Reasonable Canvas guy in Annapolis?

Phil Herring · Apr 15, 2013

Do you know the location of these rich people who don't care what they pay? I've been looking for them for 15 years.

DougM · Apr 15, 2013

Try being a boat owner with a summer place in a small town...
It isn't just the marine stuff. Try the plumbers, carpenters, painters, electricians, etc.,etc.
Not only that, if the fish are biting, or deer season is open, they don't work.
If its winter, they "can't" work. They have to collect their unemployment, and that's no joke!
Never mind the fact that most of us worked hard for several decades to get where we are, and fortunately were lucky enough not to have to apply for unemployment insurance.
Our money, what there is of it, wasn't given to us.

Warren Milberg · Apr 15, 2013

You might try this place in Deale, Md, a few miles south of Annapolis. They are "reasonable" and do pretty good work.

http://local.yahoo.com/info-25913632-catherine-s-drapery-boat-canvas-deale

Steve Dion · Apr 15, 2013

Have you ever seen a home made dodger? That is why they can charge $3000-4000 for one.

Dunlookin · Apr 15, 2013

Wow...Arrogance and Ignorance At The Same Time...

I'll give you the answer you are looking for. We are no longer a nation that "makes" things. We are consumers and customers who buy from the nations that can make whatever we lust after cheaper than we can make it here. We traded the rust belt for Silicon valley. Our colleges and universities pump out men and women every year with degrees we don't need, in fields we have become too dependent on (don't get me started about tort reform).

There are still skills we need that cannot be out-sourced. Some things have to be made, repaired, replaced in our own back-yard. The few men and women who can keep those services alive demand top dollar (business 101-supply and demand).

Don't blame the craftsman for charging what the market will bear. Look inward at your inability to make what you need. Need canvas work? Buy a sewing maching from sailrite, make your own, start a business and live the American dream.

Don't want to contact sailrite...shut up, pay the price, enjoy the shade.

DISCLAIMER: Don't start telling me about education (I have five degrees). Don't complain about what I wrote in response to you complaining FIRST. Don't like my tone...I don't care.

We are sailors because we dream differently. Develop your own skills. Self reliance in a country that demands a nanny state...

Priceless!

Ross · Apr 15, 2013

Re: Wow...Arrogance and Ignorance At The Same Time...

If you want a low price I am sure that someone can supply your request. If your want high quality craftsmanship I am sure you can find it. Everybody knows what their stuff is worth. I can provide you with an apple pie kit for 3 dollars or I can bake an apple pie for you for 15 dollars. If you have never made an apple pie before and if you can follow written instruction you can make a functional pie but I won't be pretty.
If you have the tools and equipment and can follow instructions you can make a reasonable sail cover. When you are finished you will understand the value of experience.

RS_Grampian · Apr 15, 2013

I've been making a few things for my boat with sunbrealla from sailrite and my wife's older (but still not ideal for the materials) sewing machine. It's really not hard once you get a little practice. I suggest you start small and you may be surprised at how your confidence increases.

Bill Roosa · Apr 15, 2013

I'm hip Skipper!
There are very few "marine" items that are actually "marine" and not just repackaged RV or plane old commercial items.
on the canvas subject, what items are you thinking you would need outside help on? Ive done sail covers, sails, bimini w/ curtains and bug screens, winch covers, sun screens and the standard ditty bag and might be able to encourage you to give it a try. I've found that it is not that hard.

Tejas · Apr 15, 2013

I'm also educated, experienced, and talented at what I did -- computer hardware and software. That doesn't mean I can make wood cabinets for example. However, I do DIY canvas, and the sewing itself is has not been all that difficult. However, what has been difficult includes:

Design
Measuring and patterning
Sequence of assembly
Fabric management
Techniques

Were I to sew as a professional, in addition to making payroll, managing cash flow, ..., what for me might be even harder would be dealing with folks who seem to imply that I might be uneducated, inexperienced, and lack talent.

tommays · Apr 15, 2013

As a 57 year old tradesman with several trades

I can assure you of the fact that MY skill is in far more demand than your skill and in the current educational climate there not making my replacements very fast

shemandr · Apr 15, 2013

I'm also educated, have degrees galore and, well, degrees are good on thermometers. I'm also good at what I do, but that doesn't make me an expert or skilled at other things. Making canvass products is a skilled endeavor and I respect those who have the skill and experience to create these products and manage to do it profitably.
My wife is good with a sewing machine, understands patterns and has successful made many projects for our various boats. None of them were easy and the dodger was really difficult (Sailrite). It is almost impossible, if you don't have the experience, to do this without making a mistake. Specifically, I mean if you make it too high you won't be able to see over it. If you make it too low you'll smack your head on it. Your wife may have problems even if you get it right for yourself. It the straps go back too far you might not be able to make a full circle on a winch with handle. Etc etc etc. Experience counts and you have to pay for that.
I will say that local businesses that do this are notoriously unreliable in showing up when scheduled, and in finishing the project. Just like other local contractors who are better at taking deposits than finishing. It's a local thing here.

LuzSD · Apr 15, 2013

Here! Here! to all of these great responses

We are free to pick and choose, its all supply and demand.
The fellow who did our canvas was a tailor before starting his canvas business. He did a fantastic job with very little direction. We called him back for a few follow up purchases and it was always pleasant, he know what we wanted by just talking a bit. I think he earned every cent he charged. I took his cards and passed them around when asked for recommendations. Some balked at his prices, went elsewhere, and we then got to look at ill fitting canvas for the next few year on their boats.

richk · Apr 16, 2013

try www.coverloft.com

Calif. Ted · Apr 16, 2013

I've liked the pedestal and mainsail covers ordered here, well made and reasonable prices.
http://shop.catalinaowners.com/grab/detail-grab.htm?group=285

Alex Dare · Apr 16, 2013

canvas

Skipper,
I may be reading your post wrong but it comes across as.....I'm educated, canvas guys aren't and they're trying to rip me off....soo unfair...I want good but cheap canvas work.
Oh, and you're asking about this now, this time of year? You want a deal? At least contact these guys in the fall/winter when they're not slammed. Give me a break. I know some of the best canvas guys in Annapolis and none that I know of are living large. If you want a winch cover.....go for it and make it on your own. You want a bimini or dodger that looks good, fits and is well made? Have fun, you get what you pay for. Sorry to rant, but good canvas people work hard, are very skilled and didn't get that way without many years of experience. If I'm taking your post the wrong way, I apologize.

Ross · Apr 16, 2013

Alex Dare said:
Skipper,
I may be reading your post wrong but it comes across as.....I'm educated, canvas guys aren't and they're trying to rip me off....soo unfair...I want good but cheap canvas work.
Oh, and you're asking about this now, this time of year? You want a deal? At least contact these guys in the fall/winter when they're not slammed. Give me a break. I know some of the best canvas guys in Annapolis and none that I know of are living large. If you want a winch cover.....go for it and make it on your own. You want a bimini or dodger that looks good, fits and is well made? Have fun, you get what you pay for. Sorry to rant, but good canvas people work hard, are very skilled and didn't get that way without many years of experience. If I'm taking your post the wrong way, I apologize.

Hear ,Hear!!

woodster · Apr 16, 2013

Cabinets yes Dodgers no not me mon.......

i would never attempt to make a dodger or Bimini top but cabinets yes i will do that in a hart beat in order to be a success one must first know his or her limitations ..the pic is just a sample of some of my work as a cabinet maker.....as for the pro, educated ones they always seem to be able to price my work a lot cheaper than i am able to do it...i wish i knew what they know...as it has been said You Get What You Pay For..it took me about 25 years to get to this level of expertise in wood working and finishing ..oh and instillation as well...

regards

woody

LuzSD · Apr 16, 2013

Woodster, you are most definitely a WOODSTER! Gorgeous work, please come to California, we need some kitchen cabinets! Beautiful job.

Reasonable Canvas guy in Annapolis?

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