Marine cushions - Complete foam replacement and upholstery

·         Canvas repairs - Restoration of existing covers and enclosures

·         Custom stainless frames - Welded and fitted for biminis and enclosures

Spring: Installation or Pickup (April - May)

When you're ready to launch, we install your new canvas at your marina or boat location. For cushion and upholstery projects, you can pick up completed work during winter or schedule spring delivery. Everything is finished, tested, and ready for the water.

Why Winter Fabrication Benefits You

No Rush, Better Quality

Winter boat canvas fabrication allows us to focus completely on craftsmanship without the pressure of peak season deadlines. Every stitch, seam, and detail receives the attention it deserves. We're not rushing between installation appointments—we're dedicating full days to perfecting your project.

Ready When You Need It

Spring launch season is hectic for boat owners. By completing fabrication during winter, your canvas is ready the moment you need it. No waiting, no delays—just install and launch.

Better Scheduling Flexibility

Winter projects are scheduled months in advance, giving you priority for spring installation. Last-minute spring orders often face delays, but winter fabrication customers are first in line when the season starts.

Optimal Material Handling

Our climate-controlled shop maintains consistent temperature and humidity year-round. Winter fabrication ensures Sunbrella fabrics, marine vinyls, and adhesives are handled in ideal conditions for maximum longevity.

Cost Efficiency

Planning ahead with winter fabrication often allows for better material sourcing and project scheduling, which can translate to cost savings compared to rush spring orders.

Winter Boat Canvas Projects We Complete

Custom Winter Storage Covers

Protect your boat during storage with a custom-fitted cover designed to shed snow and prevent water accumulation. Winter-fabricated covers are ready for installation the following fall, ensuring you're prepared for the next storage season.

Bimini Tops and Frames

Winter is ideal for bimini top fabrication because we can dedicate time to both frame construction and canvas work without weather constraints. Custom stainless steel frames are welded, polished, and fitted with precision-sewn Sunbrella canvas.

Full and Partial Enclosures

Boat enclosures require complex patterning and careful Strataglass window installation. Winter fabrication gives us the time needed to ensure every panel fits perfectly, every zipper operates smoothly, and every window is crystal clear.

Marine Cushions and Upholstery

Boat cushion restoration is our most popular winter project. We remove your cushions in fall, replace all foam with marine-grade materials, reupholster with premium marine vinyl, and have them ready for pickup in winter or spring installation. Your cushions are like new when boating season arrives.

Canvas Repairs and Modifications

Winter is the perfect time to repair or modify existing canvas. We can add windows to enclosures, replace worn zippers, restitch seams, and make modifications that extend the life of your current canvas.

Premium Materials for Winter Fabrication

Every winter boat canvas project uses only the highest quality marine-grade materials:

Sunbrella Marine Fabrics

The gold standard in marine canvas, Sunbrella fabrics resist fading, mildew, and water damage. We stock a wide range of colors and weights for different applications.

Strataglass Windows

Crystal-clear, UV-resistant, and designed for marine environments. Strataglass windows maintain clarity and flexibility in all weather conditions.

SolarFix Thread

UV-resistant thread guaranteed to outlast the fabric itself. Every seam is sewn with thread designed for decades of marine exposure.

Marine-Grade Hardware

Stainless steel snaps, zippers, and fasteners that resist corrosion in saltwater environments. All hardware is sized and positioned for maximum durability.

Premium Marine Foams

For cushion projects, we use only marine-grade open-cell and closed-cell foams that resist moisture, mildew, and compression. Every cushion gets fresh foam—we never reuse old materials.

Service Area for Winter Boat Canvas Fabrication

Robie Canvas serves boat owners throughout:

·         Rhode Island (excluding Block Island)

·         Southern Massachusetts

·         Parts of Cape Cod

·         Within 50 miles of Bellingham, MA

Fall patterning visits are conducted at your marina, storage facility, or boat location. Winter fabrication happens in our shop. Spring installation returns to your location.

Why Choose Robie Canvas for Winter Fabrication

Expert Training and Navy Heritage

Our family-owned business combines Navy precision with expert training from Mark Hood of Hood Canvas LLC, one of the world's most respected marine canvas fabricators. We bring decades of combined experience to every winter project.

Advanced Technology

We use 3D Proliner patterning, Polycam scanning, Rhinoceros CAD software, and Carlson cutting machines to ensure precision at every stage. Technology enhances craftsmanship—it doesn't replace it.

Transparent Process

You'll know exactly what to expect: upfront pricing, realistic timelines, and regular updates during winter fabrication. We guarantee our completion dates or offer a refund.

Patterns Stored Forever

Once we pattern your boat, those measurements are stored permanently in our system. Future winter projects are faster and more affordable because we already have your boat's exact specifications.

Currently Booking 2026 Season

We're already scheduling winter 2025-2026 fabrication projects. Early booking ensures your project receives priority attention and spring installation slots.

Winter Boat Canvas Pricing

Every boat and project is unique. Winter fabrication pricing depends on:

·         Boat size and type (powerboat or sailboat, 10-60 feet)

·         Project complexity (covers, biminis, enclosures, cushions)

·         Material selection (fabric colors, window types, hardware)

·         New fabrication vs. repair/modification

·         Travel distance for fall patterning and spring installation

Contact us for a free winter fabrication estimate. We'll discuss your project, provide transparent pricing, and schedule your fall patterning appointment.

Book Your Winter Boat Canvas Project Now

Winter fabrication slots fill quickly as Rhode Island and Massachusetts boat owners plan ahead for spring. The earlier you book, the more flexibility you have for spring installation scheduling.

Start your winter project today. Contact Robie Canvas for a free consultation.

Contact Robie Canvas:
Phone: +1 401-307-3068
Location: Bellingham, MA (serving RI and Southern MA)
Service Area: Within 60 miles for patterning and installation

Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Boat Canvas Fabrication

When should I schedule winter fabrication projects?

Schedule in late summer or early fall (August-October) to ensure we can pattern your boat before it goes into storage. Winter fabrication happens December through March, with spring installation in April-May.

Can you pattern my boat if it's already in storage?

Yes, provided we have access to your storage facility. We can pattern boats in indoor or outdoor storage within our 50-mile service area. Contact us to arrange a winter storage visit.

How long does winter fabrication take?

Most projects are completed within 4-8 weeks during winter months. Complex projects like full enclosures may take 8-12 weeks. We provide specific timelines when you book your project.

Can I pick up cushions during winter instead of waiting for spring?

Absolutely. Many customers prefer to pick up completed cushion work in February or March. We'll contact you when your project is finished and schedule a convenient pickup time.

What if I need changes or modifications during fabrication?

We welcome input during the fabrication process. If you want to adjust fabric colors, add features, or make modifications, contact us early in the winter fabrication timeline.

Do you offer winter storage for boats while you fabricate canvas?

We don't provide boat storage, but we work with your existing storage facility. Our process is designed so your boat stays in storage while we fabricate using patterns created in fall.

What happens if spring weather delays installation?

New England spring weather can be unpredictable. We schedule installation appointments with weather contingencies built in. Your completed canvas is stored safely in our shop until installation conditions are ideal.

Can you fabricate canvas for boats outside your service area?

Our primary service area is within 60 miles of Bellingham, MA. For boats outside this area, contact us to discuss options. We may be able to accommodate special arrangements for patterning and installation.