ABC Marine

‘Have Canvas; Will Travel’

 Let me tell you about the New and Improved ABC Marine Canvas. This past January we ventured into the next chapter of life for ABC Marine.

After much consideration, consultation, and consternation, we decided to vacate the premises we had leased for the last 20 years and take our business to the streets. We were feeling the pains, financially, of the constant rise of property values and yearly increases.

We felt as if we had two options. We could find a smaller location in a very industrial area, thus reducing our overhead, or we could possibly become completely mobile. We did not want our customers to have to tow their boats to some unsavory area, so we felt the mobile idea might be the better solution.

       We designed and had custom built a 28-foot Haulmark utility trailer that is our new mobile shop. The idea was to go to the customer, rather than the customer having to hook up their boat at home, storage space, or marina and then have to tow it, through traffic, to us.

     We equipped the rig with everything necessary to completely do marine canvas. Linda and I have the experience and ability to complete many jobs in just one day.

Full boat covers, custom cockpit covers, bimini tops, bimini extensions, and bow covers are all items that, working together, we can show up at the customer’s location and complete in one day. Other items such as screen and full-enclosure packages we schedule for a few days or more as they are more labor intensive.

The trailer is equipped with all we need. We built in a head, air conditioning, an  8-foot cutout and design table, sewing table and machine — all the necessary tools, supplies, and accessories.

We are able to fabricate complete biminis, metal frame, all right on site. So, the idea was to do as many jobs as possible in just one visit. I must add that, so far, this is working gloriously.

     We were fortunate to obtain a storage space near our home for the trailer, so we can be on the road every morning by 7:30 a.m. Coincidentally enough, at the same time we planned to do this, we were awarded the contracts at Saguaro and Canyon Lake marinas to supply canvas for their members as needed.

This worked right into our scheme as now we could work in that environment, and not have to make several trips for measuring, fitting, and installing.

      Since embarking on this venture, our travels have taken us from Glendale to Mesa, Bell Road to Ahwatukee, and we have even spent an entire week at Saguaro Lake working. Of course Max — our faithful pound puppy, and Linda's greatest joy — gets to go with us, to spend a lazy day lying around watching his masters. Of course, being in a new place with unfamiliar people every day really cut into Max's nap time.

So, as you can see, ABC Marine canvas is alive and well. We have the same phone number that we have had for 20 years: (602) 470-1600. Our location is now valleywide. We are only a phone call away.