2017 MFA Fabrication Excellence Awards

Published On: March 1, 2017Categories: Awards, MFA Excellence Awards

Sponsored by the Marine Fabricators Association (MFA), the Fabrication Excellence Awards contest is designed to recognize excellence in marine fabrication. The entries are displayed throughout the MFA’s Marine Fabricators Conference and are judged by a panel of Master Fabric Craftsmen.

Awards of Excellence and Outstanding Achievement Awards are given in each category.

The MFA recognizes two Awards of Distinction, chosen from the Award of Excellence winners. All winners receive a press releases and plaque.

All of the winning projects, including photos and descriptions, are available on the MFA website, www.marinecanvas.com, and at www.marinefabricatormag.com.


SOFT ENCLOSURES

2317-1AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Costa Marine, Egg Harbor City, N.J.

Custom Aft Enclosure, 92-foot Viking yacht

DESIGNER: Chris Costa, Costa Marine
FABRICATOR: Chris Costa, Costa Marine
PROJECT MANAGER: Chris Costa, Costa Marine
INSTALLERS: Chris Costa, Eugene McCann, Costa Marine
MATERIALS: Strataglass™ by Strataglass LLC; Stamoid by Ferrari S.A.; Costa Track by Costa Marine; YKK Zippers by YKK USA; Gore® Tenara® thread by W.L. Gore & Associates Inc.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Costa Marine fabricated a custom aft enclosure for a 92-foot Viking yacht. They utilized track-to-track design with an additional track on rail.

 

2313-1OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

Lake Shore Boat Top Company Inc., Detroit, Mich.

True Blue, 43-foot Tiara Sovran

DESIGNERS: Rob Kotowski, Bob Kotowski, Lake Shore Boat Top Company Inc.
FABRICATORS: Rob Kotowski, Gregory Phillips, Jake Koch, Nick Featherstone, Phyllis Gielow
PROJECT MANAGERS: Rob Kotowski, Bob Kotowski
INSTALLERS: Rob Kotowski, Gregory Phillips, Nick Featherstone
MATERIALS: Sunbrella® by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC; Strataglass™ by Strataglass LLC; Solar-Fix® thread by SolarFix; Phifertex Screen by Phifer®; YKK Zippers by YKK
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A custom camper top with 1¼-inch stainless frame was built to provide the customer with an extended living space on the back of his boat. This was a 10-panel construction with a 40 mil Strataglass window enclosure.

 

2314-2OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

Lake Shore Boat Top Company Inc., Detroit, Mich.

Wind Breaker 23-foot Wellcraft Center Console

DESIGNERS: Rob Kotowski, Bob Kotowski, Lake Shore Boat Top Company Inc.
FABRICATORS: Rob Kotowski, Gregory Phillips, Jake Koch, Nick Featherstone, Laureen Boyle, Phyllis Gielow
PROJECT MANAGERS: Rob Kotowski, Bob Kotowski
INSTALLERS: Rob Kotowski, Gregory Phillips, Nick Featherstone
MATERIALS: Sunbrella® by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC; O’Sea® Firma by O’Sullivan Films; Solar Fix® thread by SolarFix; YKK Zippers by YKK
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The first part of the job consisted of designing a new fabricated T-top made of slate Sunbrella fabric. The next phase was to make a five-section telephone booth enclosure around the center console, attaching it to the console and the aluminum supports at the top of the structure. The last phase of the project was to fabricate a two-section travel cover that tied into the five-section front telephone booth enclosure.


RIGID ENCLOSURES

2402-1AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Costa Marine, Egg Harbor City, N.J.

90-foot Bayliss, Singularis

DESIGNER: Chris Costa, Costa Marine
FABRICATOR: Chris Costa, Costa Marine
PROJECT MANAGER: Chris Costa, Costa Marine
INSTALLERS: Chris Costa, Eugene McCann, Costa Marine
MATERIALS: Stamoid by Serge Ferrari North America Inc.; YKK zippers by YKK USA; Gore®
Tenara® tex thread by W.L. Gore & Associates Inc.; clear acrylic sheets by Costa Clear; keder 8.5 mm
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Costa Marine fabricated a custom three-sided rigid enclosure for a 90-foot Bayliss custom-built yacht.

 

2406-3AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Chicago Marine Canvas, Chicago, Ill.

Blarney Island, Keeping the Customers Warm

DESIGNER: Chicago Marine Canvas
FABRICATOR: Chicago Marine Canvas
PROJECT MANAGER: Chicago Marine Canvas
INSTALLER: Chicago Marine Canvas
MATERIALS: Stamoid by Serge Ferrari North America Inc.; Strataglass™ by Strataglass LLC
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The first stage focused on the boat top, which was fabricated of Stamiod Heavy Royal Blue 102” and sewn with Gore® Tenara® HTR 138 8-ounce thread. The top was laced to the frame via grommets that were hidden on the underside. The second stage consisted of creating an efficient and independent process to mount the forward, port and starboard enclosure panels. Before measuring, Chicago Marine Canvas decided on the amount of panels that would be needed and boxed them out of the frame with Crocodile Keder Rail Curtain Track Aluminum. The frame/keder tracks were then measured with a Proliner, and the panels were designed in Rhinoceros CAD software utilizing ExactFlat. The forward panels and the first third of the port and starboard where constructed of Makrolon® AR2 abrasion-resistant polycarbonate.

 

2404-1OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

SeaCanvas LLC, Egg Harbor Township, N.J.

Fishin’ Machine

DESIGNER: Carl Pellegrini, SeaCanvas LLC
FABRICATORS: Carl Pellegrini, Gladys Maxwell, SeaCanvas LLC
PROJECT MANAGER: Carl Pellegrini, SeaCanvas LLC
INSTALLERS: Carl Pellegrini, Gladys Maxwell, SeaCanvas LLC
MATERIALS: Stamoid by Serge Ferrari North America Inc.; EZ2CY by EZ2CY; PTFE by W.L. Gore & Associates
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: SeaCanvas LLC provided a three-sided enclosure to a custom sportfish vessel. They replaced a .040 vinyl enclosure that fit improperly.


SAILBOAT DODGERS

2503-1B2AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Hood Canvas LLC, Merrimac, Mass.

32-foot Pearson Vanguard

DESIGNER: Hood Canvas LLC
FABRICATOR: Hood Canvas LLC
PROJECT MANAGER: Hood Canvas LLC
INSTALLER: Hood Canvas LLC
MATERIALS: Sunbrella® ; O’Sea; SolarFix
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Hood Canvas fabricated a traditional dodger with a fully rounded frame on the client’s classic Pearson.

 

 

2504-2OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

SeaCanvas LLC, Egg Harbor Township, N.J.

28-foot Catalina

DESIGNER: Carl Pellegrini, SeaCanvas LLC
FABRICATORS: Carl Pellegrini, Gladys Maxwell, SeaCanvas LLC
PROJECT MANAGER: Carl Pellegrini, SeaCanvas LLC
INSTALLERS: Carl Pellegrini, Gladys Maxwell, SeaCanvas LLC
MATERIALS: EZ2CY by EZ2CY; Sunbrella® by Glen Raven; PTFE by W.L. Gore & Associates
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: SeaCanvas LLC provided its client with an updated dodger which included design and materials. Side grab rails were added for easy boarding without touching the fabric of the dodger.


SAILBOAT ENCLOSURES

2600-1AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

David’s Custom Trimmers, Queensland, Australia

Beneteau Oceanis 45, The Yacht Share Design

DESIGNER: David Elliott, David’s Custom Trimmers
FABRICATORS: David Elliott, Aaron Stumer, David’s Custom Trimmers
INSTALLERS: David Elliott, Aaron Stumer, David’s Custom Trimmers
MATERIALS: Sunbrella® by Glen Raven; Macralon AR2 by Bayer; Solarfix®
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: David’s Custom Trimmers designed and installed a spray dodger, bimini and link sheet combination that flows and enhances the deck lines while incorporating the targa bar. An extra outside space was created that is out of the elements.

 

 

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

2602-4BHood Canvas LLC, Merrimac, Mass.

Hylas 54

DESIGNER: Hood Canvas LLC
FABRICATOR: Hood Canvas LLC
PROJECT MANAGER: Hood Canvas LLC
INSTALLER: Hood Canvas LLC
MATERIALS: Sea-Mark®; Sunbrella®; Makrolon®; O’Sea®; SolarFix®
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Hood Canvas LLC fabricated an 8-foot by 14-foot enclosure to keep the owners comfortable during offshore passages.


MARINE INTERIOR UPHOLSTERY

2702-1AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Costa Marine, Egg Harbor City, N.J.

Custom Sofa, 92-foot Viking yacht

DESIGNER: Chris Costa, Costa Marine
FABRICATORS: Chris Costa, Beth Kephart, Patti Nelson, Costa Marine
PROJECT MANAGER: Chris Costa, Costa Marine
INSTALLER: Chris Costa, Costa Marine
MATERIALS: Ultraleather® by Ultrafabrics
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Costa Marine built a custom sofa for a 92-foot Viking Yacht with actuator lifts.

 

 

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

2705-2Onboard Interiors LLC, Marblehead, Mass.

Not All Who Wander Are Lost

DESIGNER: Krisha Plauche, Onboard Interiors LLC
FABRICATOR: Roy Amaral
PROJECT MANAGER: Krisha Plauche, Onboard Interiors LLC
INSTALLERS: Krisha Plauche, Bri Griener, Onboard Interiors LLC
MATERIALS: Acqua by Spinneybeck, Beekman by Donghia Fabric, Barnwood by Duralee® Fabrics, Hissy Fit by Perennials Fabrics, 31708-5 by Kravet Fabrics
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A boatyard in Salem, Mass., hired Onboard Interiors LLC to work with the Yacht Management Co, Pacific Yachts. Pacific Yachts was hired to manage the restoration of a 1983 Baltic named “Not All Who Wander Are Lost” and inspired by the book, “The Lord of the Rings.”


MARINE EXTERIOR UPHOLSTERY

2805-2AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Canvas Designer Inc., Riviera Beach, Fla.

58-foot Hampton Pilot House Trawler

DESIGNER: Canvas Designer® Inc.
FABRICATOR: Canvas Designer Inc.
PROJECT MANAGER: Steve Eannarino, Canvas Designer Inc.
INSTALLER: Corey Degroff, Canvas Designers Inc.
MATERIALS: Brigandine Cadet 33385.5 by Kravet Fabrics
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Canvas Designer, Inc. fabricated a new aft settee for the pilot house.

2803-2
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

Beach Upholstery, Virginia Beach, Va.

Wellcraft Gone Wild

DESIGNER: Linda Beach, Beach Upholstery
FABRICATORS: Linda Beach, Deborah Hamilton, Beach Upholstery
PROJECT MANAGER: Linda Beach, Beach Upholstery
INSTALLERS: Terrance Deloatch, Beach Upholstery
MATERIALS: Edge, navy vinyl by Morbern Marine; UV thread; metallic silver vinyl; Cantech, white vinyl by Morbern Marine
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The owner of this boat wanted not just an update, but an upgrade for his tired-looking 30-foot Scarab Sport 302.

 

2807-1OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

Canvas Innovations, Holland, Mich.

Patriotic pads

DESIGNER: Chris Ritsema, Canvas Innovations
FABRICATOR: Cathy Venne
PROJECT MANAGERS: Cathy Venne, Chris Ritsema
INSTALLERS: Chris Ritsema, Mitch Lemmen, Canvas Innovations
MATERIALS: Morbern Marine vinyls
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The client wanted two large sun pads that would fit in-between the custom-made handrails on the bow of his 90-foot motor yacht. These cushions communicate the owner’s passion for his country.


TOPS

2904-4AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Oyster Creek Canvas Co., Bellingham, Wash.

Whatcom County Sheriff Boat

DESIGNER: Greg Keeler, Oyster Creek Canvas Co.
FABRICATORS: Greg Keeler, Cat Sieh, Jess Flegel, Oyster Creek Canvas Co.
INSTALLERS: Greg Keeler, Oyster Creek Canvas Co.
MATERIALS: Sunbrella® by Glen Raven; Top Gun® by Marlen Textiles; Makrolon
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The project called for a rigid top with a windshield that can fold down to allow the vessel to cruise under two specific bridges on two lakes in Whatcom County. The top had to bear the weight of the blue police light, a spotlight and various antennas. The top also needed to be foldable in a timely manner.

 

 

2902-3OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

Lake Shore Boat Top Company Inc., Detroit, Mich.

Laced Obsession, 38-foot Donzi

DESIGNERS: Rob Kotowski, Bob Kotowski, Lake Shore Boat Top Company Inc.
FABRICATORS: Rob Kotowski, Gregory Phillips, Jake Koch, Nick Featherstone, Laureen Boyle, Phyllis Gielow
PROJECT MANAGERS: Rob Kotowski, Bob Kotowski
INSTALLERS: Rob Kotowski, Gregory Phillips
MATERIALS: Sunbrella® from Glaser Mills Inc.; SolarFix® thread by SolarFix; Strataglass™ by Strataglass LLC
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This project is one-of-a-kind for a 38-foot Donzi center console. The customer and Lake Shore Boat Company Inc. designed a shade structure to eliminate the old top and provide a new top to cover a majority of the cockpit. The customer wanted to entertain and have full access to the sun on both the bow and stern of the boat. A front window was also designed for weather protection


TRAVEL/FULL COVER

3000-1AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Canvas Innovations, Holland, Mich.

Ready for a Poker Run

DESIGNER: Ken DeGroot
FABRICATORS: Mitch Lemmen, Chelsea Freers, Stacy Chandonnet, Ken DeGroot
INSTALLERS: Mitch Lemmen, Ken DeGroot
MATERIALS: Soft Touch® by Marlen Textiles
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The client wanted to protect his new boat both on and off the water, so four separate covers were designed. The biggest was the full cover that protects the boat all the way past the water-line. For when the boat is slipped,
an easy on/off cockpit cover was designed, along with two motor covers for the matching 400 Mercruiser® Racing outboards.

 

 

3005-1OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

Marco Canvas & Upholstery LLC, Marco Island, Fla.

Liberty Cover System

DESIGNER: Jacob Schaible
FABRICATORS: Keith Baasch, Jeremy Luthy
PROJECT MANAGER: Edward J. Skrzynski
INSTALLERS: Brondon Wood, Josh Dunning
MATERIALS: WeatherMax® 80 by Safety Components Fabric Technologies Inc.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Liberty Cover System™ (U.S. Patent 8,783,276) is designed to protect a boat interior and exterior from the intense UV, sun, heat, salt and humidity. This system is a proven retractable full custom mooring cover.


MARINE MISCELLANEOUS

3103-1AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Canvas Barn Marine Trimming, Swan Reach, Victoria, Australia

Phoenix Rising

DESIGNER: Aaron Stroud
FABRICATORS: Aaron Stroud, Kym Smith
MATERIALS: Sunbrella® by Glen Raven; Stamoid by Serge Ferrari North America Inc.; PTFE by W.L. Gore & Associates
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The client requested a stern cover with a large window to protect the boat which had no door to the interior. Protection was needed from weather and vermin, particularly water rats and cormorants. The cover needed to remain in place during operation while giving the occupants a view through the window and allowing light to enter the stern area. The stern cover also needed to raise up to become an awning and provide shade. Fabrics used were Sunbrella® Burgundy, Stamoid Open and Stamoid Top for reinforcing and backing. Tenara® PTFE thread and YKK #10 zips completed the project.

 

3107-4OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

Canvas Designers Inc., Riviera Beach, Fla.

Westport 140 Tension Shades

DESIGNER: Canvas Designers® Inc. canvas department, metal department and CAD department
FABRICATORS: Canvas Designers Inc. canvas department, metal department and CAD department
PROJECT MANAGERS: Pam Erickson, Mickey Garrison
INSTALLER: Tove Renna
MATERIALS: Soltis 92 by Ferrari S.A.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Three tension shades were fabricated for three aft decks.

3110-2
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

David’s Custom Trimmers, Wakerley, Queensland, Australia

Super Yacht, Sun Safe Sails

DESIGNERS: Dave Elliott, Aaron Stumer
FABRICATORS: David Elliott, Aaron Stumer
INSTALLERS: David Elliott, Aaron Stumer
MATERIALS: Stamoid by Serge Ferrari North America Inc.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This design project included five shade sails. The light-weight sails needed to be easy to fit and remove, and they needed to be waterproof and able to work in conjunction with the removable pole system. The sails needed to achieve an architectural flow to the areas in question and be extremely strong. Storage bags were also supplied for the sails.