Robie Canvas, LLC

10/25/2026

Full 1-Click: Boat Bimini and Enclosure from 3D Model to Cut Files in 7 Minutes.

We built a 1-Click operation in Rhino 8 using Grasshopper, Python scripting and ExactFlat. It takes our 3D surface model of a flybridge boat’s bimini top and enclosure panels all the way to cutter-ready files: flattening, markings, seam allowances, windows, nesting and export, 15 steps with no hands on the mouse except one click per panel in Smart Fracture.

The whole run took 7 minutes, and most of that wait is the nesting. Nesting is something we’ve always done by hand, and it’s painstaking and tedious. We cranked up the nesting runs to keep the waste factor low, because wasted Sunbrella adds up fast over a year.

Before this automation, we also had to export the hand-nested files one by one, one per cutting table, manually import each one into the Carlson software, then run a separate Carlson utility on every file to optimize it and cut down the plot and cut moves. Now all of that is automatic: every table comes out as its own optimized cut file, ready to run.

Call now to connect with business.

10/25/2026

One click. 7 minutes. From a 3D model to cut files ready for the cutter. ✂️

We built a 1-Click automation in Rhino for our flybridge bimini tops and enclosures. It flattens every panel, adds the markings and seam allowances, nests every piece onto our cutting tables to save fabric, and writes optimized cut files for the Carlson cutter, all by itself.

Nesting used to be hours of painstaking hand work. Not anymore. That was easy. 🔴



See the full 7 minute run on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyseF0FNC7c

10/22/2026

Our automation process is moving fast, and this video proves it! We took a tedious, several-hour CAD workflow—one that was previously super prone to human error—and got it down to 9 minutes or less with zero errors.

(And honestly, it could have been even faster, but we had to keep the screenshare recording readable!)

This couldn't have happened without a true team effort:

Big thanks to Mark Hood for the early training and classes. Getting the manual steps down and thoroughly documented was absolute key to making this work.

From there, we brought in John Bland’s automation expertise to build on our foundation and take things to the next level.

We just wrapped up automating our bimini and enclosure workflow using Rhino, Grasshopper, and Python scripting, and seeing it go from 3+ hours down to 9 minutes is still mind-blowing.

Check out the video to see the process in action! 👇

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7yk1nF_JIc&t=110s

Made this video with Movavi. Don't forget to drop a like!

10/22/2026

🚤 As you're winterizing and covering your boat for the season, don't forget to plan for next year!

Need new cushions? A replacement cover? An enclosure repair or upgrade?
We specialize in Bimini Tops, T- Tops, Full enclosures, Mooring Covers, and Cushions.

The off-season is the perfect time to tackle those projects so your boat is ready for a smooth spring launch. Don't wait until spring when everyone is rushing to get on the schedule.

Get ahead of the season with Robie Canvas and be ready when it's time to hit the water again. 🌊☀️

10/18/2026

13 months ago, on September 7, 2025, our Robie Canvas workshop caught fire. The smoke made everything inside a total loss, and the whole building had to be gutted. We're still working out of a temporary shop while the rebuild finishes.

A huge thank-you to the firefighters who responded, to our friends and neighbors who showed up, and most of all to our customers for your patience and loyalty this past year.

I spent a decade managing cybersecurity risk at Fidelity Investments, and I still learned some hard lessons. The big ones for any business owner (or homeowner):

📸 Photograph everything you own, now. Photos let us prove $400,000 in inventory and contents.
💲 Pay for replacement-cost coverage, not "actual cash value." My 9-year-old cutting table cost $35K new; replacing it today cost $58K, and replacement coverage paid for it.
🏢 Know your business interruption limits. Temporary space, lost jobs, and months of waiting add up fast.
🏗️ Make sure you're covered for code upgrades when you rebuild.
⏳ Whatever recovery timeline you're picturing, double it.

I wrote up all 11 lessons here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/i-managed-cyber-risk-decade-my-workshop-caught-fire-jim-robert-jybae/

And yes, we're open and booking! Enclosures, biminis, and covers need to be patterned BEFORE your boat is shrink-wrapped, so don't wait. Cushions can be dropped off all winter but deposits now are what guarantee spring delivery.

📞 401-307-3068 | robiecanvas.com

I spent 27 years at Fidelity Investments, and the last 10 managing cybersecurity risk, finishing as Vice President of Cybersecurity Risk. My job was to think about what could go wrong, and to make sure the business could survive it.

10/14/2026

10/02/2026

October 1st, another pattern in the CAD books to allow us to fabricate this new bimini and enclosure over the winter. At this time of year, we haven't fully booked up out May delivery and install promise yet.

09/29/2026

Patterning on a windy day on the lake. Winter is coming quickly. Get your orders in so we can fabricate over the winter and deliver before you launch in the spring.

Out to Webster, MA to pattern a customer's pontoon table to keep it...

09/26/2026

Storm got your boat canvas down? Don’t let a torn cover or ruined upholstery ruin your winter prep! ⛈️🚤

Whether the recent storm ripped your bimini, cracked your clear vinyl enclosures, or left your seats soaked, Robie Canvas is here to get your vessel protected before winter hits.

Get your canvas repairs, custom covers, or off-season upholstery work scheduled now so when the weather warms up again you can be ready for spring launch.

🎉 Pre-Winter Boating Special:
Book your marine canvas, cover, or upholstery project before Columbus Day and get 10% OFF your job!

What we handle for your boat:

Custom Enclosures & Isinglass: Crystal-clear visibility and full weather protection.
Bimini Tops and Full enclosures

Upholstery & Interior/Exterior Seating: High-grade marine vinyl and foam replacement.

Mooring & Storage Covers: Durable, custom-fit protection.

Canvas Repairs & Stitching: Quick fixes for storm tears, zippers, and snaps.

📲 Lock in your 10% savings before Columbus Day:

Call/Text: 401-307-3068

Visit: https://www.robiecanvas.com/

Send us a direct message with photos of your project for a fast estimate!
or email us [email protected]

Discount applies to new bookings confirmed on or before Columbus Day.

09/24/2026

Quality canvas work starts with smart design. 📐✨

We’ve upgraded our design workflow with 3D patterning and automation tools in Rhino and Grasshopper. This helps us reduce manual CAD time, maintain top-tier consistency on every job, and keep our costs competitive for you.

Thanks for continuing to grow with us!