Canvas, Sails & Covers
Canvas work — biminis, dodgers, sail covers, winch covers, hatch covers, cockpit cushions, and interior upholstery — is one of the most rewarding DIY skills a sailor can develop. A professional dodger costs $2,000–$4,000. A DIY dodger with a Sailrite machine and good fabric costs $300–$600 in materials. This page covers sail fabrics and how to measure for a new sail, marine canvas brands, professional Puget Sound services, care and cleaning, sewing machines, and a sign-up form for service providers.
Sail Fabrics, Weights & Construction
Sails are built from a surprisingly wide range of materials. The choice affects weight, stretch, durability, and cost. Here's what you'll find on production cruising boats under 50 ft.
Woven Polyester (Dacron)
Standard Dacron Sailcloth
Most Common on CruisersWeight range: 3.2 oz – 9 oz per sq yd
Cost: ~$4–$12/yard; complete sails ~$800–$2,500 for 35 ft boat
Woven polyester (sold under various brand names — Dacron is the generic term). The workhouse of the cruising world. Highly UV-resistant, repairable, relatively inexpensive, and holds its shape well enough for cruising loads. Not as low-stretch as laminate fabrics but outlasts them by years with proper care. Most production boat sails are Dacron.
Common weights by application:
- 3.2–4 oz — light-air headsails, drifters, asymmetric spinnakers
- 5–6 oz — standard working jib, genoa on boats to 35 ft
- 6–8 oz — mainsail on 28–38 ft boats; heavy-weather headsails
- 8–9 oz — mainsail on 38–50 ft boats; storm sails
- 10–12 oz — storm sails (trysail, storm jib)
Laminate Fabrics
Mylar / Film Laminates (Polyester Film)
Performance CruisingWeight range: 4–9 oz equivalent
A woven or scrim base bonded to polyester film (Mylar). Much lower stretch than Dacron — the sail holds its designed shape under load. Used on performance cruisers and racer-cruisers. Stiffer, harder to fold, and less UV-tolerant than Dacron. The film layer eventually delaminates (typically 5–10 years depending on UV exposure and care). Not as repairable as Dacron once delaminated.
Carbon Fiber Laminates
Racing / High PerformanceExtremely low stretch, very light weight, very expensive. Used on racing boats and high-end performance cruisers. Not practical for DIY repair. Lifespan of 3–7 seasons under racing loads.
Nylon & Specialty Fabrics
Nylon — Spinnakers & Light Sails
Standard for Downwind SailsWeight range: 0.5 oz – 1.5 oz per sq yd
Lightweight rip-stop nylon is the standard for spinnakers, asymmetrics, and drifters. Stretches more than polyester — acceptable for downwind sails where stretch is less critical. Repairs require zigzag stitch. Very lightweight and packable. UV-sensitive — store out of sunlight.
Dyneema / UHMWPE Composites
Premium Cruising PerformanceUltra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber in laminate construction. Extremely strong for weight, excellent UV resistance (far better than aramid/Kevlar). Used in premium cruising sails — North Sails 3Di, Quantum Fusion M, and similar. Long service life with proper care. Expensive but the best combination of performance and durability for long-distance cruising.
Aramid (Kevlar / Twaron)
High-strength, very low stretch fiber laminate. Excellent for racing but UV-sensitive — Kevlar degrades rapidly with sun exposure and should be protected when not in use. Rarely used on cruising boats due to UV fragility. More common in racing sails where sails are bagged when not sailing.
Sailcloth Brands
- Dimension-Polyant — German manufacturer; supplies major sailmakers worldwide; makes D4, D4Plus, and X-Ply laminates alongside Dacron
- Bainbridge International — leading US sailcloth manufacturer; wide range from budget Dacron to high-tech laminates
- Challenge Sailcloth — UK-based; wide distribution in North America; high quality wovens and laminates
- Contender Sailcloth — competitive pricing on woven Dacron; popular with small sailmakers
- North 3Di — North Sails' proprietary molded fiber composite; no woven base; shaped as a 3D unit
- Sailrite Sailcloth — Dacron and nylon by the yard for DIY repair and small-batch sails
How to Measure for a New Sail
Sailmakers need precise measurements to build a sail. You can take these yourself with a tape measure and someone to hold the other end. Measurements are always taken along the spars and stay — not through the air. All dimensions in feet and inches (convert to decimal feet for ordering: 6'3" = 6.25 ft).
Mainsail Measurements
| Measurement | Where to Measure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| P (Luff) | Along the mast from the main halyard sheave (or black band) to the boom's upper surface at the gooseneck | Measured on the mast, not through the air |
| E (Foot) | Along the boom from the aft face of the mast to the black band or end of the boom | Measured on the boom |
| Batten length & position | Measure each batten pocket from the leech | Note full-length vs. partial battens |
| Reefing points | Distance from tack to each reefing tack and clew fitting along luff and leech | Sketch positions; note hardware type |
| Head fitting | Measure luff tape width (typically 6mm, 9mm, or bolt rope size) | Must match your mast track or cars |
Headsail / Genoa Measurements
| Measurement | Where to Measure |
|---|---|
| I | Height of the foretriangle — from the base of the headstay at the deck to the upper attachment of the headstay at the mast |
| J | Base of the foretriangle — from the front of the mast at the deck to the headstay at the deck |
| LP (Luff Perpendicular) | Perpendicular from the luff to the clew — determines genoa overlap (100% = J; 130% LP = 1.3 × J) |
| Forestay wire/foil diameter | Measure or note the forestay diameter if using a luff pocket (foil) vs. hanks |
| Tack fitting height | Distance from deck to tack pin on headstay — determines luff tack position |
Spinnaker Measurements
| Measurement | Where to Measure |
|---|---|
| SPL (Spinnaker Pole Length) | From the aft face of the mast to the pole end fitting — sets maximum luff length |
| I | Same as headsail I — foretriangle height |
| J | Same as headsail J — determines maximum foot width |
Key Terms & Geometry
- Luff — the forward (leading) edge of a sail
- Leech — the trailing edge of a sail
- Foot — the bottom edge of a sail
- Head — the top corner of a sail
- Tack — the lower forward corner
- Clew — the lower aft corner (sheets attach here)
- Roach — the curved material beyond a straight line from head to clew on the leech; battens support roach
- Draft/Camber — the depth of the sail's curve (how much belly); expressed as a percentage of chord length
- Draft position — where the deepest point sits fore-to-aft; typically 35–45% aft of the luff for working sails
What to Tell Your Sailmaker
- Boat make, model, and year (they may have templates on file)
- Sailing use: coastal cruising, offshore, racing, daysailing
- Typical wind conditions: light-air, mixed, heavy-weather preference
- Furling system or hanks; track type (luff groove vs. cars)
- Budget — this affects fabric choice significantly
- Whether you want UV protection strip on headsail leech/foot
Marine Canvas Brands & Fabrics
Exterior Canvas & Cover Fabrics
Sunbrella Marine Grade (Glen Raven)
Industry StandardWeight: 9.25 oz/sq yd | Price: ~$18–$28/yard
The benchmark for exterior marine canvas. Solution-dyed acrylic — color goes all the way through the fiber so it cannot fade out. UV-resistant, mildew-resistant, breathable, and cleanable. Industry-standard 5-year warranty on color retention. Available in 60+ colors. Used on 90% of professional biminis, dodgers, and sail covers worldwide.
Use for: Biminis, dodgers, sail covers, boom covers, winch covers, weather cloths, hatch covers.
Sunbrella Plus (Glen Raven)
Premium WaterproofWeight: 9.25 oz/sq yd | Price: ~$28–$38/yard
Sunbrella with Teflon waterproof coating. Better water beading and faster drying. The right choice for dodger and bimini tops in rainy climates like the Pacific Northwest. Breathable side up, waterproof coating down.
Use for: Dodger tops, bimini tops — any canvas expected to shed standing water.
Top Gun (Recasens / Serge Ferrari)
Professional GradeWeight: 9 oz/sq yd | Price: ~$18–$26/yard
Solution-dyed acrylic — Sunbrella's main competitor. Comparable UV and mildew resistance; slightly different hand feel. Preferred by many professional canvas shops for its workability. Available from Sailrite and Rocky Woods. Used extensively in commercial and professional marine work.
Stamoid / Ferrari Stamoid
Fully Waterproof PVCPrice: ~$20–$30/yard
PVC-coated polyester — waterproof, very tough, easy to wipe clean. Heavier than Sunbrella; does not breathe. Better for enclosure side panels and dodger window surrounds where a fully waterproof panel is needed.
Use for: Cockpit enclosure panels, dodger side panels, weather cloths.
Phifertex (Phifer)
Screen / Enclosure MeshPrice: ~$12–$20/yard
PVC-coated polyester mesh — the standard fabric for cockpit enclosure screen panels where ventilation and visibility are needed simultaneously. Blocks spray while allowing airflow. Available in multiple weave densities.
Weblon / Regatta (Herculite)
Alternative to StamoidPrice: ~$15–$25/yard
Vinyl-coated polyester — fully waterproof and very durable. Used by canvas shops as an alternative to Stamoid for enclosure panels and side curtains. Heat-sealable and RF-weldable.
Window Materials
Strataglass / Eisenglass
Clear Enclosure PanelsThickness: 20, 30, 40, 60 mil | Price: ~$8–$25/linear ft
PVC optical-quality film used for dodger and enclosure windows. Strataglass is coated on both sides with a proprietary scratch-resistant coating — dramatically extends the service life over uncoated vinyl. 40 mil is the minimum for dodger windows; 60 mil for larger enclosure panels. Handle carefully — scratches from folding destroy clarity. Store rolled, not folded.
Use for: All dodger and enclosure windows where optical clarity and durability matter.
Makrolon / Lexan (Polycarbonate)
Rigid WindowsThickness: 1/8" – 1/4" | Price: ~$15–$40/sq ft
Rigid polycarbonate sheet — used for fixed dodger windows and companionway washboards. Impact-resistant (virtually unbreakable), UV-stabilized. Can be cut and drilled with standard tools. Tends to scratch with use and develops crazing over time; 10–15 year lifespan is typical.
Interior & Upholstery Fabrics
Sunbrella Upholstery
Interior StandardWeight: 5.5–7 oz | Price: ~$15–$25/yard
Same solution-dyed acrylic as exterior Sunbrella but softer, upholstery-weight. Mildew-resistant — critical for marine interiors. Correct fabric for salon settees, V-berth cushions, and nav seat cushions.
Naugahyde / SeaMark Marine Vinyl
Easy-Clean SurfacesPrice: ~$10–$22/yard
PVC vinyl over woven backing — the most common material for cockpit cushion tops and surfaces that get wet. Easy to wipe clean, waterproof, UV-stabilized. Use marine-grade only — standard automotive vinyl deteriorates rapidly with saltwater and UV exposure.
Where to Buy Canvas & Fabric
- Sailrite — Sunbrella, Top Gun, Dacron sailcloth, vinyl, Phifertex, thread — the one-stop source
- Rocky Woods Fabrics — wide Sunbrella selection at competitive prices
- Sunbrella Retailer Locator — find local dealers for in-person color selection
- Defender Marine — Sunbrella and sail repair fabrics
- Fisheries Supply (Seattle) — local source for Sunbrella and marine fabrics
Puget Sound Canvas & Sail Services
Listings researched and compiled from public sources. Verify current pricing, lead times, and services directly with each shop. Summer lead times of 4–8 weeks are common for dodger and bimini work — contact shops early in the season. To add or update a listing, use the form below.
Seattle & Central Sound
Canvas Supply Company
Canvas UpholsteryOne of the oldest marine canvas businesses in the Pacific Northwest — in operation since 1882. Full-service boat canvas and sail covers, bimini tops, dodgers, cockpit enclosures, windows, upholstery, cushions, and awnings. A true institution in the Seattle marine community.
Apex Stitching
CanvasCustom marine canvas fabrication serving Seattle and Tacoma. Specializes in bimini tops, dodgers, cockpit enclosures, covers, and repairs. Operated by an experienced marine canvas fabricator with 18+ years in the trade.
Seattle Marine Upholstery
Canvas UpholsteryFull-service interior and exterior marine upholstery and canvas work. Services include boat covers, foam cushions, marine bedding, custom boat carpeting, and complete interior refurbishing. One of the more comprehensive interior specialists in Seattle.
Ontario Canvas Company
CanvasThree-generation family business with 30+ years of marine canvas experience. Located at the historic Duwamish River at South Park Marina boatyard — convenient for boats hauled or stored south of downtown Seattle. Custom boat covers, enclosures, and canvas products.
North Sails Seattle
SailsThe world's largest sailmaker with a full-service Seattle loft. New racing and cruising sails, sail repairs, upgrades, inspections, measurement services, sail storage, and washing. The go-to for production sailboat owners who want factory-quality work done locally.
InCanvas
Canvas30+ years of marine canvas experience serving Everett, Edmonds, and Seattle. Specializes in canvas covers, cockpit enclosures, and framework installation. Uses Sunbrella and specialty marine fabrics.
Tacoma & South Sound
Boat Top Shop
Canvas Upholstery TacomaCustom canvas, bimini enclosures, boat tops, bridge covers, sailboat dodgers, boat upholstery, and marine seating. Well-established in the Tacoma marine community.
Kitsap Peninsula & Poulsbo
Liberty Bay Canvas & Sails
Canvas Sails PoulsboLocally owned and operated since 2000. Full-service custom canvas, boat covers, sails, marine upholstery, dodgers, and biminis. Has built a strong reputation serving Kitsap Peninsula, Bainbridge Island, and Seattle-area boaters for 25+ years.
Everett & North of Seattle
Little House of Canvas
Canvas UpholsteryFull-service boat canvas and upholstery at the Port of Everett. Custom designs, boat covers, framework systems, and upholstery. Uses Sunbrella Marine, Sunbrella Plus, Sunbrella Seamark, Top Gun, Weblon, and Ferrari Stamoid.
North Sound & Anacortes
Canvasman
Canvas AnacortesCustom canvas and upholstery for boats and yachts in Skagit County. Boat covers, enclosures, and general marine canvas work. Good option for boats based at Cap Sante Marina or La Conner.
Canvas Outfitters
Canvas AnacortesBoat covers and canvas products serving the Anacortes and Skagit County area.
Doyle Sails Seattle
SailsFull-service Doyle Collective sail loft serving the Seattle/Puget Sound region. New cruising, racing, and one-design sails. Sail repairs and modifications.
Force 10 Sailmaking & Rigging
Sails North SoundTraditional hand-craftsmanship sailmaking from Marrowstone Island. Second-generation sailmakers with deep roots in traditional construction. Custom sails take approximately 2 weeks and are built to last up to 20 years with proper care. Also offers sail repair and rigging services. Accepts apprentices.
Schurr Sails
SailsPacific Northwest sailmaker specializing in cruising sails. Well regarded in the local sailing community for quality construction and customer service.
Cleaning & Care — Canvas and Sails
Sunbrella & Canvas Cleaning
- Brush off loose dirt first — always brush dry before wetting; wet dirt grinds into the fiber and is far harder to remove
- Rinse with fresh water — rinse salt and surface grime before applying soap
- Mild soap + soft brush — use a soft-bristle brush with mild dish soap or Woolite for most stains; scrub gently and rinse thoroughly
- For mildew — 1 cup bleach + ¼ cup dish soap per gallon of water; apply, let sit 15 minutes, scrub with soft brush, rinse thoroughly; repeat if needed
- For heavy mildew or bird stains — Star Brite Mold & Mildew Stain Remover; spray on, let sit, scrub, rinse
- For oil/grease stains — dab with mineral spirits on a cloth, then wash with soap and water; test an inconspicuous spot first
- Machine washing — Sunbrella panels (removed from frames) can be machine washed cold on gentle cycle with mild detergent; NO heat drying — always air dry flat
- Never use hot water — hot water shrinks acrylic canvas and can loosen thread
- Sailrite — Complete Sunbrella Cleaning Guide
Restoring Water Repellency
- New Sunbrella repels water. After 2–4 seasons, the factory treatment wears off and water starts to soak in rather than bead — this is normal
- Re-treat with 303 Fabric Guard or Star Brite Sail & Canvas Restorer every 1–2 seasons; apply to clean, dry canvas; let cure 24 hours before getting wet
- Retreating restores beading; it does not fix permanent staining or mildew damage — clean first, then re-treat
- For Sunbrella Plus (coated fabric) — re-treatment is less critical as the factory PU coating does the waterproofing; focus on keeping it clean and UV-protected
Sail Care & Storage
- Rinse with fresh water after every salt exposure — salt crystals are abrasive and hygroscopic (they attract moisture); salt in a folded sail accelerates batten pocket wear and stitching degradation
- Dry completely before storage — never store a damp or wet sail; mildew grows quickly and permanently stains Dacron
- Flake or roll — don't stuff — stuffed sails develop permanent creases at fold points; repeated folding at the same point cracks laminate sails and stresses woven sails. Roll or flake loosely into a sail bag
- Protect headsails from UV — UV is Dacron's enemy; a furled headsail without a UV cover loses strength rapidly at the exposed leech and foot; check and replace Sunbrella UV strips every 5–7 years
- Inspect batten pockets annually — the most common failure point; check for chafe at the ends, stitching integrity, and batten retention velcro/ties
- Check chafe points — spreader tips against the mainsail, headstay against the genoa, and lazy jacks against the sail are common chafe sources; add spreader boots and chafe patches proactively
- Annual wash — send sails to a loft for professional washing once per season if you sail regularly; North Sails Seattle and other lofts offer washing and storage services
Sail Washing at Home
- Lay the sail on a clean dock or lawn; hose it down thoroughly to remove salt
- Use mild soap (Woolite or unscented dish soap) with a soft brush; scrub lightly; no stiff brushes which abrade Dacron
- Rinse until water runs clear; any soap residue left in the cloth will attract dirt
- For mildew spots on Dacron — a diluted bleach solution (1:10 water:bleach) applied carefully; rinse immediately and thoroughly; do not use on laminate or colored sails
- Dry completely in a breeze before folding or bagging
Clear Window (Strataglass/Eisenglass) Care
- Never wipe dry — always wet the surface before wiping; dry wiping scratches the plastic irreversibly
- Use only dedicated clear vinyl cleaners (Plexus, IMAR Strataglass Protective Polish, or 210° Cleaner)
- Keep panels rolled, not folded — fold creases in clear vinyl become permanent white lines
- Polish annually with Plexus or a clear vinyl restorer to fill fine scratches and restore clarity
- Replace panels when deep scratches or crazing obscure visibility — typically every 5–10 years
DIY Canvas — Sewing Machines & Resources
Sailrite Ultrafeed LSZ-1
The StandardType: Walking foot, straight stitch + zigzag | Price: ~$800–$1,000
The definitive marine canvas sewing machine. Handles 16 layers of canvas; sews Sunbrella, sailcloth, webbing, vinyl. Portable — runs on 110V or 12V DC. The LSZ adds zigzag essential for sail repairs. If you buy one machine, this is it.
Sailrite Ultrafeed LS-1
Straight Stitch OnlyPrice: ~$650–$800
Same machine without zigzag. Fine for canvas work but lacks the zigzag needed for sail repair. If you'll only do canvas — not sails — this saves $150. Otherwise pay for the LSZ.
Consew 206RB-5
Industrial AlternativePrice: ~$500–$700
Professional canvas shop choice — full industrial machine, not portable. Better for a workshop with high-volume work than aboard use.
Thread & Supplies
- V-92 (Tex 90) — standard UV-resistant marine thread for most canvas work; use with size 16 needle
- V-138 (Tex 135) — heavier thread for webbing, straps, and load-bearing stitching; use with size 18–19 needle
- Always use UV-stabilized marine thread — not cotton or standard polyester from a fabric store
- Replace needles frequently — a dull needle causes most skipped stitches
- Sailrite — needles, thread, bobbins, presser feet, basting tape (Seamstick), and all marine canvas supplies
Free Learning Resources
- Sailrite YouTube Channel — 300+ free project videos; dodger patterns, bimini tutorials, sail repair, upholstery, winch covers
- Sailrite — Complete Boat Canvaswork Guide
- Practical Sailor — Fixing Tears in Sunbrella
Offshore Sail Repair Kit
- Sail repair tape (Tear-Aid Type A) — temporary field repair
- 2 oz nylon (spinnaker repair) and 6 oz Dacron (working sail patches)
- Curved sail needle and palm (sail thimble)
- Sail twine (waxed polyester)
- Seamstick double-sided basting tape
- Seam ripper and sharp scissors
- Sailrite sells complete offshore sail repair kits with everything above
List Your Canvas or Sail Business
Canvas shops, sailmakers, marine upholstery businesses, and sail repair services serving the Pacific Northwest can submit their information for a free basic listing. Featured listings with extended description and preferred placement are available for $50/month — see advertising options.
- Free listing — company name, phone, website, and service area.
- Featured listing Featured — full description, all contact details, service tags, years in business, and preferred placement. $50/month.