Sturdy Designs

07/29/2022

We’re on the dock in Camden repping at the , and found a few Sturdy Designs projects out in the wild - ZINGARA with her new very custom solar dodger, a full set of padded winch covers aboard the mighty HOUND, and of course VORTEX with her unforgettable red cushions. She’s got a full set of exterior covers as well, but it’s raining so you’ll just have to imagine those!
Stop on by and say hi if you’re in the area!

08/18/2021

Introducing MARCY, a 32’ express cruiser I designed with Brooklin Boat Yard for a customer in Florida. We’ve been pushing her hard in sea trials the last few days, got her up to 50kts!
Sturdy Designs supplied a full exterior canvas package for this new-build: Bimini, side curtains, winter back, extension awning, and storage covers. It’s been an exciting project for us!

08/15/2021

Sneak peak at the new 32’ express cruiser we are finishing up a full canvas outfit for - Down East styling with a touch of Carolina flare. Best of both worlds!
More pics after launch tomorrow.

05/15/2021

New canvas package for this sweet 26’ jet launch. Last winter we did the upholstery & covers , this year we did the rest - polycarbonate windscreen, t-top, dodger, and sun fly.
The dodger is the latest evolution of a style we’ve been developing over the past few years, incorporating the aesthetics of a traditional dodger with the functionality of a modern arrangement. The front panels are easily removable without impacting the top.
The sun fly is made out of lightweight and features easily removable poles and fixed length attachments, so setup is a snap!

05/14/2021

New bimini and side curtains for this

05/06/2021

Spring is here, and so is install season!
Four boats on the dock in Center Harbor today, all with complete Sturdy Designs canvas outfits.
First is NYMPH, an Aroha built by launched this morning, and soon heading to Newport. We did all of the canvas and upholstery on this new-build. More photos of her coming soon!
Next up is OUTLIER, the Botín 55 built by BBY a couple years ago. We have built an extensive canvas package for her over the years,m, both above and below decks.
LYNETTE is an Eggemoggin 47 launched in 2013. We recently updated all of her covers, including some fun technical covers. More to come on that one.
Last up is AIRBORNE, a 51 that recently underwent an extensive restoration after being washed ashore in a hurricane. We built all new frames and dodger/bimini/connector for her.

12/16/2020

LEGEND, a beautiful new-build from Brooklin Boat Yard. Canvas by Sturdy Designs

Nice! Recent boatyard project, Legend, on the cover of this month’s Woodenboat!

08/22/2020

New dodger for the Taylor 49 RASCAL.
After a few iterations of the design in the computer, we settled on the compound frame arrangement to lessen the visual impact of an oversized dodger and maximize clear area. The sides make for a cozy and protected cockpit, but are completely removable for hot days. The whole dodger can be removed for racing with just a few quick connects on the frame.
@ Kollegewidgwok Yacht Club

08/11/2020

Tensile boom tent for the newest Taylor 49 built by
As with all of our awnings, all attachments are fixed length dog one loops with a single tension point. In this case, the hydraulic vang does all the tensioning. No fiddling with lashing lengths, it sets perfectly every time!
@ Kollegewidgwok Yacht Club

08/05/2020

We don’t just work on the yachts! Here’s a tensile patio awning we recently built. The design brief was pretty open ended, but it had to fit the aesthetic of the rest of the house and grounds, owned by an experienced yachtsman. Nailed it!
Weathermax80 stitched with solarfix PTFE thread.
Custom support brackets fabricated to our design by Matt at
Carbon poles built to our specs by
Rigging by us.

07/30/2020

Awesome first day of the wooden boat series aboard Outlier!

07/30/2020

Big day for the crew at with the launch of Rascal, the newest Jim Taylor 50!
We’re excited to be working with BBY and the owner on a full canvas outfit.