Coastal Marine has you covered
SUN PHOTO/LOUISE BOLGER
Linda and Gene Ames welcome customers to their showroom.
Although I’ve been a boater for many years, I never knew why vessels are referred to as "she." Well, here’s the answer. A ship safely carries, protects and delivers cargo and passengers not unlike a mother does, therefore, vessels have traditionally been compared to women and referred to as she. If you have a beloved she in your life, are you taking care of her the way she takes care of you? If not, Coastal Marine Canvas & Upholstery will get her ship shape so you can show how much you care.
Linda and Gene Ames started Coastal Marine in 2002, primarily focusing on marine canvas and upholstery. They have grown so quickly that their workshop keeps exanding with the addition of machinery, office space and fabric and canvas sample books piled high.
Both Ames come to the marine canvas and upholstery industry from backgrounds uniquely geared to their business. Linda Ames was a fashion designer in California, where she learned the pattern making skills she has been able to utilize for the challenges of marine canvas. In addition, she grew up in the business watching her mother run her own canvas company, as well as working for Donzi Boats. Gene Ames has a 100-ton captain’s license and was a commercial fisherman and boat builder after a career in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Together, they can offer a team approach to upgrading your vessel from both the stylish and practical point of view.
Coastal Marine can cover anything on your boat, inside or out – Canvas enclosures, dodgers, biminis, console covers, mooring covers, seat covers, new outside and inside cushions, curtains, blinds and even custom-fit, quilted bedspreads. The Ames have ideas galore and can customize anything for your vessel or home. Ask about their labra-door.
Their materials are top quality and if you haven’t seen the fabrics that are available for boats recently, you are in for a surprise. The days of plain vanilla marine fabric has been thrown overboard with beautiful colors and patterns made by Sunbrella and Outdura among others.
Exterior canvas products also have a new look with a variety of colors available to match the fiberglass finish of the boat. Seamark makes a product with canvas on one side and vinyl on the other, making it totally waterproof and allowing the flexibility of different colors on each side. Exterior coverings can be welded rather than sewn for a longer lasting and unique look.
Coastal also installs Strataglass, which is a semi ridged hard plastic and great for replacing traditional plastic roll ups where appropriate. And if you’re looking for a boat gift for the boater that has everything, have them create a boarding mat with the boat’s name embroidered.
The Ames are also branching out with the addition of patio enclosures and reupholstering of patio furniture using dry fast foam and their most recent venture, reupholstering the interior of an airplane. Coastal’s work has recently been on display with Calcutta Boats at the St. Petersburg boat show.
Their territory covers St. Petersburg to Sarasota, and they have put up an awesome Web site with pictures of their work and tips on maintaining your boat’s canvas. According to Coastal, the sun is your boat’s enemy, so keeping it covered is the best way to maintain its good looks and value.
Gene Ames says they can cover anything that has a stitch whether it’s watercraft, aircraft or house-craft. So take some good advice from Linda and Gene Ames – cover your investment. She will return the favor down the road, and of course, she’s worth it.
Coastal Marine
Canvas & Upholstery941-812-0212
www.coastalmarinecanvas.com