Cruisers College

Professional Canvas: Week 1 by Mike Reese
2026-07-13 09:00 - 2026-07-17 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Marine Technology Center, 1606 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Description

Marine Canvas – Professional Series
We are super excited about our latest canvas offering! Here is your opportunity to take your boat canvas skills to the next level. Join us for two weeks of boat canvas training aimed at those looking to take a deep dive into canvas fabrication or are planning to pursue marine fabrication professionally. The marine industry needs more canvas professionals, many are 6+ months out and others a not accepting new clients. Come learn the skills needed for high-level canvas fabrication.

If you have any questions, reach out to Mike at mike.reese@skagit.edu
Week 1: Fundamentals of Marine Canvas Fabrication: Covers, Cushions, and More.
Introduction to industrial sewing machines

Thread selection and tension control
Mastering various stitch types and applications
Sewing techniques for marine canvas materials

The Basics of Marine Canvas:

Properties and selection of marine canvas fabrics
Hardware and components used in canvas fabrication.
Basic design principles for attractive and functional products
Safety considerations and proper tool and material handling techniques

Constructing Professional Covers for Boats and Equipment:

Measuring and templating techniques
Patterning and layout strategies
Cutting and sewing best practices for well fitted and durable covers
Installation and finishing techniques for professional results.

Important notes:

In order to ensure the best possible results, each class is strictly limited to 10 participants.
We will have 5 industrial machines set up and 5 Sailrite machines. Professionals will need and use the industrial machines, but the Sailrite machines are OK during this training period
Course costs covers all the supplies: Fabrics, windows, template materials, stainless tubing, etc.

For most individuals you’ll want to sign up for both weeks. If you have some previous experience, please reach out to the instructor Mike Reese to discuss the course
Cost: $2000.00 per week
Instructor Bio
Mike Reese is a lifelong boater with over 30 years of experience in the marine industry. In 2016, Mike founded SeaBound Canvas, a company specializing in high-quality marine canvas for boats, including full enclosures, sailboat dodgers, boat covers, upholstery, and more. In addition to running his business, Mike teaches several courses with us at Cruisers College, including all of our boat canvas classes designed for the do-it-yourselfer. Mike is expanding this content for those who want to advance their skills and work on the professional side as a marine canvas fabricator.
Mike loves sharing his knowledge and passion for boats!

Register Now

Professional Canvas: Week 2
2026-07-20 09:00 - 2026-07-24 16:00
Marine Canvas – Professional Series

We are super excited about our latest canvas offering! Here is your opportunity to take your boat canvas skills to the next level. Join us for two weeks of boat canvas training aimed at those looking to take a deep dive into canvas fabrication or are planning to pursue marine fabrication professionally. The marine industry needs more canvas professionals, many are 6+ months out and others a not accepting new clients. Come learn the skills needed for high-level canvas fabrication.

If you have any questions, reach out to Mike at mike.reese@skagit.edu

Week 2: Advanced Marine Canvas Fabrication: Bimini Tops and Enclosures
Constructing Bimini Tops:

Frame construction and bending techniques for stainless steel tubing.
Design and layout considerations for bimini tops
Patterning, cutting, and sewing bimini tops.
Installation and hardware attachment for secure and functional bimini top

Enclosure Curtains:

Design considerations for various enclosure configurations
Patterning and fabrication of window panels and enclosures
Installation techniques for a weathertight and functional enclosure

Important notes:

In order to ensure the best possible results, each class is strictly limited to 10 participants.
We will have 5 industrial machines set up and 5 Sailrite machines. Professionals will need and use the industrial machines, but the Sailrite machines are OK during this training period
Course costs covers all the supplies: Fabrics, windows, template materials, stainless tubing, etc.

For most individuals you’ll want to sign up for both weeks. If you have some previous experience, please reach out to the instructor Mike Reese to discuss the course. mike.reese@skagit.edu
Cost: $2000.00 per week
Instructor Bio
Mike Reese is a lifelong boater with over 30 years of experience in the marine industry. In 2016, Mike founded SeaBound Canvas, a company specializing in high-quality marine canvas for boats, including full enclosures, sailboat dodgers, boat covers, upholstery, and more. In addition to running his business, Mike teaches several courses with us at Cruisers College, including all of our boat canvas classes designed for the do-it-yourselfer. Mike is expanding this content for those who want to advance their skills and work on the professional side as a marine canvas fabricator.
Mike loves sharing his knowledge and passion for boats!

Register Now
