What You Need to Start a Boat Covers Business.
- Sep 6
- 4 min read
Boat Canvas Business - Skills, Tools & Why?
If you’ve ever thought about starting a boat covers business, you’re tapping into a steady niche with plenty of demand. Boat owners are always looking for ways to protect their investment, and a custom-fit cover is one of the best solutions. Whether you’re interested in full-time work or building a side business, creating and repairing boat covers can be both profitable and rewarding.
Find out what you need to start a boat covers business....
In this guide, we’ll walk through the skills, tools, materials, and setup you’ll need to launch a successful boat covers business.
Why Start a Boat Covers Business?
Boat ownership is on the rise, and with it comes the need for protection against sun, rain/salt water, wind, and general wear and tear. Unlike mass-produced covers, custom-made boat covers fit perfectly, last longer, and offer better protection. That’s where your business comes in.
Boat covers are also a repeat-purchase market. Covers wear out over time, customers often own multiple boats, and marinas are full of potential clients. With the right setup, you can position yourself as the go-to local expert.
1. Skills You Need First
Before you dive into equipment and materials, you’ll want to build up a few key skills:
Sewing with heavy fabrics: You’ll need to handle marine canvas, vinyl, and other tough materials. An industrial sewing machine is a must.
Pattern-making and measuring: Every boat is different, so learning how to measure and cut patterns is essential.
Knowledge of marine fabrics: Understanding UV resistance, water repellency, and durability helps you recommend the best options to customers.
Customer service & quoting: Clear communication and accurate estimates will help build your reputation.
If you already have upholstery or sewing experience, you’re ahead of the game. If not, consider practicing with small projects like shade covers, bimini tops, or small repairs. See Our Course
2. Essential Equipment
The right tools will save you time, reduce frustration, and produce professional-quality results. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Industrial sewing machine (walking foot machine is best for thick fabrics).
Cutting tools: heavy-duty scissors, rotary cutter, or hot knife for sealing edges.
Large cutting/work table with plenty of space to spread fabric.
Measuring tools: long tape measure, rulers, marking chalk/pens.
Hardware tools: grommet press, snap tools, and zipper installation equipment.
Investing in reliable equipment upfront will make a big difference in your output and professionalism.
3. Materials & Supplies
To build durable, professional covers, you’ll need to work with marine-grade materials:
Fabric: Acrylic canvas (like Sunbrella), vinyl, polyester, or coated fabrics designed for marine use.
Thread: UV-resistant polyester thread (cotton will rot in sun and salt).
Fasteners: Marine-grade snaps, stainless steel or nickel-plated grommets, and zippers built for outdoor use.
Straps & binding: Webbing for reinforcement and bias binding for finishing edges.
Storage & organisation: Fabric rolls take up space, so racks, under your table and fabric bins help keep your workshop functional.
Tip: Buy in bulk when possible. Not only does this save money, but it also ensures you always have stock on hand when a customer request comes in.
4. Business Setup
Once you’ve got your skills and materials ready, it’s time to think about the business side:
Workspace: Many people start from home in a garage or shed/workshop. As you grow, you may want a dedicated studio or mobile service.
Business registration: Check local regulations for licenses, insurance, and taxes. Liability insurance is especially important when working on a customers property.
Pricing strategy: Factor in materials, labour hours, overheads, and profit margin. A common mistake is underpricing — remember that your expertise and time have value. Maybe even try a pricing calculator
Tracking costs: Use spreadsheets or business software to record material usage and job profitability. (Tip: a simple materials and pricing calculator can save you hours of guesswork.)
5. Marketing & Finding Customers
No matter how good your covers are, customers won’t know about your business unless you market it. Here are the best places to start:
Local marinas & boatyards: Build relationships with managers and offer referral incentives.
Boat dealers & repair shops: Partner with them to provide covers for new or refurbished boats.
Social media: Instagram and Facebook are great for before-and-after photos and videos of your work.
Website & a Google business listing: Make it easy for people in your area to find you online.
Word of mouth: A happy customer will often recommend you to fellow boaters.
Pro tip: Always take high-quality photos of your projects. Over time, this becomes your portfolio and one of your best marketing tools.
6. Tips for Success in the Boat Covers Business
Start small: Offer simple repairs or upgrades before tackling full custom covers.
Invest in quality tools: Cheap equipment often fails with heavy-duty work.
Be meticulous with measurements: A poor fit can ruin your reputation.
Keep learning: Boat designs evolve, and so do fabrics and fasteners. Stay updated.
Focus on relationships: A loyal customer base is the foundation of long-term success.
Conclusion
Starting a boat covers business requires a blend of sewing skills, the right equipment, marine-grade materials, and smart business practices. With steady demand and opportunities for repeat customers, it’s a niche worth exploring if you enjoy working with your hands and building a specialised craft.
If you’re ready to dive in, start by gathering your essential tools and practicing with smaller projects. From there, you can grow into a trusted name in your local boating community.
