July 2015

  • Published On: July 14, 2015

    Biobutanol has been identified as a suitable and safe alternative biofuel to ethanol according to engine manufacturers from across the recreational boating industry. For five years, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) under the direction and guidance of the U.S. Department of Energy and Argonne National Laboratory [...]

  • Published On: July 13, 2015

    The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show has hired communications firm Starmark International to develop “a new brand, creative campaign and website” for this November’s event. This show, which is entering its 56th year, was seeking “a new look and feel to reflect our vision,” said Efrem “Skip” Zimbalist III, president of Show Management for Fort [...]

  • Published On: July 7, 2015

    National Marine Manufacturers Association reports in the first quarter of 2015, new registrations of traditional powerboats and personal watercrafts were up 6.5% YOY (January-March 2015 compared to January-March 2014) and up 9.5% R12M YOY (April 2014-March 2015 compared to April 2013-March 2014). PWCs, jet drive boats, skiboats and outboard boats led growth, up 20.2%, 15.4%, [...]

  • Published On: July 1, 2015

    A bit of in-house business first: You’ll soon see a slight change in the way the Marine Fabricators Association presents itself. Our parent group—IFAI—is undergoing a new branding effort that will bring all of its member organizations under a more-unified image. The aim is to simplify and drive decision-making for the company and also signify [...]

  • Published On: July 1, 2015

    Silver State introduces Modern Eclectic, a Sunbrella® collection. The look is modern to transitional, with a heavy traditional influence in the pattern design. Modern Eclectic colors are vibrant blues, greens and yellow. Reds, pinks and oranges run to the warm side, and all is tied together with stark whites, soft neutrals and grays. Modern Eclectic [...]

  • Published On: July 1, 2015

    Faith Roberts' Banner Canvas is a virtual museum of the history of industrial canvas sewing. By Jim Tarbox A first-time visitor to Faith Roberts’ Banner Canvas shop in Ham Lake, Minn. (just north of Minneapolis), might be excused for taking an initial look around and being amazed at the array of equipment and supplies. But [...]

  • Published On: July 1, 2015

    An improved economy and concerns about solar exposure shine new light on sunshades. By Pamela Mills-Senn People are taking to the water in record numbers, encouraged in part by plummeting gas prices. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, approximately 89 million to 90 million Americans went boating in 2013 and 2014, respectively—the highest levels [...]

  • Published On: July 1, 2015

    Shop operators should consider these items: Automated external defibrillator Proper workspace ventilation for paints, solvents and other chemicals Respiratory protection Eye protection Gloves Operating fire extinguishers Shop evacuation plan and procedures Find more on shop safety with "Better safe than sorry" in our July 2015 issue of Marine Fabricator. More shop-safety information is available online [...]

  • Published On: July 1, 2015

    OSHA standard 1910.151 (b) mandates an employer have “adequate first aid supplies...readily available,” although specific first-aid supplies are not listed. OSHA does not have a minimum requirement, but references ANSI Z308.1-2003 Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits. According to the ANSI document, a basic workplace first-aid kit should include*: At least one absorbent compress, [...]

  • Published On: July 1, 2015

    By Jeffrey C. Rasmussen The world economy: key statistics It was a recovery year, to be sure, but an uneven global rebound kept the lid on the world economy. For the past three quarters of the year in 2013 and 2014, the United States has been an economic island, showing noticeable improvement in comparison to [...]