Owning a boat in Minnesota means enjoying pristine lakes and unforgettable summers. It also means dealing with unpredictable weather and long winters. 

Protecting your investment with a custom boat cover isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential. So, how exactly does a company like Canvasworks design, build, and deliver a cover that fits your boat perfectly and lasts for years?

This in-depth look takes you behind the scenes at Canvasworks in Cokato, Minnesota. You'll learn how our team consults with customers, uses cutting-edge technology for measuring and cutting, crafts with premium materials, and customizes every single detail for Minnesota boat owners. 

Whether you’re curious about protecting your vessel or considering a new cover, discover what makes the Canvasworks process stand out!

Understanding Every Boat Owner’s Needs

Choosing a custom boat cover starts with understanding how you use your boat and what you want most from your cover. 

At Canvasworks, the process begins with a personalized consultation.

The Consultation

When you connect with Canvasworks, specialists talk through your boating habits, storage solutions, and any pain points with previous covers. 

Common questions include:

  • Will your cover primarily be used for mooring, traveling, or winter storage?

  • What issues have you faced with off-the-shelf covers?

  • Do you have a preference for fastening styles, such as ratchet straps, snap closures, or tie-downs, or are you looking for a brand-specific j-clip fastener?

By the end of the consultation, both you and the Canvasworks team will have a clear direction on what type of cover will serve you best and how it will integrate into your boating routine.

Customization Options for Boat Covers

At Canvasworks, every boat cover is meticulously crafted to your boat's exact specifications, ensuring a perfect fit that offers unparalleled protection. 

Beyond fit, we offer a range of customization options to suit your preferences and style. 

Cover Types

You can choose from different styles of covers tailored to meet your specific boating needs, whether it's for trailering, storage, or mooring:

  • Mooring Boat Covers: Perfect for when your boat is parked in your driveway or docked at the lake, these covers protect your interior from rain, harsh UV exposure, dirt and debris, bird droppings, and even critters trying to sneak a ride. 

  • Travel Covers: Similar in design to mooring covers, these covers ensure a smooth ride to the lake or across the country. They not only cover the top and interior of your vessel but can also be designed to fit lower along the sides to protect against dust, dirt, and gravel flung up from the road. 

  • Winter Storage Covers: These covers were created with Minnesota winters in mind. Not only is the fabric exceptionally heavy-duty and water-repellent, but it is also designed with a higher pitch to allow snow, ice, and melt to run off easily. The breathable material doesn’t trap moisture, so your boat stays mildew-free. Plus, its durability means you can reuse the cover year after year. 

Canvas Color Options

Additionally, we offer a wide selection of colors, allowing you to pick the one that best complements your boat or reflects your personal taste. With Canvasworks, your boat cover is not just functional but also uniquely yours.

Precision Measurement & Fitting with Advanced Technology

A great custom fit starts with flawless measurements. At Canvasworks, we combine hands-on experience with state-of-the-art technology. All of our covers are either fit using the most up-to-date measuring technology or hand fit to your boat by our experienced fabricators.

On-Site Measuring

You’ll bring your boat directly into the Canvasworks shop in Cokato, Minnesota. This ensures the most accurate measurements possible, as the team measures every curve, cleat, rail, and unique aspect of your boat. If that’s not an option, we can travel to your location to measure or fit your boat for the best fit. 

CNC Cutting for Accuracy & Efficiency

Once measurements are recorded, Canvasworks leverages a CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) cutting machine for all of our digitally measured covers. 

Here’s why this matters:

  • Automated Precision: A CNC machine runs both hot knife and roller knife cuts for sharp, smooth edges. Canvasworks’ setup can cut fabric up to 61.5 inches wide and a remarkable 600 inches long.

  • Laser Measuring: The combination of CNC and laser technology assures you a level of accuracy that minimizes human error and material waste.

  • Streamlined Production: Automation allows Canvasworks to work more efficiently, reducing lead times and keeping costs competitive for customers.

Pro Tip: If you need industrial sewing services, this same precision and speed mean notable cost savings compared to traditional, labor-intensive methods.

Heavy-Duty Fabrics That Protect for Years

A boat cover is only as good as its materials. Canvasworks never cuts corners here.

Every mooring or travel boat cover is crafted from 11.5-ounce Top Notch™, Sunbrella ®, or Hydrofend marine fabrics. Our winter storage covers are made from 18-ounce laminated or coated vinyl polyester from Snyder Vinyl. 

These specialty materials are built for Minnesota’s elements:

  • Longevity: Designed for 15+ years of protection, resisting sun, water, and ice.

  • Mildew & Mold Defense: Integrated pole and venting systems allow for breathability, keeping covered areas dry.

  • Water-repellent: Rain or snow won't get in, but trapped condensation will escape, preventing the growth of mildew and mold.

At Canvasworks, we take pride in using high-quality materials to ensure the longevity and protection of your boat cover. Our marine fabrics are specifically designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, making it the perfect choice for boating in Minnesota's unpredictable climate.

5-Year Limited Warranty on Workmanship

We stand behind the quality of our products, which is why our work is backed by a 5-year limited warranty on workmanship and materials. This warranty ensures that you can trust in the durability and performance of your boat cover, providing peace of mind for years to come. 

From stitching to fabric integrity, our commitment to excellence guarantees a reliable product designed to handle even the toughest conditions.

The Canvasworks Process & Timeline

At Canvasworks, we strive to make the process of creating your custom boat cover as smooth and efficient as possible. To ensure perfect fit, bring your boat to our shop for precise measuring. 

During your consultation, we’ll discuss the type of boat cover you need and provide you with a clear timeline for completion. 

Typically, the time it takes to create your cover will depend on factors such as the availability of materials, like additional canvas, and the volume of orders we are currently processing. 

Rest assured, our team is dedicated to crafting your custom cover with exceptional quality and promptly, keeping you informed every step of the way!

Start Your Custom Boat Cover Order Today!

Don’t wait to give your boat the protection it deserves. At Canvasworks, we’re here to help you design the perfect custom boat cover to meet your unique needs. Whether you’re looking for a durable solution or a sustainable option crafted with care, we’ve got you covered. 

Call us today at 320-559-0165 or send us a message to get started on your custom order or to learn more about our exceptional, eco-friendly covers. Your boat deserves the best — reach out to us now!