Custom boat cover maker

Owners of cabin cruisers, fishing boats with rails and T-tops, yachts and older or unusual boats, plus marinas, dealers and boat clubs.

A fixed price per custom cover based on size and fabric, plus repairs, zip and fastener replacements, and trade work for boat dealers.

• Industrial sewing or willingness to learn
• Accurate measuring and pattern making
• Working with marine fabrics and fittings
• Customer service and quoting

• Check council zoning and approvals for running a workshop, especially from a home garage
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus insurance for your equipment and stock
• Measuring mistakes are expensive, so agree a clear quote and what happens if a cover doesn't fit
• Check marina or boat yard rules about working on boats on their premises
• Fabric and machine costs can be high before you have steady orders
• Industrial sewing machines and cutting tools carry safety risks, so check workplace safety guidance for your state

Startup costs are typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your workshop, sewing equipment and fabric stock. These are estimates only. Fabric and machine costs can be high before you have steady orders.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,500 to $12,000, depending on how many covers you make and the size of the boats. That is revenue before materials and other costs. Expect to spend at least about 20 hours a week.

Check council zoning and approvals for a workshop, especially a home garage. Check public liability and product liability insurance, and marina or boat yard rules for working on their premises. Check workplace safety guidance for sewing machines and cutting tools in your state.