ABOUT US
At Berkeley Marine Canvas, we believe that outfitting a boat for serious sailing – whether it’s a passage to Mexico or a race to Hawaii – is a commitment that requires clarity and foresight.
We listen to our customers and act as trusted advisors, providing the engineering certainty required so that you’re free to focus entirely on the voyage ahead.
We believe the best marine canvas is user-friendly and maintains its stately, crisp lines season after season. We manage the minutiae – from fabric grain orientation to precise stitch-gap calculations – to prevent sagging or shrunken canvas that devalues a boat’s appearance over time. We use time-tested methods, heavy-duty materials, and over-built reinforcements worthy of the vessel they protect. Our shop is structured around the philosophy of doing things right the first time.
With five Hawaii crossings and a decade in the racing circuit, Lowell is a sailor who understands exactly how the best canvas performs long-term. He brings his seamanship perspective to every design.
With a background in Information Systems and User Experience Design, Apo ensures that every project is not only a masterpiece of fabric but a well-managed, transparent client experience.
Together, we build canvas for sailors who notice every detail: the necessary extra space at the luff of a sail cover, choosing a certain fastener for longer service life, the hidden internal flaps that shed water away from dodger zippers, or the multiple opposing-direction layers of reinforcement that distribute load across a fabric structure.
We are proud stewards of a storied Bay Area legacy. Under the mentorship of Bill and Deb from Cover Craft – the cult brand that for 30 years pioneered a distinctive style known for their rugged, yet elegant, custom work – we underwent a complete apprenticeship in the art of traditional canvas engineering.
How We Work
Operating out of the Berkeley Marine Center, we combine artisanal methods with a professional, modern client experience. Because every boat is unique, we begin complex projects with an extensive design session on your vessel. We look for the simplest, most elegant solutions to complex problems – accounting for things often overlooked, like cabin-top winch clearance or the way a boom might flex and strike a frame under load.
Our Step-by-Step Process
We believe in clear communication and predictable timelines.
- Inquiry & Vision: We discuss your plans, your sailing style, and what will work best on your specific boat.
- Detailed Proposal: You receive a written proposal outlining the project scope, fixed pricing, and specific design notes.
- Calendar Lock: A 50% deposit, payable easily online, secures your materials and your dedicated slot on our production schedule.
- Production & Install: Projects typically take 2–10 weeks. We handle the installation personally to ensure the final fit meets our standard of excellence.
Ready to start your project?
Call us or use the contact form below.
We’ll ask a few practical questions and help you map out the next steps for your boat.
"Every great project begins with a conversation about how you sail. Tell us a bit about your boat and your goals, and we’ll help you map out the best path forward."
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