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Supplier Spotlights 2022
Industry News
ABYC publishes updated boat building and repair standards, offers webinar
August 11, 2022
The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) has published its 62nd supplement to Standards and Technical Information Reports for Small Craft. The annual publication provides the marine industry with the latest updates to the boat building and repair standards used for more than 90% of the boats constructed in the United States. On August 17, …
Events
SOBA Education & Training Symposium kicks off Aug. 29
August 10, 2022
The States Organization for Boating Access (SOBA) will be hosting the 2022 Education & Training Symposium in Cleveland, Ohio, August 29 – September 1. Online registration is now open. Symposium education topics include federal updates, industry partner updates, boating access, clean vessels act, engineering, infrastructure, clean boating, aquatic invasive species, clean marinas, non-motorized access as …
Awards
Marine Fabrication Excellence Awards open for entry
August 9, 2022
The 2023 MFA Fabrication Excellence Awards is now open for entries. The deadline to submit projects is November 1, 2022. All MFA members will receive a code to allow one free entry if used by September 1. Fabrication Excellence Award Winners receive: •A featured spot in Marine Fabricator magazine •A personalized plaque and press release …
Events
Answers to your Supply Chain questions!
August 8, 2022
CONNECT by ATA will be hosting an Ask Me Anything on Supply Chain Challenges event with Bill Rooney of Kuehne + Nagel Inc. on August 30! Get the answers to your supply chain questions from an expert at this live session on August 30 from 1-2pm EDT. Can’t make it to the live session? Email …
Industry News
2021 boat and engine exports and imports stats now available
August 4, 2022
The Boat and Engine Exports and Imports section of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) 2021 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract is now available. This report examines 24 years of historical data on the different categories of recreational boats and marine engines imported to and exported from the U.S. each year. Data show U.S. exports …
Events
Registration opens for MFA Southwest Regional Workshop
August 3, 2022
Registration is now open for the Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) Southwest Regional Workshop being held Nov. 11-12, 2022, at SewLong–Custom Covers LLC and SugarHouse Industries in Salt Lake City, Utah. The workshop will provide networking and hands-on education in a shop setting and will give fabricators an opportunity to see how other shops approach various …
Events
2023 MFA Conference registration now open
August 2, 2022
Registration is open, and the full conference schedule is available for the annual Marine Fabricators Conference being held Jan. 26-28, 2023, at the Sheraton New Orleans in New Orleans, La. The conference features three full days of education and networking designed to help marine fabricators cultivate industry connections, improve their efficiency and increase revenue. Educational …
Industry News
US DOT supports future maritime workforce
July 29, 2022
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced that it is accepting applications for Centers of Excellence (CoE) designations to recognize and support community or technical colleges and maritime training centers that prepare Americans for careers in the maritime industry. As part of addressing the challenges presented by supply chain disruptions and climate change, …
IFAI news
Advanced Textiles Association debuts new logo
July 28, 2022
Advanced Textiles Association (ATA), recently launched their new logo. ATA became the official new name of the association formerly known as Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), on June 1 and have now released their new look. The goal was to find a name and acronym that was more inclusive of the textiles, fabrics, materials that …
Company News
Jake Ritchie joins Herculite
July 28, 2022
Herculite Products Inc., a manufacturer of high-performance and custom fabrics, has hired Jake Ritchie as Midwest Regional Manager for the Direct Sales team. Ritchie joins the Herculite sales team with more than four years of B2B sales support. He received a degree in Business Management from Lincoln Land Community College. As a collegiate basketball player …
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Supplier Spotlights 2022
Events
Registration for IFAI Expo 2022 opens with early bird pricing
May 5, 2022
Registration is now open for IFAI Expo 2022, taking place October 12–14 with education happening from October 11–14 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C. IFAI Expo is known as the specialty textile industry’s flagship show for sourcing, networking and education. It’s an opportunity to join thousands of industry stakeholders and leaders who are …
Events
IFAI Expo 2022 speaker submissions due March 31
March 22, 2022
The deadline to submit speaker presentations for IFAI Expo 2022 in Charlotte, N.C. on Oct. 12–14, 2022, is March 31. Speaking at IFAI Expo gives individuals a chance to connect with a wide variety of attendees in diverse markets, share their expertise and boost their credibility. For more than a century, IFAI Expo has been …
Expo News
IFAI Expo 2022 call for presentations
December 20, 2021
The Industrial Fabrics Association International is now accepting proposals for presentations at IFAI Expo 2022. IFAI Expo will take place Oct. 12-14, 2022, at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C., with education Oct. 11-14. IFAI is accepting proposals for 50-minute classroom sessions in several categories: Advanced Textiles Shade & Weather Protection Specialty Fabrics Marine …
Expo News
IFAI Expo: Shade sail dos and don’ts
November 3, 2021
Shade sails offer a great business opportunity for fabricators, but it’s important to keep some key “dos and don’ts” in mind. That was the message from Shazeebo owner and founder Patrick Howe during his presentation “Shade Sails Dos and Don’ts—A Deep Dive,” presented at the IFAI Expo in Nashville. There are several considerations for those …
Awards
IAA Awards deadline approaching
July 22, 2021
The deadline to submit a project for the 2021 International Achievement Awards (IAA) is July 30. The IAA awards recognize the best projects across the specialty fabrics industry. The awards are an opportunity to showcase your technical skills and talents to the entire industry. Awards are given in seven major categories and 42 subcategories and …
Events
Messe Stuttgart’s Sun Shading Expo North America moves co-location debut with IFAI Expo to 2022
July 7, 2021
Messe Stuttgart announced that its new U.S.-based show Sun Shading Expo North America will not be held in 2021 as a separate trade show but will instead contribute its expertise in internal and external sun shading systems at IFAI Expo 2021 in the form of expert talks, open discussions and more. IFAI Expo 2021 will still take place …
Expo News
Grants available to North Carolina small businesses to exhibit at IFAI Expo 2021
June 8, 2021
Eligible North Carolina small businesses can take advantage of a program allowing for reimbursement of booth expenses related to exhibiting at IFAI Expo 2021, Nov. 2–4, 2021, at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn. The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) announced another round of funding for the North Carolina State Trade Expansion …
Expo News
Registration is open for IFAI Expo 2021
May 10, 2021
Registration is open for IFAI Expo 2021. IFAI Expo celebrates the 100th anniversary of the show this November, and you won’t want to miss it! After a long hiatus of in-person events, this year’s show is the perfect place to reconnect with your industry. Register now to get the Early Bird rate! Early Bird rates end …
Events
Call for IFAI Expo 2021 speakers, topic ideas
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 …
Expo News
Standard for active illumination developed in Europe
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 …
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Supplier Spotlights 2022
Features
Space management 101
July 1, 2022
Clutter. Claustrophobia. Continual need for more storage. Those are possible hazards of working out of a physically small marine fabrication shop. Yet it’s understandable that many fabricators choose to house their companies in conservatively sized spaces to better control overhead costs. Keeping small shops organized can require planning and extra patience; often, staff have to …
Features
Next-gen sewers
July 1, 2022
It’s not easy. Attracting, hiring and keeping sewers is perhaps one of the most challenging issues facing marine fabrication shops today. But the good news is that it is not an insurmountable challenge. Many people want to put their hands to work and make something beautiful and functional from available parts. And for shop owners …
Features
Small tools and machines deliver big benefits
July 1, 2022
The “right tool for the job” has long been a maxim for success. Marine fabrication can involve the use of large, complex tools, but those are not the bread and butter of most operations. It’s the smaller tools used daily, over and over, that can often determine if a shop is efficient and effective or …
Features
Members only content
Spreading the word
May 1, 2022
What’s the best way to market your small fabrication shop? It comes down to one simple concept, “word of mouth.” It doesn’t matter whether your shop is in Arizona, New Hampshire or New Zealand, the approach doesn’t change—reputation is the most significant factor in growing a successful business. “What works is some guy talking to …
Features
Members only content
Diving In
May 1, 2022
If a college friend hadn’t had extra space in a harborside building he was renting in downtown Bellingham, Greg Keeler may have never started up Bellingham, Wash.-based marine canvas company Oyster Creek Canvas Co. After earning a degree in environmental policy and assessment, the lifelong boating enthusiast had spent several years in a related desk …
Features
2022 Premier Product Showcase
May 1, 2022
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 & Foam; Equipment, Tools & Miscellaneous; and Hardware and Findings. You can see the 2022 Premier …
Features
Members only content
Women fabricators discuss working in a male-dominated industry
March 1, 2022
Business hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Katie Bradford of Custom Marine Canvas in Noank, Conn. Back in 1990, five years after starting her business, she lost out on a substantial sail-building order because the customer believed she’d be giving up her business to focus on her new marriage. In another instance, a male customer …
Features
Members only content
Should you take your upholstery skills to the surging RV market?
March 1, 2022
Diversification is a familiar concept to business owners—and for good reason. Expanding into market segments outside the core has saved many businesses during economic ups and downs, as well as shifts in market demands. But entering crossover markets that are closely connected to the “bread and butter” of a business comes with its own set …
Features
2022 MFA Fabrication Excellence Awards
March 1, 2022
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 …
Features
2022 MFA Time Standards Manual
January 1, 2022
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 …
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The Value in Variety by Trivantage
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Supplier Spotlights 2022
Industry News
ABYC publishes updated boat building and repair standards, offers webinar
August 11, 2022
The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) has published its 62nd supplement to Standards and Technical Information Reports for Small Craft. The annual publication provides the marine industry with the latest updates to the boat building and repair standards used for more than 90% of the boats constructed in the United States. On August 17, …
Events
SOBA Education & Training Symposium kicks off Aug. 29
August 10, 2022
The States Organization for Boating Access (SOBA) will be hosting the 2022 Education & Training Symposium in Cleveland, Ohio, August 29 – September 1. Online registration is now open. Symposium education topics include federal updates, industry partner updates, boating access, clean vessels act, engineering, infrastructure, clean boating, aquatic invasive species, clean marinas, non-motorized access as …
Industry News
2021 boat and engine exports and imports stats now available
August 4, 2022
The Boat and Engine Exports and Imports section of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) 2021 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract is now available. This report examines 24 years of historical data on the different categories of recreational boats and marine engines imported to and exported from the U.S. each year. Data show U.S. exports …
Industry News
US DOT supports future maritime workforce
July 29, 2022
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced that it is accepting applications for Centers of Excellence (CoE) designations to recognize and support community or technical colleges and maritime training centers that prepare Americans for careers in the maritime industry. As part of addressing the challenges presented by supply chain disruptions and climate change, …
Industry News
White House revives outdoor rec council
July 26, 2022
The Biden Administration announced the re-establishment of the Federal Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation (FICOR), an interagency effort that will work to create more safe, affordable, and equitable opportunities for Americans to get outdoors. FICOR includes leaders from the Departments of the Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, and Defense and will focus on improving access to nature, …
Industry News
Model wakesurfing legislation becomes law in Tennessee
July 21, 2022
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee recently signed into law a marine industry-backed model for wakesurfing and wakeboarding legislation. The Tennessee law marks the first state to adopt the industry’s model legislation. The new law is designed to help protect the shorelines of Tennessee lakes and homeowners’ property from the high wakes created by wakeboats and enhances …
Company News
Glen Raven announces reduced lead times for Sunbrella fabrics
July 20, 2022
Fabric manufacturer Glen Raven reports that system enhancements and upgraded equipment has increased the output of its flagship brand by more than 25 percent. According to a company press release, the majority of stock Sunbrella® performance fabrics are available to ship immediately. The system improvements are due to the completion of the first phase of …
Industry News
2021 U.S. boating statistical abstract on total industry sales available
July 14, 2022
The Total Industry Sales by Category and State section of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) 2021 U.S. Statistical abstract is now available. This section details recreational boat and marine engine retail sales data (unit sales, dollar value and average retail prices) and total recreational marine expenditures. After a historic year in 2020, boating remained …
Industry News
2022 National Boating Industry Safety Awards call for entries
July 6, 2022
2022 National Boating Industry Safety Awards call for entries The Sea Tow Foundation, in cooperation with its Boating Safety Advisory Council, announced the official call for entries for the 2022 National Boating Industry Safety Awards. The awards recognize efforts to promote safety on the water within the for-profit sector of the boating industry in the …
Industry News
On-demand advanced electrical certification course available
July 5, 2022
The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) has launched an on-demand course for its newest professional certification, Advanced Marine Electrical. The online certification contains new videos, readable content for those working on the cutting edge of electrical systems and chapter review quizzes. The course covers topics such as alternative charging sources, AC power-conversion equipment and …
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Supplier Spotlights 2022
Products
Tough upholstery fabric
July 1, 2022
Made to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, Agora® fabrics are made of 100% solution-dyed acrylic that incorporate treatments to cope with the most demanding environments, ensuring excellent performance. The fabrics’ qualities include strength, durability, easy care and top-notch resistance to fading and degradation. They have a five-year warranty against fading due to exposure to sunlight. covinsales.com
Products
Natural durability
July 1, 2022
DuraWax is a heavy-duty waxed canvas that is an economical, environmentally friendly leather alternative for bags, packs, work aprons, tool rolls, pouches and more. The waxed coating ages beautifully to give the fabric a unique, worn-in look the more the fabric is handled and used. It does not stain easily and water rolls right off …
Products
Eco-friendly zippers
July 1, 2022
IDEAL Earth™ Zippers are made from recycled polyester using special processes that convert recycled water bottles into zippers. Available in metal, Delrin, invisible and coil with more than 600 colors and in various sizes. idealfastener.com
Products
Versatile cushion fabric
July 1, 2022
Dimensionally stable and opaque, Vicar Patterning Fabric is weatherproof, lightweight and reinforced for strength, yet it will lie flat for easy use. The material received a stamp of approval from Autometrix for use on its cutting tables because its proprietary camera system can pull out the pattern automatically without having to digitally trace it for …
Products
Luxury leather alternative
July 1, 2022
Now with Nassimi’s proprietary Resilience™ coating, Seaquest luxury performance cushion vinyl now offers an improved superior stain resistance coupled with enhanced durability. With 14 new colors for the 2022 season, the vinyl’s color palette is now up to 35 colors, all available with matching roll n’ pleat, hidem and welting from stock. manart-hirsch.com
Products
Versatile patterning fabric
July 1, 2022
The Phiftertex Cushion and Matte Fabric Addition cushion fabrics offer more options and versatility for outdoor furniture. They are a more malleable, 100% PVC option that can be manipulated and sewn to fit cushions. With a softer hand compared to traditional PVC fabric, this option provides soft comfort and sturdy fabric that can be cleaned. …
Products
LED illuminating fabric
March 17, 2022
Kanvaslight® by Guardtex is an illuminating fabric that can be used in applications like bimini tops, seating, awnings and sunshades. The UL-certified technology allows textile structures to be used as a broad lighting surface. The two-component system, a light injector and an illuminating fabric, is designed so that no electricity is flowing through the fabric. …
Products
Vegan indoor/outdoor fabric
March 1, 2022
Ultrafabrics® has launched Coast, a vegan indoor/outdoor performance fabric for hospitality, residential and marine markets. The fabric is water-resistant in environments where both chlorinated and salt water are a danger to furniture. It features enhanced UV resistance and colorfastness to sunlight and remains cool to the touch even on the hottest summer days. With a …
Products
Performance-enhanced marine fabric
March 1, 2022
Armada, a durable, cost-effective line of coated marine fabrics has been further performance enhanced with the addition of Forbid SRT®, a proprietary topcoat by Enduratex. Adding the topcoat increases the performance value and longevity of its upholstery applications, which include marine, outdoor and general seating. Available in 40-yard rolls, 54” width and is 100 percent …
Products
Easier bimini deployment hardware
March 1, 2022
Accon Marine’s 415-TB Bimini Release hardware makes biminis and sunshades easier to deploy and stow. Built from polished 316 stainless steel, the low-profile surface-mount base installs with two #10 screws; a cutout isn’t needed. Unlike some marine shade solutions that require screws, pins or sewing hardware onto the webbing, the bimini-side of the two-piece fitting …
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Interiors & Upholstery
Adjusting to a bigger shop
July 1, 2022
In 2019, I moved Chicago Marine Canvas into a new 2,500-square-foot space, and by the summer of 2021, customer projects were piling up on top of one another. An additional sewing table had been made under a low storage loft, we were constantly moving projects in the middle of production to complete everyday tasks, and …
Exterior and Cover
Award-winning travel covers
July 1, 2022
Fabricating travel covers presents a unique set of challenges for the marine fabricator. The cover needs to withstand highway traveling speeds, crosswinds and road debris without rubbing or otherwise damaging the boat. The correct fabric choice, close tailoring and proper reinforcing all play a part in preventing unnecessary wear to the cover and damage to …
Exterior and Cover
Pattern darting
May 1, 2022
Pattern darting is a useful technique to have in any marine fabricator’s toolbox. This article will provide an example of this technique using a series of forward enclosure panels that tuck under the windshield to a line of fasteners. Pattern darting speeds patterning on the boat using a single piece of Tyvek®, heavy craft paper …
Interiors & Upholstery
Ultimate cushion design
May 1, 2022
At Interiors by Dawn, the ultimate cushion design—which provides increased drainage and airflow, reduced mold and mildew growth and longevity—is always evolving. This is not for every customer or project; we tailor and customize our cushions to fit each individual project. However, we make sure to discuss these options with customers so they understand what’s …
Exterior and Cover
Tools to make things easier
March 1, 2022
The Boatswain’s Locker in Jacksonville, Fla., was founded in 1961 by my father, Charles W. Bransford, as a shop specializing in custom boat canvas and sails. At that time, there was a lot of handwork that required many hours to complete a job. Since then, many time-saving and more productive methods and tools have been …
Interiors & Upholstery
New marine fabric selection techniques
March 1, 2022
We marine fabricators love fabrics. In fact, most of the conversations I have with customers start like this, “We love fabric. We have fabrics in every color under the rainbow. But our fabrics are special because they are marine grade.” And let’s be honest, fabric is the fun part of our job, right? The big …
Exterior and Cover
Pontoon enclosure process honed to perfection
September 1, 2021
By Michael Charpentier Here at Paul’s Custom Canvas Inc., we have seen our fair share of pontoon boats over the years. Some of the first were a few pieces of wood bolted to two pontoons with basic seating and a rail to keep you from falling in the water. They had a 75-horsepower motor that …
Interiors & Upholstery
Products and techniques for custom cushions
September 1, 2021
By Terri Madden and Alayna Wool What do you do when a customer requests something that is outside your realm of experience? How do you elevate your skills in order to work on the type of projects you love? How do you learn about new product offerings and materials from suppliers? By reading columns like …
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 …
