Johns workshop was crucial to me starting up my canvas shop. His teaching is great and has helped me along the way even since the class. Can’t imagine what I would have done without John.

As a subscriber, I have been able to call on John Cavender at Boat Canvas University for technical questions from “best size for my next cutting table”, to, “which way should the Kedder welt lay, on the radio arch of a SeaRay when I pattern the aft enclosure” [If you have a hard time envisioning the elements of that question, then you might gather how valuable a thoughtful and definitive answer was!] I have 40 years as a self-employeed professional upholsterer with 2 years on boat enclosures. I wish I had met John 2 decades ago! I am looking forward to a workshop at Boat Canvas University. As a second generation boat canvas professional, John brings a wealth of knowledge to his enterprise… AND SHARES IT generously!

John Cavender is the best fabricator I’ve had the experience to meet and learn from. His canvas course gave me the tools I needed to take my canvas business to the next level. I can now build a bimini that fits like a glove in less than a day. He covers the basics and finer points of enclosure fabrication thoroughly. And his entire video series which are included with the course are available as refreshers when needed. And if you have any questions John is almost always available to help you with your problem.

I discovered John on you tube years ago, before the university started. I am a skilled problem solver and seamstress, so I love his fast paced, focused on the key issues approach to teaching. He is 2nd generation in this trade, where apprenticeship is paramount to learning. With his online courses, you get that. I consider John my mentor, and when I am on a job, I rewatch his courses and I know I am watching my highly experienced teacher approach a similar project. I am over 3000 miles away so I haven’t taken his workshop, but I feel like he knows me, because when I am stumped with a design, I have called him, and he knows I am part of his student members, and gives me the applicable advice & tips he can for my issue. What is the value of a resource with his credentials worth to you? In my opinion, knowing he is there for me is invaluable. I don’t think I could have my business if it weren’t for John’s videos and being available with his expert knowledge. Trust me, if you want to start a canvas shop, this membership is as important as your sewing machine, your shop and your reputation. I encourage you to learn the right methods, learn from the best!

John is by far the best resource for people starting out in this business. He is responsive to emails, takes calls anytime and stops what he’s doing to help his students. If you are looking for marine canvas training, look no further. John is the man. His videos go at just the right pace! If you’ve watched others they can progress painfully slow. John is quick and informative without boring you to death. I highly recommend Boat Canvas University for your training. I will be signing up for the workshop training soon!

This is a great starter course for anyone looking to get into the field of marine canvas. It started me off and we now have a thriving business. From the very beginning, I got the feeling that he cared about teaching and would spend the time necessary for you to fully understand his methods. I enjoyed the class and learned tons! But, the support you get afterwards is just as valuable. He has been always available when I came across something over my head. If your interested in Canvas, take the course! You won’t be disappointed!

My wife and I have been students of the Boat Canvas University for many years. We find that the training is in depth and put together in a easy to learn format. We have attended many in person workshops and also use the on demand video courses. Both training’s are professionally taught at the students learning speed. The knowledge utilized to put the classes together has been gathered from three generations of canvas masters. If you want to be a success in the Canvas Industry call John at the training center and find out for yourself why his family and the Boat Canvas University are the best in the business.

John is 100% legit. I was skeptical about this course to begin with after seeing his ad on Facebook and reading the comments. The amount of information and knowledge that he shares is stuff you couldn’t gain from 20 years doing it on your own. I had absolutely no sewing or canvas fabrication experience prior to making the trek to Maryland this week. Not only has John managed to teach me to sew, but fabricate quality products. I still have a lot of work and learning to do on my own, however whether you are a novice wanting to gain a skill or a fabricator looking to hone their craft, this is the course for you. Not only is John a knowledgeable, skilled craftsman, he is a no BS teacher. I figured there was no possible way he could teach me to sew in four days. Not only did he teach me to sew, he taught me to sew, maintain my equipment, set me up with the contacts I needed, pattern, fabricate, finish and maintain my work, run my business, all while making a quality product. I suggest anyone who is hesitant, take the plunge. Do it, be ready to have information overload, be ready to learn and ask lots of questions. John will go above and beyond to teach you this craft.

John Cavender makes learning to do canvas easy! He’s professional and a master at his talent! Would highly recommend to any boater or craftsman!