Time Estimates for Popular Marine Projects

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We frequently get asked questions about how long a particular project will take to complete. So, to help your project planning, we’ve put together a list of time estimates for approximately how long our most popular marine projects would take the average DIYer. Let’s take a closer look at the numbers.

These time estimates are based on industry time standards for professional marine fabricators. We used the professional times as a basis and adjusted them to better suit the average beginner DIY sewist. As you complete more sewing projects and progress to intermediate and advanced sewing, the time it takes you to complete basic projects will be greatly reduced. Additionally, the time estimates given below are for the most basic projects only. As you add more features and complexity to your project, you should adjust for more time as well. Similarly, the larger the projects are, the more time they will take. If you have a larger boat, err towards the higher end of the estimates.

Please note also that we’ve broken out the time it takes to install the frame of biminis and dodgers separately from the time it takes to sew the canvas. If you will be starting from scratch, you’ll need to add these two estimates together. Similarly, the time estimate for box cushions is for sewing basic cushions only. We’ve included add-on times for common upgrades and the time it takes to cut the foam for new cushions, so you can plan as close as possible to your project.

Time Estimates for Popular Marine Projects


ProjectDIY Time Estimate
3-Bow Attached Bimini12-14 hrs.
3-Bow Bimini12-16 hrs.
Bimini Boot3 hrs.
2-Bow Dodger25-36 hrs.
3-Bow Dodger30-38 hrs.
2-Bow Dodger Frames2-4 hrs.
3-Bow Bimini/Dodger Frames2.5-5 hrs.
Enclosure Panel3-7 hrs.*
9' Mooring & Travel Cover12-28 hrs.
15' Mooring & Travel Cover14-30 hrs.
18' Mooring & Travel Cover16-32 hrs.
21' Mooring & Travel Cover18-34 hrs.
24' Mooring & Travel Cover20-36 hrs.
27' Mooring & Travel Cover22-38 hrs.
30' Mooring & Travel Cover24-40 hrs.
30'+ Mooring & Travel Cover26-40 hrs.
Dinghy Chaps16 hrs.
2' Windshield Cover3 hrs. 30 min.-6 hrs. 30 min.
4' Windshield Cover4-7 hrs.
6' Windshield Cover5 hrs. 30 min.-8 hrs.
9' Windshield Cover7-9 hrs. 30 min.
12' Windshield Cover8 hrs. 30 min.-11 hrs.
15' Windshield Cover9-11 hrs. 30 min.
Console Cover6-14+ hrs.
Hatch Cover1 hr. 30 min.-2 hrs.
Fender Cover1 hr. 30 min.-2 hrs.
Motor Cover3-5 hrs.
Companionway Cover3 hrs. 30 min.-7 hrs.
Winch Cover1 hr. 30 min.-3+ hrs.
Pedestal (Binnacle) Cover1 hr. 30 min.-3+ hrs.
Jib Bag2 hrs. 15 min.-6 hrs.
Weather Cloths45 min.-1 hr. 30 min. per foot
Sail Cover6 hrs. 45 min.-8 hrs. 15 min.
Boxed Cushions (2'x2' - 5'x7')3-10 hrs.
V-Berth Cushions (5-7 feet long)8+ hrs.
Upholstered Panels45 min. per square foot
Coaming Bolster Pads1-2 hrs. per pad
Back-to-Back Seat16 hrs. 30 min.
Lounge Bench Seat15 hrs.
Headliner & Hull Liner2 hrs. per yard of fabric

For Cushions Add:
Piping30 min.-2 hrs.
Pattern Match25% to times
Cutting New Foam1-2 hrs.

We should note that these time estimates are intended to help beginner canvasworkers plan their projects. These time estimates should not be used for pricing purposes.

Find instructions for these projects and many more right here at Sailrite.

*This is an average time per panel. Total project time will vary based on enclosure size and complexity.