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I offer Quality Work at Affordable Prices! The following are just a few of the services I offer:
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...Repairs, Replacement or Completely New... It's Up To You!...
I use SUNGARD© UV Stabilized Outdoor Threads
Questions to ask to MAKE SURE you are getting the best custom work possible from your local canvas shop
Q. What kind of thread will they be using? A. You may also find a shop that offers one of the PTFE threads such as Sunguard, Tenara or Solarfix. They cost more, but they will never rot. Lifetime thread is well worth the price considering the ugly appearance of rotten threads and the additional cost of a restitch. Not all fabricators offer this type of thread due to the high cost.
Q. Will they use marine binding on the edges of the custom boat cover? If so, what kind? A. Make sure that if they use binding to bind the edges of a boat cover, that they use one carries at least a 5 year warranty. Vinyl binding will crack and rot well before the fabric does.
Q. Will they fix or replace any of the snaps in your new boat cover? A. Request that your snaps be tightened yearly and replaced as needed free of charge. However, if you miss your yearly check-up and you show up two or three years later, expect to be charged for snap damage.
Q. Can you see any of their previous work, and speak to their customers? A. Ask if you can see a similar, completed job, and maybe speak to some of their customers.
Q. My cover is not clean, will they still fix it? A. Expect a cleaning charge, or clean your cover in advance. Remove all sand, bird droppings, leaves and wash/scrub it with vinegar and dish soap, allowing it to dry before folding it and taking it in for service. Sand is the worst culprit that a sewing machine faces, as it destroys the lower gears and they are not only costly but time consuming to replace. Your small repair on a dirty item could end up costing hundreds of dollars to the shop owner!
Q. My seat cushion has a split seam, will they fix it or do I have to have it replaced? A. In rare cases when the vinyl is relatively new, it can be re-stitched. However, if the vinyl has hardened AT ALL, then a new “skin” will have to be made.
Q. How long should my work take? A. In most cases you are put on a schedule or time board. Be sure that the shop adds in days for bad weather or unforeseeable problems. For example, if your boat cover will take 12 hours to finish but there are three days of rain in the forecast, expect the shop to need your boat for five days.
Q. How much over my quote could I expect to pay? A. The best way to avoid overages is to ask for a not-to-exceed quote. The shop will take into consideration the worst case scenario for your project and quote you on everything that could go wrong. You will get a very high quote, but in most every case your final bill will be less, but never more. It is better to be quoted $250.00 and end up paying $180.00, than to be quoted $180.00 and end up paying $250.00! So remember, ask for a not-to-exceed quote!
Q. Will I have to make a deposit? A. On repairs there is usually no deposit required, but on new work (covers or new upholstery), it is customary to expect a 50% deposit.
Q. What if I change my mind on the color(s) I chose, or I want to cancel the job? A. Many shops have a policy or contract that clearly states that your deposit is used for your material purchase. Should you change the order, in most cases you would not receive a refund but given the materials purchased for your job.
Q. When is the best time to schedule my boat with a shop? A. Many shops are overwhelmed in the spring, and work can get backed-up for weeks to even months. If you are planning on having work done for the next season, have your boat scheduled in the fall. Many shops will allow you to store your boat free of charge over the winter so they can begin work as soon as the weather breaks. Don’t wait until May 15th to call your canvas shop, dozens of people have already beaten you to the shop by then!
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