Sponsored Content
Industry News
Everglades National Park launches boater education program
July 18, 2019
In August, Everglades National Park will officially launch its boater education program, an online safety requirement for operators within the park waters. This new tool is part of the updated General Management Plan (GMP), completed in 2015, that identified a park-specific need to better educate and train boaters on the unique waters and landscape of …
Industry News
Wisconsin establishes outdoor recreation office
July 16, 2019
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed the state’s budget bill into law, which subsequently created the Office of Outdoor Recreation within the state’s tourism department–an initiative that will help expand outdoor recreation opportunities in the state. With this measure, Wisconsin becomes the 14th state to establish an outdoor recreation office. Wisconsin’s tourism secretary-designee, Sara Meaney, said, …
Industry News
Brommer joins Herculite
July 11, 2019
Matt Brommer has been named marketing manager for Herculite Inc., a leader in flexible composite textiles for performance applications in solar protection, marine, tents and structures, health care and digital graphics. In this newly created position, Brommer is responsible for Herculite’s marketing communications programs designed to increase awareness and promote growth of the company’s products …
Uncategorized
GoFundMe account set up for family of Caribbean Canvas
July 9, 2019
Jerry Hughes and Stephanie Hughes, owners of Caribbean Canvas, Boynton Beach, Fla, died in an auto accident on June 29. The Highlands News-Sun has released more information about the accident. The Hughes’ youngest child, Cade, age 9, has a rare disease called Jansen’s metaphyseal chondrodysplasia, where the bones in the arms and legs develop abnormally. …
Industry News
Oregon legislature passes towed water sports program
July 9, 2019
The Oregon Senate passed HB 2352, which creates a towed water sports program in the state and now awaits Governor Kate Brown’s signature. HB 2352 creates a $124 biannual boating permit for wake boat operators along a 17 mile stretch of the Willamette River. Operators will also have to take a towing safety education course …
Feature
Sustainable boating includes the john
July 4, 2019
Sustainable boating takes many forms, from solar panels to using wind or water for power, eco-friendly cleaning products, low-flow showerheads and LED lights. Joe OBrien, of Schwenksville, Pa., has been outfitting his sailboat with an earth-friendly component that is about as elemental as they come—a composting toilet. OBrien and his wife, Julie, have been renovating …
Feature
Pros and cons of digital measuring tools
July 2, 2019
Any boater knows that the way you handle a vessel changes with the weather. The same is true with a fabricator’s measuring tools. Many fabricators now have both touchpoint 3D and touchless laser systems in their toolkits, and which one works best depends to some degree on the environment. “I use a variety of digital …
Interior
Portuguese bridge cushions
July 1, 2019
By Terri Madden Recently, Sand Sea and Air welcomed a 134-foot luxury motor yacht built in 1988 to San Juan, Puerto Rico. It was designed to cruise in lavish comfort and classic elegance. The large exterior deck cushions below the bridge were located in an ideal space for lounging while cruising, yet over time, some …
Advice
Tools, tips and tricks
July 1, 2019
These are submissions to the 2018 and 2019 Marine Fabricators Conference Tools, Tips and Tricks contest. Tip 1 Redesigned button die (2019 First-Place Don Racine Award winner) This tool is a redesigned version of the button die for the Hoover Pres-N-Snap Tool. The problem with the original is that the outside rubber ring gets in …
Feature
Solar panel savvy
July 1, 2019
Improvements in solar panels give boaters more power and choices. By Jeff Moravec There may or may not be any truth to the notion that solar power wouldn’t exist on boats were it not for the desire to find an energy-efficient way to keep adult beverages cold. But if in fact that’s a motivation, …
Sponsored Content
Supplier Spotlights
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 …
Expo News
Small shops: Tips for shortening your lead times
October 17, 2018
Torey Heinz, of Teagles Consulting, has a background in small manufacturing jobs shops. This gives him a good sense of how poor workflow and other issues can affect a small shop’s lead times. Shortening lead time is important, Teagle told participants at his Oct. 17 Expo session, because shorter lead times mean increased sales and …
Expo News
The right technology can save you money
October 17, 2018
Trying to figure out which technology can save a business money can be confusing given all the options available. In his Oct. 17 Expo session, “Using Technology to Improve the Bottom Line,” Mark Stiver, manager of ecommerce, strategy and analytics for Trivantage, gave a high-level view of the primary types of technology available to specialty …
Expo News
IFAI Expo 2018: Show Stopper winners on the floor
October 17, 2018
All the best from Texas: Wednesday morning, Oct. 17, at IFAI Expo led off with lists of winners for the year, including the most popular products on the show floor. The seventh 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
2018 International Achievement Award Winners Announced
October 17, 2018
The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) has awarded this year’s International Achievement Awards (IAA) for design excellence in specialty fabrics applications, announced at the awards breakfast on Wednesday, Oct. 17 at IFAI Expo 2018. IFAI Expo is the largest specialty fabrics trade show in North America, held this year at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention …
Expo News
Sharpen your competitive edge
October 17, 2018
Asking yourself one simple question can help make your business a magnet for new customers, says marketing professional Madeleine MacRae, owner of MM MacRae Coaching & Consulting. “That question is ‘Who is your ideal client?’” In her Oct. 16 Expo session on distinguishing yourself in the marketplace, MacRae says answering this question is the key …
Expo News
Digital presence is key to acquiring new customers in 2019
October 16, 2018
It’s no surprise the digital world means a company’s ability to attract and keep customers requires a dramatic shift in strategy, tools and resources. Ed Keough, vice president of sales for FutureGuard Building Products Inc. in Auburn, Maine, told business owners they need to embrace digital advertising or be “left in the dust” during his …
Expo News
IFAI Expo keynote speaker Mark Scharenbroich: “acknowledge, honor and connect” with employees and customers
October 16, 2018
Keynote speaker Mark Scharenbroich has straightforward advice for growing a business: Make a true connection with employees and customers and positive results will follow. Scharenbroich shared his humor and motivational wisdom with a packed room at IFAI’s 2018 Expo annual meeting October 16. Rain, wind and cold outside the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in …
Expo News
Textile testing for comfort
October 16, 2018
IFAI’s Pre-Expo Conference Oct. 15 in Dallas offered a range of presentations—many of them focused on topics of particular interest in the advanced textiles area. Textile testing is one topic that will be addressed in more than one session. At the beginning of his talk yesterday on testing and evaluating fabrics’ human comfort, performance and …
Expo News
Useful social media for companies of all sizes
October 15, 2018
Should you bother with social media? Most definitely yes, says Luke Gusman, marketing manager for Sta-Lok Inc., a longtime manufacturer of marine and architectural rigging hardware. Gusman says that no matter how large or small your company, there are five social media platforms that can increase engagement with your product or service and raise your …
Sponsored Content
Supplier Spotlights
Feature
Sustainable boating includes the john
July 4, 2019
Sustainable boating takes many forms, from solar panels to using wind or water for power, eco-friendly cleaning products, low-flow showerheads and LED lights. Joe OBrien, of Schwenksville, Pa., has been outfitting his sailboat with an earth-friendly component that is about as elemental as they come—a composting toilet. OBrien and his wife, Julie, have been renovating …
Feature
Pros and cons of digital measuring tools
July 2, 2019
Any boater knows that the way you handle a vessel changes with the weather. The same is true with a fabricator’s measuring tools. Many fabricators now have both touchpoint 3D and touchless laser systems in their toolkits, and which one works best depends to some degree on the environment. “I use a variety of digital …
Feature
Solar panel savvy
July 1, 2019
Improvements in solar panels give boaters more power and choices. By Jeff Moravec There may or may not be any truth to the notion that solar power wouldn’t exist on boats were it not for the desire to find an energy-efficient way to keep adult beverages cold. But if in fact that’s a motivation, …
Feature
Metal framework takes top billing
July 1, 2019
It’s time for metalwork and framing to move from being bit players to getting top billing. By Jeff Moravec Fabric is typically the star of the show in any fabrication project. What often gets overlooked, however, is the role supporting metal frameworks play—often behind the scenes—in fabric structures. The metal framework may frequently be an …
Feature
No-fail boat covers
July 1, 2019
There’s more than one way to build a boat cover—but the best fabricators ask clients these critical questions before they settle on a design. by Sigrid Tornquist Fabricators agree—custom boat cover fabrication starts with a conversation with the boat owners. What canvas professionals do with the information they get, coupled with experience and innovation, can …
Feature
Workstation ergonomics saves backs and increases efficiency
May 2, 2019
Sewing machines are an integral part of the workflow at most marine fabrication shops. But while fabricators may be careful about the machines they buy, and work to keep them operating properly, there are other aspects of the sewing operation that deserve attention. Just the way a shop’s sewing workstations are set up can increase …
Feature
Members only content
Planning and pricing are key to making custom projects pay off
May 1, 2019
Custom projects offer fabricators a numbers of advantages, such as interesting work, a broader customer base and a reputation as a can-do company. When Eric Walton and Devlin McKee opened Custom Canvas Alaska LLC in Fairbanks 14 years ago, the partners knew they had to offer custom canvas work beyond the boat tops they started …
Feature
2019 Premier Product Showcase
May 1, 2019
High-quality products 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, Foam and Flooring; Equipment, Tools & …
Feature
Members only content
Sewing machine savvy
May 1, 2019
Maintenance—and knowing your machine—means less downtime It’s human nature. Even the best-intentioned person doesn’t always floss his or her teeth daily. And, as it turns out, not all fabricators read the instruction manuals for their sewing machines. Or take the time to keep up with the machine’s maintenance needs. Those who don’t are much more …
Feature
Members only content
Canvas repairs—turning pain into profit
March 1, 2019
Let’s go out on a limb here and make this proclamation: Repair jobs are not the sexiest work in the marine fabrication business. Okay, maybe that’s not so much of a limb. The fact is, some fabricators try to stay away from repair work altogether or consider it something of a necessary evil. They’ve got …
Sponsored Content
Supplier Spotlights
Industry News
Everglades National Park launches boater education program
July 18, 2019
In August, Everglades National Park will officially launch its boater education program, an online safety requirement for operators within the park waters. This new tool is part of the updated General Management Plan (GMP), completed in 2015, that identified a park-specific need to better educate and train boaters on the unique waters and landscape of …
Industry News
Wisconsin establishes outdoor recreation office
July 16, 2019
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed the state’s budget bill into law, which subsequently created the Office of Outdoor Recreation within the state’s tourism department–an initiative that will help expand outdoor recreation opportunities in the state. With this measure, Wisconsin becomes the 14th state to establish an outdoor recreation office. Wisconsin’s tourism secretary-designee, Sara Meaney, said, …
Industry News
Brommer joins Herculite
July 11, 2019
Matt Brommer has been named marketing manager for Herculite Inc., a leader in flexible composite textiles for performance applications in solar protection, marine, tents and structures, health care and digital graphics. In this newly created position, Brommer is responsible for Herculite’s marketing communications programs designed to increase awareness and promote growth of the company’s products …
Industry News
Oregon legislature approves access permit requirement for nonmotorized boats
June 25, 2019
The Oregon Senate and House passed legislation (SB47) that requires operators of nonmotorized boats to purchase a waterway access permit. The new access permit envelops the former aquatic invasive species permit and broadens its use by creating a waterway access fund. The legislation would require adults to purchase a $17 permit before floating a raft, …
Industry News
New Florida boat titling law
June 20, 2019
Florida’s Uniform Certificate of Title Act (HB 475/S 676) was recently signed into law. Recreational boat enthusiasts and industry partners pushed for the legislation as a way to protect consumers from buying damaged, destroyed or stolen boats. The new titling law includes significant consumer protections for boaters; similar to the way Carfax identifies a vehicle’s …
Industry News
New Sunbrella fabric resists pinking
June 18, 2019
Sunbrella® Horizon is the company’s first non-woven marine seating fabric crafted to withstand life on the water, including consequences from the notorious pinking effect. It is backed by a three-year warranty against bacterial staining, a first for marine vinyl products. In addition, Sunbrella Horizon carries a five-year limited warranty against loss of strength and color, …
Industry News
Registration open for IBEX 2019
June 11, 2019
Registration is now open for the 29th International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), being held October 1-3 at the Tampa Convention Center. IBEX is North America’s largest trade event for recreational marine industry professionals, with three exhibit halls, outdoor displays and demos on the IBEX docks. It also offers training and education from industry experts …
Industry News
U.S. boat sales reach highest levels in a decade
June 6, 2019
Unit sales of new powerboats in the U.S. reached 276,000 in 2018, an increase of 4 percent from 2017, the highest levels the U.S. recreational boating industry has seen in 11 years, according to data from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). Marine expenditures, spending on boats, engines, trailers, accessories and related services, were at …
Industry News
EPA approves year-round sale of E15
June 4, 2019
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) formally approved a rule allowing the year-round sale of fuel with 15 percent ethanol (E15) one day before the start of summer blend rules that would have blocked the fuel from most vehicles until September. The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and its coalition partners repeatedly voiced opposition to the …
Industry News
MasterCraft CEO joins new SEC advisory committee
May 30, 2019
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) launched a new Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee to ensure that emerging companies have a voice in SEC decision-making. One of the founding members of the Advisory Committee will be Terry McNew, president and CEO of MasterCraft Boat Holdings–an 882-employee boat manufacturer based in Vonore, Tenn. The Advisory …
Sponsored Content
Supplier Spotlights
Products
Smart supplies
July 1, 2019
These latest products are changing the marine fabricator industry. Want to see your products here? Email: erbernick@ifai.com. Colorful faux suede The KnollTextiles Contour Collection includes new colors of Ultrasuede®, its premier high-performance, multi-use faux suede. The durable fabric is inherently stain resistant and versatile with a soft hand. It is appropriate for upholstery, wrapped panels …
Products
New products
March 1, 2019
These latest products are changing the marine fabricator industry. Want to see your products here? Email: erbernick@ifai.com. Self-piercing grommets ClipsShop® Self-Piercing Grommet Sets are made from solid brass and feature gripping teeth on the washers that provide extra holding power for a wide range of industrial applications subjected to constant tension such as awnings, sails, …
Products
New products
January 1, 2019
Waterproof shade on land and sea Recognized in the marine market for its weather resistance and durability, Sunbrella® SeaMark® is now available in a wider selection of colors and has expanded from marine applications into the commercial shade market. Fabricated from durable Sunbrella performance fabric and 100 percent impervious waterproof backing, SeaMark is available in …
Products
New products
September 1, 2018
These latest products are changing the marine fabricator industry. Want to see your products here? Email: erbernick@ifai.com. Temperature resistant Designed to resist the harshest environments, Stamskin One handles extreme temperatures (-58°F to 302°F) and is insensitive to UV radiation and water. Formulated by Serge Ferrari, the elastomer gives it an ultra-soft touch and “peach skin” …
Products
Tips for keeping marine fabrics clean and protected
July 3, 2018
Care and maintenance of clear vinyl products, especially those like Strataglass® that are coated to be scratch-resistant, requires cleaning methods using specific cleaning and protection products, according to Craig R. Zola, vice president for marketing and distribution at Herculite® Products Inc., parent company of Strataglass, based in Emigsville, Pa. In the harsh marine environment, it’s …
Fabric & Film
Lightweight durability
July 1, 2018
For marine applications, gazebo covers, patio furniture covers, tarps, canopies and campers, Top Notch 1S is a 100 percent solution-dyed polyester fabric with a clear urethane back coat. At 60 inches wide, 7.4 oz. per sq. yd., it offers exceptional strength, durability, water resistance, tear resistance, abrasion resistance and UV- and mildew-resistance. Because it is …
Equipment
Seam sealer
July 1, 2018
Most fabrics are only as waterproof as their seams. For boat covers, awnings, rucksacks and other outdoor gear, Iosso’s Seam Sealer keeps moisture where it belongs—on the outside. It forms an effective, invisible seal against water intrusion without altering the color or feel of the material. It prevents leaks on cotton, cotton blend, polyester and …
Hardware & Findings
Quick-release fasteners
July 1, 2018
Loxx® Fasteners are durable self-locking quick-release fasteners precision engineered from brass and stainless steel. Versatile and reliable in the harshest environments, these fasteners are appropriate for marine, architectural, cover and tarp, and industrial fastening applications. They are easy to install by simply punching a hole and screwing on the mating washer. There is no need …
Fabric & Film
Tear-resistant vinyl
July 1, 2018
AquaFloat 32 is a premium coated fabric (32 oz. vinyl) formulated for inflatable boat and raft applications, with excellent tear and tensile strength to resist punctures and hold air. With treatments for UV protection and mildew resistance, in a semi-gloss finish, it is available in a wide variety of fade-resistant colors popular in the recreation …
Fabric & Film
Classic leather looks
July 1, 2018
Made exclusively in the U.S., Naugahyde® products deliver superior performance fabric solutions for the marine, recreational and automotive markets. Naugahyde Surfside is strong and durable, easily maintained and is resistant to fading. It is ideally suited for marine and outdoor seating as well as trim/door panels, auto trim, RV/van upholstery and other applications. www.rexpeggfabrics.com
Sponsored Content
Supplier Spotlights
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
Members only content
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
Members only content
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 …
Interiors & Upholstery
Elegant performance in stripes
March 1, 2016
Stripes come in every color, shape and size. A two-color stripe can even be juxtaposed to form an eye-catching pattern. Striking stripe patterns can be matched or combined with solid colors to provide dramatic effects for your next project. Stripes are more popular than ever. Sunbrella likes them so much, subtle as well as dramatic …
