January 1970

  • Published On: January 1, 1970

    By Kelly Frush Many fabricators agree that soft vinyl is better for use on smaller boats and rigid windows are better for use on larger ones. Some fabricators, however, are finding jobs for clear window products in some not-so-common applications. Here are some options: Cafe screens and blinds Roll-up windows for outdoor dining Golf carts [...]

  • Published On: January 1, 1970

    Interview by Sigrid Tornquist What is a piece of advice you’ve received from other business owners that has helped you run your business? After talking about a customer of ours at a Virginia Carolinas Canvas Products Association, Zone 4 meeting, a couple of other fabricators took us aside and said: "You need to learn when [...]

  • Published On: January 1, 1970

    By Janet Preus It’s not so complicated: there are certain things your company does very well, and there are other things that could be done more expediently by someone else. It could be a matter of expertise, time available, or any number of factors influencing workflow. The bottom line is that contracting arrangements are a [...]

  • Published On: January 1, 1970

    By Jamie Swedberg A great many companies in the specialty fabrics industry are small businesses. Two people, 10 people, 50 people—they can only do so much in a day. Crosslink, a materials development company based in St. Louis, Mo., is one such small business, with fewer than 30 employees spread across three locations. “What we’re [...]

  • Published On: January 1, 1970

    Marine fabricators suggest ways to give the customer what they want. By Holly O’Dell Ask, don’t tell. “I ask customers what they would like to have on their boat rather then immediately tell them what I think they should have,” says Keith Purves of Riverside Covers. He starts the process by asking how they use [...]

  • Published On: January 1, 1970

    A recent National Research Council (NRC) study, titled Sea-Level Rise for the Coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington: Past, Present, and Future, will be used to ensure that California is safeguarding its citizens, strengthening its economy, and minimizing impacts to natural resources by investing in climate-ready development and infrastructure. This review sets a standard for [...]

  • Published On: January 1, 1970

    By Mary Jo Morris Imagine sitting with a prospective customer and being able to demonstrate to them, in full color, what their boat’s interior and upholstery would look like after you’ve revamped it—and do it without ever touching a swatch of fabric. Tri Vantage’s Awning Composer is a digital tool available to the awning industry. [...]

  • Published On: January 1, 1970

    By Mary Jo Morris After several years of recession, fabricators across the country are seeing evidence that the worst is over. “I think boat owners are opting to have things recovered and fixed as opposed to buying new,” says Cindy Boersema, owner of The Nautical Needle in Holland, Mich. “They’ve waited the past few years [...]

  • Published On: January 1, 1970

    By Maura Keller For over 25 years, Congress has exempted the vast majority of the recreational marine industry from the coverage of the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation program when those workers were already covered under a state’s workmans’ compensation program. “The reason for this exemption was Congressional recognition that the risks associated with recreational [...]

  • Published On: January 1, 1970

    By Maura Keller The fabricator/supplier relationship plays an important role in a shop’s inventory management and storage procedures. The following are some tips from fabricators for working with suppliers to get the right products when you need them. Fabricators should explain to suppliers what you need and why if they’re not stocking what you need. [...]