Meet Neil LaFrance- The Cranky Yankee:

Neil is the founder, owner and one of three talented fabricators at Cranky Yankee Marine Canvas. He is professionally trained and experienced in custom-made marine canvas, and stays up to date on the industry’s newest techniques through his involvement and participation in the Marine Fabricators Association.

Background

Neil has been a boat owner having navigated New England waters since the late 1970’s. In 2008 he bought his first sailboat, a 1983 Pearson 303. It was a classic beauty, but the interior was worn and outdated, and exterior needed repairs, especially the dodger and cushions. After spending the off-season failing to get a local canvas guy to take a look at the project, Neil decided to learn the trade himself and fabricate a new dodger– and he did. That sparked the flame for more enhancements. With the help of an interior designer and seamstress – and hours of sweat- they gave life to a contemporary interior and a new exterior for the S/V Saltine. And just like that a love story between Neil and canvas fabrication had begun.

Since that first dodger, Neil has replaced every single piece of canvas on his boat here and even on his 32’ Beneteau in the British Virgin Islands. This all started what has now become a long journey in professional canvas work.

Experience and Education

• Boat Canvas University attendee and graduate

• Hood Canvas Training attendee and graduate

• Numerous workshops conducted by the Marine Fabricators Association

• Various trade conferences

• And most of all, being a boater himself