Build the right shape.
Measurements or 3D-fitting, three- and four-bar frames, crown and corner radii, dog legs, aft extensions and fabric options.
JOHN BLAND TOOLS · SPECIALIST MARINE CANVAS SOFTWARE FOR RHINO
Design it.
Show it.
Make it.
From boat measurements to developed, nested production patterns.
Bimini & Frame Designer. A guided Rhino workflow built on 45 years of practical knowledge.
For Rhino 8 on Windows · No Grasshopper required
WHAT’S IN THE WORKFLOW
From a design decision
to a workshop detail.
Four connected parts of the same job. Less switching between separate tools and less piecing the information together.
Know what goes where.
Developed panels, pockets, reinforcements and blinds, with seam allowances, match marks, bend information and fabric nesting.
Show the finished idea.
Fabric colours and six presentation views, with dimensioned and non-dimensioned images for the client conversation.
Bring the job together.
Review fabric use, zip lengths, labour and suggested fittings. Amend quantities for boat attachments and save preferred settings.
ONE CONNECTED WORKFLOW
- 01 · DesignStart with measurements or a 3D boat model.
- 02 · ReviewCheck the shape, details and client views.
- 03 · PrepareReview the patterns and nesting before cutting.
BUILT AROUND REAL WORKSHOP CHOICES
One design. Plenty of possibilities.
Select an example to explore the Rhino designs.
01 / FRAME OPTIONS
Start with three bars.
Set the main dimensions and curvature, then review the frame and canopy together. Switch to four bars where the design requires it.
- Metric or imperial inputs
- Adjustable crown and corner radii
- Frame-only and fabric views
THE QUICK LOOK
See the possibilities
in 30 seconds.
Frames, dog legs, an aft extension, windows, colours and a nested layout—real output from the app.
30 sec · Captioned · Full walkthrough ↓
Music credits
Both videos use “Inspired” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), CC BY 4.0. Music repeated, crossfaded and volume adjusted; overview excerpted from the full video.
SEE THE WORKFLOW
From the first frame
to the complete layout.
A captioned walkthrough of the design options, 3D-fitting workflow, window details, nesting and client presentation images.
5 min 23 sec · Captioned
Music credits
Music: “Inspired” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), CC BY 4.0. Repeated, crossfaded and volume adjusted.
MEET JOHN BLAND
45 years of experience.
Built into the process.
The software brings together John’s practical marine-canvas knowledge and CAD workflows, with the aim of making specialist bimini design easier to use in the workshop.
John Bland Marine canvas design & CAD
You can speak directly to John about how it fits your workshop. It helps staff work through the job with clear choices and a guided workflow.
Ask John about the software →PLANNED LAUNCH OPTIONS
Choose how you work.
Planned subscriptions with a 21-day, card-free trial.
Now: Watch the demos and speak to John about your workshop.
At launch: Start a trial or choose a subscription. Join the newsletter for the release date.
EARLY ADOPTER · MONTHLY
Flexible workshop use
£129 / month
For your first 12 months. Planned early-adopter pricing.
Then £149/month at the standard rate.
EARLY ADOPTER · ANNUAL
For regular production
£1,290 / first year
A year of workshop use. Planned early-adopter pricing.
Then £1,490/year at the standard rate.
PROJECT PASS
For a focused job
£99 / 7 days
A non-renewing pass. One £99 conversion credit towards a qualifying subscription within 30 days.
Planned launch terms to be confirmed.
GBP · Applicable taxes extra · Rhino licence separate · One named user, one activated PC, with transfers available.
Early-adopter pricing is planned for the first three months after launch. Final pricing and terms will be published at launch.
BEFORE YOU START
A few useful answers.
Do I need Grasshopper?
No. Bimini & Frame Designer operates directly in Rhino.
What do I need to run it?
Rhino 8 on Windows, with a separate Rhino licence. Full system requirements will be published at launch.
Can I work from measurements or a 3D boat model?
Both workflows are included in the product demonstration. Measurement mode starts from entered dimensions; 3D-fitting mode uses picked boat references and attachment points.
What does the production workflow include?
Developed panels, pocket and reinforcement pieces, window blinds, seam and match-mark details, bend information and nesting. Always review the generated job, material requirements and fittings before manufacturing.
Can I produce images for clients?
The presentation workflow provides perspective, top, front, rear, port and starboard images, with dimensioned and non-dimensioned versions at 1600 × 1200.
Can I buy or start a trial now?
Bimini & Frame Designer is in development. Join the newsletter for launch news or email John to discuss your workshop.
Is personal tuition available?
Yes. John offers recorded Microsoft Teams sessions and in-person tuition, with courses tailored to your work. See tuition, rates and student testimonials.
How will support work?
Email support@johnblandcad.com for support directly from John.
LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR WORKSHOP
Interested?
Talk to the person who built it.
Ask a question, discuss your workflow or let John know you’d like launch information.
Ask John about the software