SHIP YARDS SHOP
NOW HIRING — SEASONAL / FULL-TIME POTENTIAL · COMPETITIVE HOURLY RATE
Marine Upholstery & Canvas Technician
Grand Harbour Marina · Lagoon City, Brechin, ON · on the shores of Lake Simcoe
Seasonal / Full-Time Potential
Hourly Rate
Marine Upholstery
Canvas & Bimini
Own Sewing Machine an Asset
SOMETHING EXCITING IS COMING TO THE SHIPYARD SHOP!
Grand Harbour Marina is preparing to launch a full-service Shipyard Shop—featuring marine detailing, polishing, custom canvas & upholstery, and expert gelcoat repairs—and we’re building our skilled team now to be ready for the upcoming season!
ABOUT GRAND HARBOUR MARINA
Grand Harbour Marina is a premier waterfront destination located in Lagoon City, Brechin, Ontario — on the beautiful east shore of Lake Simcoe. Under new ownership and management, we are transforming this iconic marina into a destination defined by elevated service, exceptional amenities, and an unwavering commitment to excellence across every aspect of the boating experience.
The vessels that call Grand Harbour home represent significant personal investments. Our members and guests expect their boats to look as good as they perform — and skilled marine upholstery and canvas work is central to that standard. We are looking for an experienced technician who takes genuine pride in their craft and wants to deliver work worth talking about.
THE ROLE
As Marine Upholstery & Canvas Technician at Grand Harbour Marina, you will be responsible for the repair, restoration, fabrication, and installation of marine upholstery and canvas products across a diverse range of vessel types and sizes. From re-covering worn cockpit cushions and helm seats to fabricating and fitting bimini tops, dodgers, enclosures, and custom canvas covers — your work will be visible on the water every day of the season.
This is a seasonal, hourly-rate position with the potential to transition into a full-time ongoing role for the right candidate. It is suited to an experienced marine upholstery and canvas professional who works with precision, takes customer specifications seriously, and consistently delivers a finished product that reflects genuine craftsmanship. Candidates who bring their own industrial sewing machine and specialist tools are strongly preferred. You may work independently on individual projects or alongside the marina team on larger vessel service jobs as coordinated by the Harbour Master or Operations Manager.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Marine Upholstery
• Assess, diagnose, and provide accurate repair or replacement recommendations for all marine upholstery including cockpit seating, helm seats, pilot chairs, bow cushions, berth cushions, and interior cabin upholstery
• Remove, repair, and re-cover marine upholstery using appropriate marine-grade vinyl, leather, and fabric materials selected for UV resistance, moisture resistance, and durability in the marine environment
• Cut, sew, and fabricate replacement upholstery panels, cushion covers, and seat covers to original or custom specifications using industrial sewing equipment
• Repair and replace foam cores, padding, backing boards, and structural elements beneath upholstery surfaces as required
• Colour-match replacement materials to existing upholstery where partial repairs are being made, ensuring a consistent and professional finished appearance
• Install completed upholstery on-vessel with attention to fit, tension, alignment, and the overall quality of the finished installation
• Advise customers on material options, care and maintenance, and the expected service life of repaired or replaced upholstery components
Canvas Work, Bimini Tops & Enclosures
• Fabricate, repair, and install bimini tops, bimini extensions, and bimini storage boots to specification using marine-grade acrylic canvas, Sunbrella, and equivalent materials
• Fabricate and install full cockpit enclosures, side curtains, aft curtains, and connect-a-tops with precision-fitted clear vinyl windows and appropriate marine fastening hardware
• Repair existing canvas including patching, re-stitching, zipper replacement, snap and fastener replacement, and re-coating of worn or leaking seams
• Fabricate and install custom canvas covers for helm consoles, windshields, outboard motors, electronics, winches, anchors, and other deck hardware
• Fabricate and fit full boat covers, mooring covers, and travel covers for a wide range of vessel types including bowriders, cruisers, pontoons, and sailboats
• Inspect and assess the structural condition of bimini frames, bow fittings, and mounting hardware — identifying repairs or replacements required and communicating these to the customer and marina team
• Select and source appropriate materials, hardware, zippers, snaps, and fittings for each project and maintain an organized inventory of commonly used components
Customer Consultation & Project Management
• Consult directly with marina members and guests to understand their upholstery and canvas repair or replacement needs, providing clear, professional recommendations and accurate written estimates
• Document all project specifications, material selections, and agreed scope of work clearly prior to commencing any repair or fabrication
• Communicate project timelines and progress updates to customers and the marina operations team proactively
• Inspect all completed work thoroughly prior to delivery or installation — ensuring every job meets the Grand Harbour standard before it leaves the workshop
• Handle customer feedback on completed work professionally, addressing any concerns promptly and to the customer’s satisfaction
Workshop, Tools & Materials
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professionally run workshop environment at all times
• Operate industrial sewing machines, cutting tools, heat sealing equipment, and hand tools safely and to manufacturer specifications
• Maintain an accurate inventory of materials, hardware, and consumables — communicating replenishment needs to management before stock runs low
• Care for all workshop equipment, tools, and machinery responsibly — performing basic maintenance and reporting any service needs promptly
• Adhere to all workplace health and safety standards, WHMIS requirements, and marina operational policies at all times
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
Required
• Proven marine upholstery and canvas experience in a professional marine or upholstery shop environment or Professionally Trained
• Demonstrated expertise in bimini top fabrication and installation, canvas enclosure work, and marine upholstery repair and replacement
• Proficiency operating industrial sewing machines and working with marine-grade canvas, vinyl, acrylic fabric, and clear vinyl materials
• Ability to take accurate measurements, produce precise cuts, and fabricate to tight tolerances for a professional, well-fitted finished product
• Strong working knowledge of marine hardware including snaps, zippers, Velcro, bimini fittings, and fastening systems
• Self-directed, organized, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet customer timelines
• Meticulous attention to detail and a genuine commitment to the quality of every finished piece
• Professional in conduct and communication when dealing directly with marina members and guests
Preferred (Strong Assets)
• Own industrial sewing machine and specialist upholstery / canvas tools — a strongly preferred asset that will be given priority consideration
• Experience working with a wide range of vessel types including bowriders, deck boats, cruisers, pontoons, and sailboats
• Familiarity with Sunbrella, Stamoid, Top Gun, SeaMark, and other leading marine canvas and upholstery material brands
• Experience with custom cockpit enclosure fabrication including clear vinyl window installation and track and zipper systems
• Basic knowledge of bimini frame repair, stainless fittings, and bow fitting replacement
• Experience providing written estimates and managing customer-facing project consultations
Why Join Grand Harbour Marina
Work where your craft is showcased
Every repair you complete is seen and used by boaters on the water every day — a workspace unlike any typical upholstery shop.
Skilled trade, respected role
Marine upholstery and canvas work is a specialized craft. We value that expertise and treat this role accordingly.
Varied and interesting work
From cockpit cushions and helm seats to full bimini fabrications and custom canvas enclosures — no two jobs are the same.
Be part of something new
Join an exciting transformation under new ownership — a marina being built into one of Lake Simcoe’s premier waterfront destinations.
Seasonal with full-time potential
Start as a seasonal hourly role with a clear path to full-time ongoing employment for the right candidate who delivers quality work.
Competitive hourly rate
We offer a competitive hourly rate commensurate with your experience, skill level, and the quality of your finished work.
Ready to Bring Your Craft to the Water?
If you are an experienced marine upholstery and canvas professional who takes pride in quality work and wants to bring that craft to one of Lake Simcoe’s most exciting new marina destinations — we’d love to hear from you.
Send your resume to: hello@grandharbourmarina.ca Please indicate in the subject line the role you are applying for.
We thank all applicants. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.