April 14, 2021
Registration is now open for the virtual 2021 International Boating and Water Safety Summit (IBWSS), May 17-19. In its 24th year, IBWSS will explore “Partnerships for Progress”–a close look at how recreational boating and water safety communities collaborate to save lives around the world. Participate in daily sessions from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. EDT, …
April 13, 2021
Organizers of the 2022 Marine Fabricators Conference, which will be held Jan. 13-15, 2022, at Wild Dunes Charleston’s Island Resort, Isle of Palms, S.C., are looking for speakers and shop tour locations. Speaker proposals must be free of commercial content, and conference organizers are especially interested in educational sessions that provide hands-on demonstrations covering topics …
April 8, 2021
Boating Industry magazine announced its “40 Under 40” for 2021, a list of the top young leaders from across the recreational boating industry. The honorees were selected from hundreds of entries for their outstanding work in the industry and their potential to continue to carry the marine industry forward. Check out the list for 2021 …
April 7, 2021
Over the past year, 1,100 students have passed online courses to earn their professional-level marine technician certifications through the interactive online education course hosted by the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), the nonprofit organization that provides standards-based technical education for the marine industry. Additionally, 54 marine technicians have become ABYC Master Technicians, which is …
April 6, 2021
As part of a U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Outreach Grant, the Water Sports Foundation (WSF) is launching a new National Boating Safety Media Center, designed to facilitate and support the work of journalists assigned to cover boating safety topics. Housed within a dedicated section on WaterSportsFoundation.com/Media/, the National Boating Safety Media Center includes nearly …
April 5, 2021
Sunbrella® announces two new colorways for Horizon™, the brand’s signature marine vinyl fabric that offers industry-leading protection against microbial pinking. Capriccio Salt is a clean and crisp shade that provides a versatile base to coordinate against any palette, from neutrals to brights to warm and cool tones. Capriccio Pacific Blue is a bright and sophisticated …
April 1, 2021
By Michelle Miron Are divorce rates higher among couples that co-own a business? Consider the 24/7 togetherness, the disagreements over business decisions, the juggling of work and family, and the worries over the bottom line. How could that not translate into marital strife? Chandler and Charlene Clark, co-owners of Signature CanvasMakers in Hampton, Va., say …
March 30, 2021
The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) returns to the Tampa Convention Center Sept. 28-30, 2021. Organizers are planning for a safe in-person event, which will offer attendees access to more than 700+ exhibits in the exhibit halls, outdoor display space and on the IBEX Docks. Registration will open soon. More details to come.
March 29, 2021
Fasnap Corp. has promoted Ryan Grady to national sales manager. Grady joined Fasnap in 2003 and has served key marine textile markets in the southeastern U.S. as well as domestic and international military and textile markets. Having excelled in building customer relationships throughout the Southeast and Midwest, Grady was reassigned to Fasnap’s Anaheim, Calif., branch …
March 26, 2021
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has announced the promotion of Courtney Erhardt to show manager for the Progressive® Insurance Atlanta Boat Show. Erhardt will also be responsible for exhibit space sales in her new role. Erhardt has worked for the NMMA for 15 years coordinating operations for numerous trade and consumer events—including for the …
January 5, 2021
IFAI Expo 2021 organizers are looking for presentation topic ideas and interested speakers for Expo 2021, which will be held Nov. 1–4, 2021, at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn. Expo organizers are looking for speakers and topic ideas for 50-minute classroom education sessions and 25-minute campfire education sessions. Submissions are being accepted for …
November 16, 2020
In a session at IFAI Virtual Expo 2020, “Smart Textiles Standardization, Active Illumination,” Dr. Jan Beringer, senior scientific expert Hohenstein Group, explained the new standard for active illumination that will soon be implemented in European Union countries. Organizations worked together to develop the standards. It is notable, he said that both textile and electronics industries …
November 16, 2020
A presentation at IFAI Virtual Expo 2020, titled, “Rapid Prototyping and Textile Product Development” urged attendees to use “sticks and glue … whatever method you have to get your idea out there.” The presenter, Dr. Andre West, director of the Zeis Textiles Extension (ZTE), Wilson College of Textiles, NC State University, may not have meant …
November 13, 2020
The U.S. textile industry has stepped up to meet the demand for face masks, medical gowns, wipes and other products necessary to combat the coronavirus pandemic, but it needs policy changes from Washington so that the U.S. is not caught off-guard again in a future crisis, according to association leaders speaking at Industrial Fabrics Association …
November 12, 2020
Dr. Bryran Ormond, assistant professor, Wilson College of Textiles, NC State explained respiratory protection in an “Ask an Expert” session with Jing Liang, Medical PPE Consulting LLC. Dr. Ormand has typically worked in the area of chemical and biological protective equipment, but with the onslaught of the pandemic, began to focus on respiratory protection generally, …
November 11, 2020
How do you create a channel from research to application? How do you create a pathway toward understanding complex human problems across supply chains and market sectors? STEM—a curriculum based on teaching science, technology, engineering and math—has branched out from basic chemistry and biology and physics classes, into collaborative efforts, including textiles, according to Stephanie …
November 11, 2020
The second week of IFAI’s Virtual Expo 2020 advanced textiles educational sessions began with a presentation that illustrated the importance of collaboration. “Smart textiles for healthcare and wellbeing: a collaborative approach” had three presenters speaking from different perspectives, but with one, unified message about reaching across geographical distance and areas of expertise to create successful …
November 11, 2020
During IFAI Virtual Expo 2020, Jeff Sponseller, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Miller Weldmaster, led a campfire session titled “How to Select the Correct Welding Technology for Your Business.” “Essentially a good weld means that the fabric will tear before the weld does,” says Sponseller. Many types of different materials can be …
November 10, 2020
Wildfires, hurricanes, a pandemic and civil unrest have wreaked plenty of chaos on the commercial insurance market in 2020. Steve Christenson, with Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC, offered guidance to business owners Nov. 9 at IFAI Virtual Expo 2020. “The business insurance market has been going through several changes this year,” says Christenson, with U.S. …
November 6, 2020
Thinking about selling your business—either to an outside party or the next generation? Then it’s time to start considering how your equipment and processes fit into your succession plan. Jonathan Palmer, the second-generation owner and CEO of equipment supplier Autometrix, and Autometrix director of global sales Truy Pham, led an educational session at IFAI Virtual …
April 1, 2021
By Michelle Miron Are divorce rates higher among couples that co-own a business? Consider the 24/7 togetherness, the disagreements over business decisions, the juggling of work and family, and the worries over the bottom line. How could that not translate into marital strife? Chandler and Charlene Clark, co-owners of Signature CanvasMakers in Hampton, Va., say …
March 1, 2021
Sponsored by the Marine Fabricators Association (MFA), the Fabrication Excellence Awards contest is designed to recognize excellence in marine fabrication. The entries are judged by a panel of certified marine professionals. Awards of Excellence and Outstanding Achievement Awards are given in each category. The MFA recognizes two Awards of Distinction, chosen from the Award of …
March 1, 2021
A Juggling Act That Impacts the Bottom Line By Michelle Miron If you’ve ever contemplated running a company with your spouse, you may wonder how it might work to juggle the complications of a relationship with the day-to-day logistics of a business. Can business disagreements lead to spats over household management? Do family dynamics worm …
January 1, 2021
The Time Standards Manual was developed in 1996 by the Marine Fabricators Association (MFA), a division of the Industrial Fabrics Association International, to serve as a benchmark that shop owners can use to set fabrication times, with which they can generate competitive labor costs. The manual is an ongoing project that will grow and change …
January 1, 2021
Materials and techniques for marine trimmings that improve form and function. by Sigrid Tornquist It all matters. Fabric. Thread. Trimmings. They work together and depend upon each other. Skimp on one component and the whole project is compromised. For marine fabricators, trimmings are the critical details that refine and elevate a project. Read on for …
November 27, 2020
The deadline to submit fabrication projects for a chance to win a Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) Fabrication Excellence Award has been extended to Dec. 1, 2020. The submission process has been streamlined, the MFA has added two new categories, and entrants have the option of uploading up to six photos of a project. Fabrication Excellence …
November 17, 2020
The deadline to submit fabrication projects for a chance to win a Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) Fabrication Excellence Award has been extended to Dec. 1, 2020. The submission process has been streamlined, the MFA has added two new categories, and entrants have the option of uploading up to six photos of a project. Fabrication Excellence …
October 20, 2020
With a submission deadline of Nov. 6, 2020, now is the time to submit fabrication projects for a chance to win a Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) Fabrication Excellence Award. The submission process has been streamlined, the MFA has added two new categories, and entrants have the option of uploading up to six photos of a …
September 1, 2020
Your shop can be loaded with employees having outstanding skills, but without a supportive, positive environment, low morale and turmoil can thwart all efforts to succeed. by Pamela Mills-Senn Pre-pandemic, SewLong Custom Covers in Salt Lake City, Utah, focused on interior and exterior marine textiles and boat covers. But when the pandemic hit and the …
September 1, 2020
Design tips for removable shade structures that bring value to clients and profit to fabricators. by Sigrid Tornquist Boat enthusiasts have always sought shade solutions. It’s a matter of survival and comfort. And it’s also a matter of aesthetics. It’s been 30 years since Mike Erickson, CEO and owner of Canvas Designers® Inc. in Riviera …
April 7, 2021
Over the past year, 1,100 students have passed online courses to earn their professional-level marine technician certifications through the interactive online education course hosted by the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), the nonprofit organization that provides standards-based technical education for the marine industry. Additionally, 54 marine technicians have become ABYC Master Technicians, which is …
April 6, 2021
As part of a U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Outreach Grant, the Water Sports Foundation (WSF) is launching a new National Boating Safety Media Center, designed to facilitate and support the work of journalists assigned to cover boating safety topics. Housed within a dedicated section on WaterSportsFoundation.com/Media/, the National Boating Safety Media Center includes nearly …
March 23, 2021
The U.S. Coast Guard will require operators of recreational vessels less than 26 feet in length to use an engine cut-off switch (ECOS) and associated ECOS link (ECOSL), effective April 1, 2021. The new requirement, reported on the National Marine Manufacturers Association website, is mandated by Section 8316 of the National Defense Authorization Act of …
March 12, 2021
2020 was a record-breaking year in Canada for outboard engine retail sales as Canadians took to the water in unprecedented numbers, according to data from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Canada. Outboard engine retail sales in 2020 reached a total of 44,000 units, up 17% over 2019, marking both the highest annual sales volume …
March 11, 2021
According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) December Monthly Shipment Report, wholesale shipments of new powerboats during December gained momentum compared to November to close out 2020 down 15% for the year compared to 2019. The report notes that manufacturing of personal watercraft, outboard boats, jet boats and sterndrive boats ramped up in December, …
March 10, 2021
Governor Henry McMaster and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced that South Carolina will advance to Phase 1b of the state’s COVID-19 vaccination plan beginning March 8. Among those included in Phase 1b is all South Carolina manufacturing workers. “South Carolina remains focused on protecting the lives and health of …
March 5, 2021
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) December New Powerboat Registrations Report shows that retail unit sales of new boats reached nearly 320,000 units in 2020, up 13% compared to 2019—levels the recreational boating industry hasn’t seen since 2008. New data show all powerboat segments saw growth in 2020, ranging between 8% and 22%. “New boat …
March 3, 2021
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is distributing $1 billion to state wildlife agencies through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR). Generated by the hunting and angling industries, these funds support regional conservation projects across the country. The 2021 WSFR apportionment is $121 million higher than the 2020 apportionment due to increases …
February 24, 2021
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has decided to cancel this year’s Progressive Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show. After exploring all avenues to move ahead with a 2021 event (originally postponed from Feb. to April 2021), and continuing to follow guidance from state/local authorities and the Atlantic City Convention Center, canceling the 2021 boat show …
February 18, 2021
The first section of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) 2020 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, Outboard Engine Sales Trends, is now available. Outboard engine retail sales rose for the ninth consecutive year in 2020 to a total of 330,000 units, the highest annual sales volume in 20 years and up 18% compared to 2019. …
April 5, 2021
Sunbrella® announces two new colorways for Horizon™, the brand’s signature marine vinyl fabric that offers industry-leading protection against microbial pinking. Capriccio Salt is a clean and crisp shade that provides a versatile base to coordinate against any palette, from neutrals to brights to warm and cool tones. Capriccio Pacific Blue is a bright and sophisticated …
March 1, 2021
Sol-Out® has launched a new collection of 100% acrylic antimicrobial outdoor upholstery fabrics that combine two specialty fibers: Durashine™, a high-performance solution-dyed acrylic fiber that provides excellent colorfastness and UV resistance; and Amicor™, which provides permanent antimicrobial qualities by incorporating additives into the core of the fiber. Color brilliancy, durability and microbial protection suitable for …
March 1, 2021
Utilizing a change in the pigment, OMNOVA’s CoolComfort™ technology allows heat and light to reflect more optimally off of seating upholstery, creating up to a 15-degree F cooler seating experience. This technology can be added as an upgrade to the company’s broad portfolio of marine and transportation vinyl upholstery including Beacon, the newest addition to …
March 1, 2021
Available in three different product categories; SolarShade, SolarShade FR, and SolarShade Plus FR offer breathability, high water repellency, mildew resistance, and outstanding strength and durability. Crafted from advanced staple fiber and spun 100% solution-dyed polyester yarns, these products provide exceptional value at their price point, and after being tried and tested in the field, have …
March 1, 2021
Sunguard+ UVR bonded polyester thread goes through a state-of-the-art twisting, bonding and dying process to ensure the highest quality of colorfastness and performance. It provides protection against cleaning chemicals, UV rays and seam leakage. It is resistant to mold, mildew, chlorine and bromine. Added nanotechnology prolongs the life of the thread outdoors and helps meet …
March 1, 2021
TRIO® by Sattler has applications for furniture, boat and car covers with a durable top coat of 100% solution-dyed acrylic, a middle construction of a microporous breathable waterproof membrane and a bottom layer of soft knit tricot headliner that won’t scratch or damage the covered surface. Available in six popular colors, it is water, oil …
March 1, 2021
ExactFlat’s new Scan to Pattern product bundle makes digital patterning faster, easier and more accurate using a simple workflow process to scan in 3D, convert the scan to a 3D CAD model and turn the 3D CAD model into a finished 2D flat pattern file in minutes. The bundle includes a 3D Scanner with 0.1 …
January 1, 2021
The Clever Collection from Knoll includes four upholstery styles, all durable to 100,000 double rubs and all celebrating the clever geometry of spider webs. Created with an innovative and proprietary process, In Step’s graphic pattern is a translation of dew drops balancing on a spider web. Tempest is a dimensional texture with a mixture of …
January 1, 2021
Polyfab USA has added 4-meter-wide (157-inch-wide) rolls to its line of Patternpro™ Ultra Stable Patterning Fabric, a clear HDPE woven scrim that is coated on both sides. It is also available in 2-meter-wide (78.7-inch-wide) rolls, and has applications for marine canvas and awning patterning, with excellent stability and good “lay-flat” properties. The material resists wind …
January 1, 2021
The Luxe Collection is a line of premium fibers for quilted mattress panels that enhance the feel of a sleep surface with a luxurious layer of support and a high-end silky texture that foam cannot achieve on its own. The collection includes Luxe Bliss, the lightest at 12.5 ounces per square yard (osy), Luxe Plush …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
