
Bimini & boat tops
Split seams, torn corners, worn spots where the top rubs the frame, and straps or boots that have given out.
Lavigne's Canvas Co. repairs canvas in its shop at 102 Booth Rd in North Bay, Ontario. Bring in a boat top, bimini, cover, enclosure, awning or tarp and the shop can replace broken zippers and pulled snaps, put new clear vinyl in cloudy or cracked windows, patch tears and worn spots, and re-stitch seams where the thread has given out in the sun. Colours are matched to your existing canvas where possible. If the fabric itself is worn out, you'll be told straight before you spend money on a repair that won't last.
If it's made of marine canvas, vinyl or clear vinyl and it lives outside, the shop can usually fix it.

Split seams, torn corners, worn spots where the top rubs the frame, and straps or boots that have given out.

Cloudy, yellow or cracked windows replaced with new clear vinyl, and stuck or split zippers swapped out.

Snow-load tears, pulled snaps, broken straps and worn spots on mooring, travel and winter covers.

New zippers, snaps, twist locks and shock cord on curtains, doors and panels, set where your boat needs them.

Torn or faded awning fabric, split seams and worn valances, or a new cover sewn for the frame you have.

Pontoon tops, side curtains and enclosures with worn seams, broken zippers or tired windows.
Most canvas fails in one spot long before the rest of it is done. A good repair costs a fraction of a new cover, top or enclosure.
Fix what failed and keep the rest
Best forCovers, tops and enclosures with life left in them
New clear vinyl in old canvas
Best forBoat and UTV enclosures
A new piece made to fit
Best forWorn-out canvas that keeps failing
If the canvas is past saving, the shop makes new boat covers, bimini tops and enclosures and awning covers in the same building, so you're not starting over with someone new. For cabs, tarps and one-off pieces, see industrial and custom sewing.

Thread breaks down in the sun years before good fabric does, so a re-stitch often brings a tired top back to life.
Split, stuck or missing teeth? The whole zipper is replaced, not patched, so it runs smooth again.
Pulled or corroded snaps, twist locks and grommets replaced, with the fabric reinforced where it tore.
Cloudy or cracked clear vinyl cut out and replaced while the canvas around it stays in place.
Sun-rotted thread re-stitched with UV-resistant thread before the seams open up.
Patches and reinforcing on snow-load tears and spots where the canvas rubs a frame or windshield.
New straps, buckles, shock cord and storage boots for tops and covers.
Five steps, done in the North Bay shop.
Drop the cover, top or panel off at 102 Booth Rd, or send photos first for a rough idea of cost.
The shop looks it over and tells you whether a repair will last or whether it's time for a new piece.
You get a quote before work starts, with fabric and thread matched to your existing canvas where possible.
Repairs are done on industrial machines in North Bay, never sent out.
Most repairs are quick. Busy times of year are spring launch and fall haul-out, so bring repairs in early.
“The crew at Lavigne's came together on a small but uniquely challenging project and produced the perfect Bimini frame, top and weather panels that really put this endeavor above any of its predecessors. Their attention to detail combined with quality material transform this ordinary sandbox into a modern mini yacht. Thank you so much for squeezing this into your incredibly busy schedules and surpassing all expectations.”
“These guys are fantastic. They just finished a custom travel cover for my boat and I couldn’t be happier. I am happy with the price given it is a premium product. What I really appreciated was the service, the team from the office to the shop was fantastic to deal with, was done on time and were very accommodating to exactly what I wanted. Will be back with another project no question. Highly recommended”
“Amazing quality and amazing service! The canvas turned out better than I could’ve imagined. You can tell they put a lot of care into their work. Highly recommend Lavigne’s Canvas!”
“Great craftsmanship and excellent service. Drove from Sudbury because I knew it was going to be done right.”
“Had a complete cover replaced on my four Winns bow rider. Pat Junior and Pat Senior were amazing to deal with and absolute gentlemen. They stayed within their quote, upgraded a few items and increased the headroom with the top on the boat. When I arrived to pick up the boat the pride and quality in their workmanship is obvious. I could not be happier with the final product and would recommend this company to anyone that asks.”
“I had Lavignes canvas make me a snap on boat cover for a 16’ side console boat. Pat was very professional and happily took the time to answer my many questions, over various inquiries. I came from Sudbury after the local shop started getting annoyed after I’d asked just a few questions, and I’m happy I did. The final product is great and so was the customer service. I highly recommend them.”
“We needed a top for our pontoon boat. I called 5 shops. Lavignes was the only shop who answered the phone and easily gave me a rough estimate without seeing the boat that was bang on! They stayed on time, on budget, did a beautiful job and we’re great to work with.”
“We are thrilled with our new pontoon boat enclosure and seat covers! From beginning to end our experience was amazing! Kristy was so helpful suggesting colours, and the workmanship on the seats and enclosure is first rate—not to mention how quick they completed our project!”
“We recently chose Lavigne's Canvas to make new covers for our 2011 Larson fish & ski boat. They did an amazing job with the covers! The level of service, friendliness, and communication was unmatched from the time we scheduled our appointment to the time the work was completed.”
“My Tracker boat cover was a mess after winter snow damage, plus several wear spots and holes. The service was performed great, matching existing canvas colour. Had it fixed very fast with quality work. Saved me $800 for a new cover!”
“In 2022 I had a new boat camper top and new woven vinyl rug installed in my 2005 Doral bow rider. The quality of the workmanship is excellent and this spring the flooring and top still look new.”
Spring is the busiest time of year. Drop your top, cover or enclosure off when the boat comes out in the fall, and it'll be fixed and ready long before launch.
Most repairs come to the shop as loose pieces, so customers bring work in from across Northern Ontario.
Small repairs like a zipper, a few snaps or a patch are usually quick and affordable. Re-windowing an enclosure or rebuilding a panel costs more. Lavigne's Canvas Co. looks at the piece and quotes before any work starts. Call 705-410-6872 or send photos for a ballpark.
Usually. The shop carries a range of marine canvas and vinyl colours and will match as closely as possible. On older, sun-faded canvas, a new patch may look brighter at first because the original has faded.
Yes. If the canvas is still strong, cloudy or cracked clear vinyl can be cut out and replaced, and worn zippers swapped at the same time. It's often far cheaper than a new enclosure.
If the fabric is still strong and the problem is a zipper, snaps, a torn seam or a worn spot, usually yes. If the fabric tears when you pull on it, leaks or is full of mildew, a repair won't last, and you'll be told that before you spend money on it.
Right after the boat comes out of the water in the fall, or over the winter. Spring is the busiest time of year, so getting repairs done in the off-season means your canvas is ready for launch.
Send the basics and you'll hear back with next steps and a ballpark, usually the same business day. Photos of the damage help most: email them to info@lavignescanvas.ca.