July 2008

  • Published On: July 1, 2008

    This 1994 Monterey 265 SEL came from the factory with a substantial stock pilot house of traditional clear plastic panels secured to heavy fabric by hefty zippers. After four years of living with the stock version, the second owner of the boat, an avid yachtswoman in Southern California, decided to replace the worn and tired [...]

  • Published On: July 1, 2008

    As a designer, I am often asked where I find inspirations for colors and patterns. My short answer is “everywhere.” Designers are by nature closely attuned to their surroundings, knowing that inspiration can come from just about anywhere and when you least expect it. Fashions worn by runway models in Paris, costumes featured in new [...]

  • Published On: July 1, 2008

    Story and photos by Marshall Spiegel You know the basics to keep in compliance with federal and state employment laws, but there always seem to be unique issues and questions that you are not sure how to handle. Kay Robinson, SPHR, Director of Human Resource Consulting Services with RSM McGladrey, answers your questions. This information [...]

  • Published On: July 1, 2008

    Compiled by Juli Case Question: A customer has fallen in love with a fancy printed cotton fabric, the type used by interior designers. She wants to use it on her boat but is worried about it fading from the sun. Is there anything we can spray on it to protect it? Answer: You’re right to [...]

  • Published On: July 1, 2008

    Compiled by Juli Case Question: Where can we get a fabric counter, something that we can use to measure yardage as the fabric is being unrolled? Answer: We found a couple of different types of measuring tools. Measuregraph and Rowley both have table-top models. The Measuregraph device sits on the table, whereas the Rowley clamps [...]

  • Published On: July 1, 2008

    Compiled by Juli Case Question: I’ve seen the fabric Dustop used on car covers and I’d like to try using it to make boat covers. Where can I purchase it? Answer: Dustop is a four-layer nonwoven material made by Kimberly-Clark, and is engineered to serve as dust protection. We contacted Kimberly-Clark and were informed that [...]

  • Published On: July 1, 2008

    The Taylor Made Group sponsored the Earthrace eco boat’s attempt to break the round-the-world speed record. The 78-foot trimaran runs exclusively on biodiesel and has a net-zero carbon footprint. The race began on April 27 and will attempt to make it around the world in less than 75 days, which is the current record. The [...]

  • Published On: July 1, 2008

    Solar Thread, from Plastomer Technologies, is designed for the industrial outdoor fabric market and offers durability, strength and weather resistance. Made from PTFE fibers, the product is less abrasive than other materials, is chemically inert, offers low flammability and withstands temperatures from -250 degrees to 260 degrees Celsius. Guaranteed for the life of the fabric, [...]

  • Published On: July 1, 2008

    Colorlock from Invista is the latest addition to the Cordura line. Using a new process, the color is permanently built into the fibers, which eliminates waste and energy used by traditional dyeing processes. Colorlock is stain resistant, colorfast and durable, and is available in 200 colors. Several colors are made with 25-percent pre-consumed recycled content. [...]

  • Published On: July 1, 2008

    Sloggers Garden Outfitters teamed up with Buzz Off Insect Shield to develop a collection of insect repellent apparel that blocks more than 98 percent of the sun’s harmful rays. Insect Shield’s process binds fabric with insect repellent permethrin, a human-made version of a natural insect repellent found in certain chrysanthemum plants, to repel mosquitoes, ticks, [...]