Company:
Paul's Custom Canvas

Project Details

Fabric 1

Sunbrella
Producer: Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC
Supplier: Trivantage LLC

Fabric 2

SolarFix Thread
Producer: Quality Thread
Supplier: Keyston Bros.

Fabric 3

316 Stainless Steel Tubing
Producer: Morris Industries


Design Name
Adam Penner, Mike Charpentier, Paul Charpentier

Design Company
Paul's Custom Canvas

Fabrication Name
Maribel Torres, Mike Charpentier, Paul Charpentier

Fabrication Company
Paul's Custom Canvas

Graphics Name
Adam Penner

Graphics Company
Paul's Custom Canvas

Project Manager Name
Mike Charpentier

Project Manager Company
Paul's Custom Canvas

Installation Name
Mike Charpentier

Installation Company
Paul's Custom Canvas


Please describe the project specifications

Outerlimits 42 bimini top with matching graphics


What was the purpose of this project? What did the client request?

This project was designed to provide protection from the sun and rain on a 42 foot offshore power boat. With a boat like this there are many different design constraints including the customer’s desires, structure integrity, and aesthetics. The client wanted to be able to stay shaded when not underway. The client also wanted to be able to store the frame below deck to keep the sleek look of the boat. The client was nervous about ruining the look of his boat and hoped that adding graphics to the bimini could transform it into an aesthetic addition.


What is unique or complex about the project?

The customer wanted a very flat frame to match the boat’s lines. In order to maintain the strength required on a boat that can comfortably travel at high speeds, we had to use 1.25in stainless steel tubing. This was also an aesthetic choice as the heavy frame fits with the high performance nature of the boat. In order to keep the bimini from having to be completely stowed before high speed travel, a custom bag was made to hold the frame and canvas in a strong and secure position against the back strut while also being out of the way of the cockpit. The design for the bimini was measured digitally from the hull graphic. This was then laid onto a 3D model of the bimini canvas and cut out using a CNC cutting table. The level of accuracy and consistency (side to side) was possible because the high precision CAD and CNC processes. By using high strength Sunbrella material we were able to get the canvas stretched to a very tight and sturdy state. This will help significantly with strength because any slack in the framework or canvas will quickly become problematic under load.


What were the results of the project?

The customer was above and beyond pleased with the final result and is very excited to show it off to friends with similar boats on a hot day. The customer was adamant that this top could not take away from the sleek look of the boat. Bimini tops and other canvas structures are uncommon on high speed boats. This is a completely custom top with a design as unique as the custom graphics on the boat. All canvas work was designed and cut digitally, no paper was used in patterning this project. By incorporating custom graphics we were able to elevate a regular bimini top to exceptional and make it a fantastic addition to an already incredible boat.


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