May 2009 Issue

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  Powerboat registrations increase

  According to the 2007 U.S. Recreational Boat Registrations Statistics report, U.S. recreational boat registrations increased one percent in 2007 compared to 2006.

• Marine industry employment

  Marine industry unemployment is estimated to be more than 50 percent.

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  Middle East holds potential for New Zealand

  New Zealand has found the Middle East region to hold great potential for its marine industry.

• FTC guides take on ‘greenwashing’

  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is taking on deceptive environmental claims in new Green Guides.

• Ocean renewable funding receives support

  Senate and House leaders want the Department of Energy (DOE) to consider directing $250 million of stimulus funding to the emerging marine renewable energy industry.

• Marine floorplan financing loans included in TALF

  The Federal Reserve Bank of New York and U.S. Treasury announced that the Term Asset-Backed Securities Lending Facility (TALF) will include marine floorplan financing loans.

• Innovative products honored at 2009 Miami Boat Show

  Seven marine products were honored at the 2009 Miami International Boat Show.

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  Web-based marine loan-sourcing tutorial

  An online tutorial from the National Marine Bankers Association (NMBA) helps boating industry stakeholders find and develop loan sources.

• Online toolkit offers materials to enhance marine industry

  The new Discover Boating Toolkit includes useful news, information and downloadable materials to develop and enhance marketing efforts within the marine industry.

• Five percent tax excluded from final version of N.Y. state budget

  New York’s finalized budget for 2009 does not include the five percent tax on boats over $200,000 included in the Governor’s original budget proposal.

• Smaller-scale furniture becoming popular for outdoor use

  Outdoor living environments in urban areas are becoming more popular, and furniture makers are responding to the need for smaller-scale pieces.

• Former John Boyle & Co. CEO dies

  Paul B. Stelzner, 74, of Washington, Mo., passed away Monday, Feb. 9, 2009.

• New consumer-oriented Sunbrella web site

  Glen Raven Custom Fabrics launched a revamped Sunbrella web site dedicated to the needs of homeowners and boat owners.

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  TMI opens new warehouse

  Flexible PVC, film, coated and laminated vinyl product supplier TMI opened a warehouse location in Anaheim, Calif., to better serve its growing West Coast OEM and wholesaler customer base.

• Glen Raven launches Sunbrella fabric recycling program

  Glen Raven Custom Fabrics has created a Sunbrella fabric recycling program available to its customers and consumers alike.

• Milliken layoffs

  Textile manufacturer Milliken & Co. will lay off 650 employees, or 6.5 percent of its workforce, across its 47 locations worldwide.

• Taylor Made consolidating

  Taylor Made Systems is consolidating its Bradenton, Fla., operations in order to keep the company’s factory overhead aligned with current market trends.

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  Retired postman launches TailGators

  Charlie Sotirkys retired in February 2009 from the U.S. Postal Service in Plymouth, Mass., to launch a new career selling self-supporting shade structures that fit trucks, boats and campers.

• New Foamex website

  Foamex International, producer of polyurethane foam, launched a new web site.

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  UV-blocking fabrics maintain color and dimensional stability

  WeatherMax LT, WeatherMax 80 and WeatherMax FR from Safety Components employ an ultraviolet protection factor rating of 50-plus and block more than 99 percent of UVA and UVB rays.

• Waterproof, fire-resistant fabric ideal for commercial applications

  Firemaster Plus from Sattler North America is 100 percent waterproof as well as fire resistant.

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  Higher quality clear material available for same price

  Super Clear Second Edition available from J. Ennis Fabrics is of higher quality for the same price.

• Blockout fabric features flocked backing

  SheerWeave 4000 from Phifer blocks light and provides maximum energy efficiency.

• Eco-friendly denim made in America

  SAFEDenim from the American Cotton Growers (ACG) is environmentally friendly and available online.

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  Self-piercing grommet press offers alternative to other machines

  The ClipsShop CSTON-1 Grommet Attaching Machine uses a spring-assisted stroke to self-pierce fabric using grommets from 1/4 inch to 11/16 inch.

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  Adhesives meet LEED requirements

  HSC13, HSEA and VersaTILE adhesive systems from Westech Aerosol are LEED compliant and qualify for credit 4.1: low emitting materials, adhesives and sealants; and credit 4.4: low emitting materials, composite wood and laminate adhesives.

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  Non-blushing epoxy system available in various hardeners

  The Non-blushing Epoxy System from MAS Products contains fewer downstream contaminants, no volatile organic compounds, class A carcinogens or Free Phenol.

• Fabric finish offers antimicrobrial protection

  Sanitized Silver from Sanitized AG is an antimicrobial finish that can be applied without a binder, even on delicate and stretchable fabrics. Sanitized Silver is based on silver salt with natural antimicrobial properties, not metallic silver.

• Silicone tape seals leaks

  Rescue Tape from Harbor Products seals leaks by curing into one piece of silicone when stretched and wrapped under tension.

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  Flexible wood material suitable for use as upholstery backing

  FirmaFlex Bendable Fiber Board, now distributed by Rowley Co., won’t crack, warp, rot or peel over time in marine environments.

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  Material provides adhesive- and skid-free flooring

  DECKadence Marine Flooring provides customers with innovative flooring that is adhesive- and skid-free, and has heat- and shock-absorbing properties.

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  Accessory-changing system for cockpits

  Accessory-Ready from Taco Metals allows boat owners to add, change and adjust rod holders and other cockpit accessories.

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  Small LED lights good for 100,000 hours

  Luma LED lights from Taco Metals are small, impact-resistant and good for 100,000 hours.

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  Alarm system alerts users via cell phone or e-mail when activated

  The BoatNanny alarm system from Paradox Marine alerts a cell phone or e-mail if the alarm is activated.

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  Traditional dodger design features high-quality tubing

  SeaCanvas, Egg Harbor Township, N.J.

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  Redesigned exterior creates nice visual flow

  Enewhere Custom Canvas, Brooklyn, N.Y.

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  Removable settee back creates better seating arrangement

  DRH Canvas & Marine Ltd., Halifax, Nova Scotia

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  Reconstruction replaces badly damaged exterior cushions

  Seafarer Canvas, Norwalk, Conn.

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  Professional interior represents boat owners' taste

  North Beach Marine Canvas, San Francisco, Calif.

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  Fabric selection gives interior open, alluring feeling

  The Nautical Needle, Holland, Mich.

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  Triangulation increases productivity and profits

  Triangulation can be an effective tool to increase your productivity and profit margin.

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  Templates used to reconstruct exterior cushions

  Seafarer Canvas, Norwalk, Conn.

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  Dinette cushions spruce up interior space

  North Beach Marine Canvas, San Francisco, Calif.

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  Curves present a challenge in dining area update

  The Nautical Needle, Holland, Mich.

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  Cockpit project stays true to original design

  Cape Canvas & Rigging, West Yarmouth, Mass.

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  Striped cushions add a classic look

  Seafarer Canvas, Norwalk, Conn.

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  Exterior project replicates original upholstery

  Rayco Canvas, Hartville, Ohio

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  Leather keeps design with era of boat

  The Nautical Needle, Holland, Mich.

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  Remake gives interior a cohesive feel

  Seafarer Canvas, Norwalk, Conn.

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  Seating area adds class to boat

  The Nautical Needle, Holland, Mich.

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  Renovation provides unique designs and details

  DRH Canvas & Marine Ltd., Halifax, Nova Scotia

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  Cover fits changing shape of dinghy

  The Canvas Lady, Warwick, R.I.

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  Dodger provides protection and eliminates bulk

  Cape Canvas & Rigging, West Yarmouth, Mass.

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  Enclosure holds in heat and keeps wind out

  Mike’s Marine Custom Canvas, Virginia Beach, Va.

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  The changing workforce

  Businesses across all industries face changes in workforce and labor needs.

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  Customer service keeps businesses afloat

  Focusing on customer service can help navigate a tough economic climate.

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  Maintaining quality in a tough economy

  When times are tough, don’t cut corners to compete.

• Online toolkit offers materials to enhance marine industry

  The new Discover Boating Toolkit includes useful news, information and downloadable materials to develop and enhance marketing efforts within the marine industry.

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  Triangulation increases productivity and profits

  Triangulation can be an effective tool to increase your productivity and profit margin.

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• Making window screening work

  How to minimize bulk with rolled screen material.

• Comparing upholstery fabric for bus and boat seating

  There are fundamental differences between upholstery fabric for bus and boat seating.

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