Built by a working canvas shop
Boat Canvas Gear was started by Kevin Strate, a marine canvas and upholstery fabricator who has been in the trade since around 2006. Kevin got his start at Keely's Custom Boat Tops (sometimes called Keely's Custom Covers), a boat top and cover shop on Land O' Lakes Blvd in Land O' Lakes, Florida. About 20 years later, the same work is still at the center of everything we do.
From one shop to a family of businesses
Today Kevin owns Tampa Bay Canvas & Upholstery, a custom marine canvas and upholstery shop serving the Tampa Bay area. Over the years his shops have worked on everything from rowboats to casino cruise ships. Through Florida Textiles LLC, Kevin also runs Pasco Boat Tops and Village Golf Cart Seats, along with BoatCanvasGear.com.
Why we started Boat Canvas Gear
We buy and use marine fabric, vinyl, thread, zippers, fasteners and tools every day in our own shop. Boat Canvas Gear puts those same supplies in front of other fabricators, upholsterers and DIY boat owners, sold by the yard or by the roll, with most orders placed Monday through Friday before 3 PM Eastern shipping the same day. When you call with a question, you're talking to people who do this work.
Teaching the trade
Kevin also teaches. On the Boat Canvas Gear YouTube channel, he walks through the patterning, sewing and installation methods our shops use, from bimini tops to boat covers. Our hands-on Marine Upholstery & Canvas Training Program takes that further: 3, 5 or 10 days in our working shop, typically one-on-one, tailored to whether you're sharpening skills for your job, training for your employer or starting your own business.
Visit or get in touch
Boat Canvas Gear, 527 Anclote Rd, Ste 100, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689.
Call 855-545-SEAT (855-545-7328) or email Kevin@tampabayupholstery.com. Local pickup is available on some items by arrangement, so please call first.
