Marine Canvas & Upholstery Service
Create and repair boat canvas, covers, and marine upholstery
Overview
Marine canvas and upholstery shops generate $100,000-$400,000 annually with 60-75% margins.
In 2025, boat owners maintain and upgrade canvas and upholstery.
Services include boat cover fabrication ($400-$2,500), bimini tops and enclosures ($800-$4,000), sail covers and dodgers ($300-$2,000), marine upholstery repair and recovering ($500-$3,000), interior cushion replacement ($1,000-$5,000), and custom canvas work ($500-$3,000).
Successful canvas shops use marine-grade materials, provide custom patterns and fitting, master marine sewing, offer pickup and delivery, and guarantee waterproof work.
Can work from shop year-round.
Marketing through marinas, boat dealers, yacht clubs, and boat shows.
Required Skills
- Marine Canvas Fabrication
- Industrial Sewing
- Pattern Making
- Marine Materials
- Custom Fitting
- Upholstery
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Year-round indoor work
- Custom work commands premium
- Canvas eventually wears and needs replacement
- Can serve boats and yachts
- Strong margins on labor and materials
Cons
- Need industrial sewing skills
- Custom patterns time-intensive
- Material inventory investment
- Seasonal demand patterns
- Competition from offshore manufacturing
How to Get Started
- Learn marine canvas and upholstery
- Set up shop with industrial equipment
- Source marine-grade materials
- Market to boat owners and marinas
- Provide custom pattern and fitting
- Offer pickup and delivery
- Build reputation for quality work
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