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Industry News
2019 Statistical Abstract: sales trends and trade sections available
May 28, 2020
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is continuing to release final 2019 data from the annual Statistical Abstract. The following sections have just been made available on NMMA.org: Powerboat Sales Trends; Cruiser, Watersport, Fishing Boat & Trailer Sales Trends; and Boat & Engine Exports and Imports. Data from the sales trends reports show more than …
COVID-19
New NMMA COVID-19 resource on states’ reopening plans
May 27, 2020
As states across the country continue to reopen their economies, many states have outlined phased plans for businesses to protect the health of workers and citizens. In response, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is releasing a new state tracking document, which serves as a quick guide to these reopening plans, benchmarks and task forces. …
COVID-19
Labor department adopts revised COVID-19 reporting requirements
May 26, 2020
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has adopted revised policies for enforcing OSHA’s requirements with respect to coronavirus as economies reopen in states throughout the country. First, OSHA is increasing in-person inspections at all types of workplaces. The new enforcement guidance reflects changing circumstances in which many non-critical businesses have …
COVID-19
Everglades National Park increases recreational access
May 21, 2020
Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Everglades National Park is increasing recreational access. The National Park Service (NPS) is working service wide with federal, state and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach …
COVID-19
Free guides helps marine businesses operate safely
May 19, 2020
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, along with trade association partners from across the marine industry, recently released a free 58-page publication aimed at helping marine dealers operate safely in a new marketplace concerned with the COVID-19 health crisis. The publication, titled “Guide to Operating Your Boat Business Safely,” provides a manual for running …
COVID-19
Report results: March retail sales, shipments and production amid COVID-19
May 14, 2020
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) March 2020 New Powerboat Registration Report and Monthly Shipment Report, as well as the quarterly Forecast on U.S. Boat Building Production from ITR Economics, are now available and illustrate how the recreational boating industry was impacted at the start of the COVID-19 public health crisis. While data shows solid …
Conference
Call for 2021 MFA Conference speakers closes Friday
May 12, 2020
Friday, May 15, is the deadline to apply to be a speaker at the 2021 MFA Conference being held Jan. 7-9, 2021, in New Orleans, La. Speakers share their expertise with industry colleagues and receive a complimentary registration to the conference. Proposals must be free of commercial content and will be reviewed by the 2021 …
COVID-19
MRAA offers dealer best practices, consumer boating tools
May 7, 2020
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) recently launched a series of resources to help marine industry dealers get back to work in a safe and effective manner. Noting that dealerships around North America have remained only partially open in most areas—only 15 percent were “open for business as normal” at the end of …
COVID-19
Survey reports marine CEOs Q1 sentiments, impact of COVID-19 on business
May 6, 2020
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Q1 2020 Marine CEO Sentiment Report, a quarterly survey to assess the state and needs of U.S. marine manufacturing, is now available. As a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new section of the Survey was added to capture specific feedback relating to business impacts–from supply chain disruptions …
COVID-19
Boating and fishing industry launch marketing campaign
May 5, 2020
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and the non-profit Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) will launch an industry-wide marketing campaign in June that will share the restorative power of recreational boating and fishing at a time when the well-being of Americans is front and center. “Consumer insights show people are longing for a return …
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IFAI president responds to Coronavirus, adjusts upcoming events
March 17, 2020
As concern over the Coronavirus (COVID-19) grows, I want all IFAI members to know we are closely monitoring developments and following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). We will follow their recommendations to keep our employees, their families and our members healthy and safe. With this in …
Expo News
Don’t overlook overhead
October 10, 2019
Gary Westlund, of Awning Tracker, knows what he’s talking about when he says, “Overhead is a real cost. Unless you properly account for overhead on job bids, you are just guessing.” Westlund gave a straight-talk presentation at Expo 2019 in early October, telling attendees he owned and operated his own awning business for 25 years, …
Awards
IFAI’s 2019 Outstanding Volunteer Awards
October 8, 2019
At this year’s annual meeting during IFAI Expo 2019, IFAI presented the Outstanding Volunteer Awards, recognizing members who generously gave of their time to serve on different boards, task forces and committees, judged competitions and provided education and leadership to others in the industry. This year’s winners: Amy Bircher, president, MMI Textiles Inc. Jonathan Chakales, …
Expo News
2019 Chairman’s Award winner: Scott Campbell, Rainier Industries
October 8, 2019
The Chairman’s Award (originally, the President’s Award) is an honor bestowed by the chairman of IFAI to an individual that has had an extraordinary and meaningful impact on the association. It is rarely given, and awarded at the sole discretion of the IFAI chairman. At IFAI’s annual meeting at IFAI Expo 2019, IFAI chairman Steve …
Expo News
Award breakfast transforms into a networking event
October 4, 2019
Keynote speaker Thom Singer hosted IFAI’s annual award ceremony October 3 at Expo 2019, continuing his message to “see people.” As Expo exhibitors and attendees entered the breakfast event, Singer encouraged people to separate from familiar colleagues and sit with new people. This year’s award ceremony was infused with an additional goal—that of networking with …
Awards
2019 Show Stoppers at IFAI Expo
October 3, 2019
All the best from Florida: Thursday morning, Oct. 3, at IFAI Expo led off with lists of winners for the year, including the most popular products on the show floor. The eighth annual Show Stopper competition was designed to showcase the best of the best in the industry, from fabrics, equipment and chemicals to services …
Expo News
Puerto Rico pups steal hearts at IFAI Expo 2019
October 3, 2019
Amid the latest fabrics, equipment, technology and services for the specialty fabrics industry, Lorenzo, Lilo, Lolo, and Lulo stole hearts, and, according to some dog lovers—the show—at IFAI Expo 2019 in Orlando, Fla. For this Expo, the Industrial Fabrics Foundation (IFF) and the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando came together to promote two great causes. …
Expo News
IFAI Expo 2019 Keynote: ‘Choose people’ to make effective connections
October 2, 2019
Thom Singer, the keynote speaker at IFAI’s annual meeting on Wed., Oct. 2, at IFAI Expo, is clear about one thing: People want to do business with people they know, like and trust. And that connection won’t happen through second-hand tools offered on social media or other electronic sites. Singer, a consultant to executives and …
Expo News
Follow the right steps to successfully bid on military contracts
October 2, 2019
The U.S. government is the largest buyer of goods and services in the world, and there are enough opportunities available for everyone to participate in military contract bidding, if you follow the right steps, according to Jennifer Fennell, CPM, director of procurement for Polo Custom Products, Topeka, Kan. Fennell and Jeff Papalia, textiles program manager …
Expo News
IFAI Expo 2019 Early Bird Rates End June 26
June 19, 2019
For Immediate Release June 18, 2019 PR Contact Christian Weiland 651 225 6916 caweiland@ifai.com IFAI Expo 2019 takes place Oct. 1-4 in Orlando, FL, USA. The Early Bird Rate deadline is approaching fast, and those who wish to save on their Expo registration must do so by June 26. This year’s Expo is held …
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Feature
Succession planning 101
May 1, 2020
A seamless transfer of leadership in a family business requires hard conversations and a detailed road map to avoid the worst potholes and ensure a successful journey. By Jeff Moravec A family business can offer great rewards—personally and professionally—for its founders and their descendants. But a family business also presents unique challenges and requires careful …
Feature
2020 Premier Product Showcase
May 1, 2020
High-quality products to help you create durable, attractive and successful projects. For this feature, we asked our contributors to send us information about their high-performing products. The product information was submitted by the participating manufacturers and suppliers by the established deadline. The products are organized into three categories: Fabric, Film, and Flooring; Equipment, Tools & …
Feature
IFAI member long-distance case study
March 19, 2020
During the 2019 boating season, IFAI member Tecsew, located in Gosport, United Kingdom, took on a challenging project for a customer located in the United States. Due to the distance between fabricator and customer, questions and answers were exchanged via emails and a few long-distance telephone calls. The customer provided the fabricator with access to …
Fabric & Film
Jumping on the design trend bandwagon
March 3, 2020
Embrace new design materials with knowledge and caution. by Sigrid Tornquist “Customers are always looking to us, the materials manufacturers, to guide them on trends while bringing new innovation,” says Warren J. McCrickard, executive vice president, sales and marketing for Dothan, Ala.-based Infinity Luxury Woven Vinyl™. “If it is cool to the touch, easy to …
Feature
2020 fabric and flooring trends
March 1, 2020
Fabric and flooring trends for the upcoming season—and beyond. by Sigrid Tornquist Maybe it’s because boats are so special to their owners, or because boat owners are people who love to show off their latest acquisitions. Whatever the reason, most boat owners crave a vessel that showcases statement-making flooring and fabric trends. “If the boat …
Feature
Turn onetime gigs into long-term revenue streams
March 1, 2020
By Jeff Moravec For many people, the so-called gig economy has created an entirely new way to make a living. The idea of side hustles may strike many fabricators as familiar—just with a new name. It’s not difficult to find fabricators who started a business with a narrow, well-defined specialty, only to find opportunities (sometimes …
Awards
2020 MFA Fabrication Excellence Awards
March 1, 2020
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 certified marine professionals. Awards of Excellence and Outstanding Achievement Awards are given in each category. The MFA recognizes …
Fabric & Film
Inhibiting microbes with topcoat technology
February 11, 2020
When compounded performance additives in vinyl aren’t enough, antimicrobial lacquers and topcoats offer extra protection. By Hugh Barrett Microbes, such as bacteria and fungi, can live on a surface for months. Manufacturers of flexible vinyl, films, fabrics and textiles use engineered antimicrobial (AM) lacquers and barrier topcoats to offer an extra level of protection against …
Editorial
Time really is money
February 6, 2020
Track time for better bidding By Sigrid Tornquist Just as the first step in money management is to understand your spending habits, the first step in shop efficiency is to know how your workers are spending their time. The formula to figure out how much chargeable time versus non-chargeable time your shop spends is simple: …
Feature
Members only content
Training a new generation
January 1, 2020
Kathryn Maisto mastered her marine canvas skills over a lifetime and across oceans, and now she’s training a new generation. By Jill C. Lafferty I’m always looking for ways to enhance our product line,” says Kathryn Maisto, owner of Fairwinds Canvas LLC, Racine, Wis. “In what we do and what we offer, we have truly …
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COVID-19
Labor department adopts revised COVID-19 reporting requirements
May 26, 2020
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has adopted revised policies for enforcing OSHA’s requirements with respect to coronavirus as economies reopen in states throughout the country. First, OSHA is increasing in-person inspections at all types of workplaces. The new enforcement guidance reflects changing circumstances in which many non-critical businesses have …
COVID-19
Report results: March retail sales, shipments and production amid COVID-19
May 14, 2020
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) March 2020 New Powerboat Registration Report and Monthly Shipment Report, as well as the quarterly Forecast on U.S. Boat Building Production from ITR Economics, are now available and illustrate how the recreational boating industry was impacted at the start of the COVID-19 public health crisis. While data shows solid …
COVID-19
Survey reports marine CEOs Q1 sentiments, impact of COVID-19 on business
May 6, 2020
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Q1 2020 Marine CEO Sentiment Report, a quarterly survey to assess the state and needs of U.S. marine manufacturing, is now available. As a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new section of the Survey was added to capture specific feedback relating to business impacts–from supply chain disruptions …
COVID-19
Boating and fishing industry launch marketing campaign
May 5, 2020
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and the non-profit Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) will launch an industry-wide marketing campaign in June that will share the restorative power of recreational boating and fishing at a time when the well-being of Americans is front and center. “Consumer insights show people are longing for a return …
COVID-19
Several states lift COVID-19 restrictions
May 4, 2020
Across the country, a number of COVID-19 related executive orders restricting commerce expired this week. Many of these states have implemented phase in plans and economic task forces to advise the government on the best course of action for safely reopening their economies. Here are updates on states where COVID-19 restrictions were recently lifted: Alabama …
COVID-19
Michigan lifts restrictions on motorized boating
April 27, 2020
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed new executive order 2020-59, which extends her “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order through May 15. The new order also removes some restrictions on outdoor activities like motorized boating. Leading up to the decision, the National Marine Manufacturers Association worked with members of Michigan’s congressional delegation, along with state level officials, …
COVID-19
Miami-Dade county has phased plan to reopen public boat ramps and marinas
April 23, 2020
Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez announced a three-phase plan for reopening the county’s recreation spaces, including public boat ramps and marinas. While an exact date is yet to be determined, phase one will begin with limited access to green spaces and waterways, among other areas. Boating will be allowed from public marinas. Boat ramps will …
Conference
Call for 2021 MFA Conference speakers
April 22, 2020
The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) is looking for speakers for its 2021 MFA Conference being held Jan. 7-9, 2021, in New Orleans, La. Speakers share their expertise with industry colleagues and receive a complimentary registration to the conference. Proposals must be free of commercial content and will be reviewed by the 2021 MFA Conference committee …
COVID-19
Study shows boating and fishing provide respite during COVID-19
April 22, 2020
Left Brain Marketing recently released a new study titled, The Impact of the COVID-19 Crisis on Anticipated Boating and Fishing Activity in 2020. The survey was conducted between March 22–31 and received 150 responses from boaters across the country. While the COVID-19 crisis will curtail boating for some, many boaters intend to remain active. The …
COVID-19
Governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut reopen marinas, boatyards and marine manufacturers for personal use
April 20, 2020
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont recently announced marinas, boatyards and marine manufacturers will be allowed to open for personal use as long as strict social distancing and sanitization protocols are followed. Chartered watercraft services or rentals will not be allowed, and restaurant activity at …
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Supplier Spotlights
Fabric & Film
Jumping on the design trend bandwagon
March 3, 2020
Embrace new design materials with knowledge and caution. by Sigrid Tornquist “Customers are always looking to us, the materials manufacturers, to guide them on trends while bringing new innovation,” says Warren J. McCrickard, executive vice president, sales and marketing for Dothan, Ala.-based Infinity Luxury Woven Vinyl™. “If it is cool to the touch, easy to …
Products
Curated fabric collection
March 1, 2020
The Marine Upholstery Collection is a curated line of products designed to provide the best selection of fabric options for any marine upholstery project. The collection’s four fabric options—Sunbrella® Horizon™, Causeway™, Seaquest, and Nautolex® Capitano™—are available in an extensive range of prices, colors, patterns and textures, and all meet or exceed industry performance standards, including …
Products
Flexible panel mounting
March 1, 2020
Fastmount’s new SL-SF15A builds on the Stratlock Range, which enables flexible installation yet extremely secure panel mounting to aluminum framework on walls and ceilings. Combining the flexible load chassis and the dual indent mechanism of the Stratlock Range clips, the SL-SF15A expands the types of substrates that can be used. It was developed without the …
Products
Tested sun protection
March 1, 2020
Parasol™ Commercial Grade Shadecloth is now available in North and South America from select distributors. Sold in Australia for 10 years, the cloth has an established track record for protecting people from the harsh rays of the sun. It is manufactured using a combination of high-density monofilament and tape, which offers a higher degree of …
Products
Durable polyester
March 1, 2020
SunMaster™ is a versatile 7.5 oz. solution-dyed polyester featuring a 5-year warranty that is specially formulated to withstand just about anything Mother Nature can serve up. The fabric is abrasion resistant and easy to clean, making it an excellent choice for marine, awning, shade, and garden applications such as boat covers, canopies, awnings, patio umbrellas, …
Products
Fabric Bond Tape
March 1, 2020
Fabric bond tape uses high-quality bonding technology for durable seams. This polyurethane-based welding tape is used to heat seal seams with Hot Air, Hot Wedge, or RF (radio frequency) welding equipment. The 7/8” tape is made for use with polyester, acrylic fabrics and vinyl when welded to acrylics or polyester. It eliminates the need for …
Products
Outdoor mesh
March 1, 2020
Style PW60 is a specialty mesh for outdoor use. With high UV resistance, water repellency and the ability to be cleaned with bleach without altering color, it can withstand the elements and retain its original look and feel. For outdoor and marine applications. www.apexmills.com
Fabric & Film
Inhibiting microbes with topcoat technology
February 11, 2020
When compounded performance additives in vinyl aren’t enough, antimicrobial lacquers and topcoats offer extra protection. By Hugh Barrett Microbes, such as bacteria and fungi, can live on a surface for months. Manufacturers of flexible vinyl, films, fabrics and textiles use engineered antimicrobial (AM) lacquers and barrier topcoats to offer an extra level of protection against …
Accessories
YKK debuts zipper made from recycled plastic
January 28, 2020
Zipper manufacturer YKK has launched a new collection, Natulon Ocean Sourced, which are zippers made from plastic recovered from the ocean. The collection is sourced from plastic waste within 50km of Sri Lanka’s coastline and aims to address the problem of marine plastic. The company says the collection is indistinguishable from zippers made of virgin …
Accessories
Premier Product Showcase 2020 call for submissions
January 21, 2020
Reader surveys show that New Products are one of the most popular parts of Marine Fabricator magazine. Get your products in front of thousands of customers in the May/June issue of Marine Fabricator magazine, for free! Showcase your company’s most valued products and get maximum exposure. Deadline: Friday, February 21, 2020 NO COST TO PARTICIPATE …
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Awards
Marine Fabricator wins publishing awards
November 12, 2019
The Minnesota Media and Publishing Association recognized Marine Fabricator magazine, led by senior editor Elisa Bernick, with a Bronze Award and a Silver Award in publishing excellence for how-to articles, “Seam finishing for marine cushions and covers” and “Zipper basics and helpful sewing techniques.” Both articles were written by Terri Madden, owner of Sand Sea …
Interiors & Upholstery
Window Treatment Trends
July 1, 2017
Interest in window coverings for marine applications has experienced a rebirth of sorts and more consumers, fabricators and designers are using innovative window treatment designs. When Krisha Plauché, owner of Onboard Interiors in Marblehead, Mass., is fabricating drapery for a stateroom, she often uses blackout applications, but Plauché has found that lining drapery with a …
In the Shop
Fresh updates for older vessels
January 1, 2017
Most interior fabrication projects occur on fixer-uppers. The vessel might be vintage or it might be less than ten years old. While I always welcome the challenge of doing a better design than the original, there is a fine line between aesthetics and practicality. After all, the boat needs to be both comfortable and secure …
How-To Articles
Constructing snow flies for the Alaskan climate
January 1, 2017
Our winters in Fairbanks, Alaska, can be cold or very cold with lots of snow or little snow; it all depends. One condition we don’t see often is wind. In my 26 years of living here, I can remember only one time when the wind blew and the snow flew. Most of our snow falls …
How-To Articles
Meticulous prototyping leads to attractive cylinder cushions
September 1, 2016
Over the years I have been asked to fabricate several unusual items. I never know if that item will be a one-hit wonder or will become a customer favorite. In most cases, I create prototypes that help me creatively solve design challenges. I charge a prototype fee of a few hundred dollars to develop and …
How-To Articles
Marine fabricators meet customers’ window wish lists
August 1, 2016
When making boat windows for customers, marine fabricators often have a specific set of requirements of their materials. “Our fabricators require a sheet that is easy to handle, durable and can be cut and sewn easily without fear of damaging the product,” says Lyle Shipley, product manager at O’Sullivan Films, Winchester, Va., for O’Sea and …
How-To Articles
Complex and compound frame bending
July 1, 2016
Incorporating unconventional design into dodgers and biminis. I often suggest that my customers try to think out of the box when envisioning what their boats can look like. I tell them, “If I have done my job properly, the cover will become part of the boat.” Take a spray dodger, for example. I generally recommend …
Interiors & Upholstery
The art of project management on contour cushions
July 1, 2016
Marine fabricators are a unique group of craftspeople and business owners. Many of us are familiar with the notion that creative pursuits are right-brain activities, while math and logic are left-brain activities. As marine fabricators, we utilize the right sides of our brains for design solutions that meet customers’ aesthetic and practical expectations. At the …
Interiors & Upholstery
Restyled sleeping cabins
May 1, 2016
Interior sleeping cabins on a vessel have always been my favorite projects. I enjoy researching options and ultimately providing customers with tidy solutions that offer easy accessibility. Cabin spaces and mattresses come in all shapes and sizes. One of my clients claims to sleep 14 people on his 54-foot Bertram with only three interior cabins, …
How-To Articles
Lazy Jack – stack pack sail covers
March 1, 2016
These names are some of the descriptions for a process of suspending sail covers. I started making these Lazy Jack covers 20 years ago, as a progress/advance of the Lazy Jack rope system, designed to help flake a main sail as it is put away. The idea was to connect the rope to a sail …
