Charlton's Marine Canvas

Mike Charlton is a dodger/bimini genius, if there is such a thing. Couldn't have asked for a better piece of craftsmanship, or purchase experience. There's a reason this gentleman is booked out six months in advance. He's worth the wait. Thanks Mike.

Charlton’s Marine Canvas built a California dodger with covers, two piece bimini, and connector for our 36 ft sailboat. Based on the excellent products Mike delivered, it is apparent he is as much of an artist as he is a craftsman. I would be very comfortable having him do future work and would recommend Mike without hesitation. I would give him 6 stars if there was an extra one! He was great to work with. He pays attention to every detail and the long-term look of the canvas. He was able to turn my sketches of a set of sun screens that enclose most of the bimini into awesome looking reality. We looked around the marina and he answered questions about things I liked and didn’t like about other canvas work. He introduced me to a California-style dodger, which is made up of a top and three side pieces. Incredibly, he used 60 gauge Makrolon Poly Carbonate to make a near seamless wrap around dodger that has great visibility from the cockpit, opening center panel, and very solid. Mike added grab handles and braces to the dodger. He also added additional bracing to the bimini to eliminate those annoying cloth straps in the front and back that were needed to hold the bimini steady, but blocked access in and out of the cockpit. There is a Makrolon window in the top of the dodger now for sail visibility, but with covers on the inside to block the sun when needed and a cover on top to protect the window from the sun. A set of zippers makes it easy to reach on top of the dodger to install the storage cover. He understands how canvas like marine Sunbrella changes over time and his designs are made to keep the canvas tight but still fit over time. He also offers the newer UV resistant thread that is guaranteed for the life of the fabric, so no periodic re-stitching needed. Mike also made a new set of cockpit seat cushions and designed seat backs that easily attach to the inside of the cockpit. The cockpit looks like a new living room! We will call him when it’s time to do our interior cushions. Finally, he is so concerned about the continued good look, he convinced me to take the canvas down for the winter with the promise he would come by and help reinstall it in March to make sure it was “perfect” again. He posted a good photo of the wrap around dodger on his website. It's solid as a rock. BTW- I did not know Mike prior to this but like to recognize good work when I see it.

This is the first review I have ever left on Google, and would give Mike 10 stars if it was possible.

My fiancé and I purchased our first boat this month and found ourselves in Norfolk and in need of new marine canvas work. Mike was transparent with his pricing, informative and knowledgeable about material choices.

Mike is personable and easy to work with and stands behind his products. We are glad we found him.

Mike is a true craftsman and only uses the best materials. His installation is as good as the build. I have no doubt he stands behind his work. He’s punctual, honest and a very good communicator who seeks to understand exactly what you’re looking for... even if you’re not exactly sure what that is when you start the design process. He nailed my custom job and I’d hire him again in a second.

Mike gave me a great price on a 5 panel enclosure for my 25' center console. He also wrapped my upper station seat and made helm covers for the upper and lower stations. Couldn't ask for better service or work with a person who cares about their work as much as Mike does. He is one of the best, if not the best, curtain and canvas man around. Thanks Mike!