How To Make A Custom Boat Cover (And Why Every Lake Of The Ozarks Boater Needs One)

Without a cover, it doesn't take long for pollen, bugs, dust, leaves, critters, and spiders (especially spiders!) to do a number on a boat interior.

Pete Zimmerman, at Paradise Custom Canvas on Lake of the Ozarks, has made more custom covers than he can count. He laid out the process, step-by-step.

Here's a video of the process, and the steps below.

Need a custom boat cover? Paradise Custom Canvas specializes in made-to-measure covers, custom tailored for all shapes and sizes of boats. Serving Lake of the Ozarks and beyond!

For a bid, call 573-216-7214. Or visit ParadiseCanvas.com.

The steps:

-Measure the boat. You'll need precise measurements, and need to account for all the cleats, anchor, etc.

-Draw out the plan. They have CAD software for this.

-Transfer the drawing to canvas, and cut it out. The best way is to use a CNC machine. Buy one. Warning: They're expensive. (You could use transfer paper and scissors for this step, but a CNC machine is much cooler.)

-Make sure you use the right canvas. It should be durable yet lightweight, water-resistant, and UV-protected too.

-Take the canvas to the sewing machine. You'll want a special sewing machine for this. And special thread. And the right colors, of course.

-Stitch it all together. Add tightening straps and buckles where necessary. And don't forget extra padding underneath, to protect the upholstery and the cover from sharp objects like cleats and other pokey things!

-Take the cover to the boat and give it a test-fit. If anything doesn't fit, pack it back up, take it back to the sewing machine, and start again.

You could do all that.

Or you could call Paradise Custom Canvas, and for a price that customers find surprisingly affordable, you can get a professionally made, custom boat cover.

Call 573-216-7214 for a bid. Or visit ParadiseCanvas.com.