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Industry News
STEP Ahead Award call for nominations
August 16, 2018
The Manufacturing Institute 2019 STEP Ahead Award nominations are now open, honoring women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in science, technology, engineering and production (STEP) careers. STEP Ahead Award honorees hold positions at all levels of manufacturing, from the factory floor to high-level executive, and illustrate the widespread impact women have on shaping the …
Industry News
Autometrix announces personnel changes
August 14, 2018
Automated cutting table provider, Autometrix, announced that after serving in a variety of positions in his family’s business, Jonathan Palmer has taken over as the CEO from Autometrix founder, John Palmer. Sidney Sponseller, who was previously with Heytex USA (Bondcote), is now responsible for Central U.S. and Canada Sales. Aaron McMahan, who has a background …
News
Industrial Fabrics Association International Endorses APPI Energy
August 10, 2018
Industrial Fabrics Association International announced their endorsement of consulting firm APPI Energy to provide electricity and natural gas cost management and reduction services for their members. With APPI Energy’s member benefit, IFAI members will receive expert recommendations, cost reduction opportunities, and budget certainty through competitive procurement and fixed, all-inclusive energy contracts. “Every day, APPI Energy …
Industry News
US boat building production index now available
August 9, 2018
The latest U.S. Boat Building Production Index, a quarterly report on boat production forecasts from ITR Economics, is now available for National Marine Manufacturers Association member download. This report includes directional forecast trending on boat production through 2020. ITR Forecasts indicate growth in boat production through 2018 with a moderation thereafter, picking back up during …
Industry News
IFAI to host Women in Textiles Summit 2019, call for presentations open
August 8, 2018
IFAI will host its first ever Women in Textiles Summit on March 6-8, 2019, at the Hyatt Regency Savannah in Savannah, Ga. The goal of the summit is to strengthen the advancement of women through an interactive forum that provides education, networking and dialogue about important issues affecting women in business. The summit will explore …
Industry News
Daniel Lesch achieves MFC Lifetime Certification through IFAI
August 7, 2018
Daniel Lesch, Lesch Boat Cover Co, Norwalk, Ohio, achieved Certified for Life Master Fabrics Craftsman (MFC) in Marine in August 2018. This certification recognizes Lesch’s superior knowledge of business and organizational management in the specialty fabrics industry. Lesch has been an IFAI member since 1994 and previously served as chairperson of the MFA Board. As …
Industry News
MFA to exhibit at IBEX
August 2, 2018
The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) will be exhibiting in booth 2319 at the International Boatbuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX), held at the Tampa Convention Center, Oct. 2 – 4, 2018, in Tampa, Fla. One of North America’s largest technical boat-building showcases, IBEX offers technical education from industry experts and exhibit halls filled with hands-on trainings …
Industry News
MFA Regional Workshops Sept. 28-29, Nov. 2-3
July 31, 2018
The MFA Southeast Regional Workshop is being held Sept. 28-29 at Lakeside Marine Canvas Inc. in Buford, Ga. The two-day workshop features marine education on Pontoon boat patterning and fabrication, efficient cushion patterning techniques and sewing machine maintenance. It also offers opportunities to discuss technology and other concerns with fellow fabricators, which is something Lakeside …
Industry News
New awards program for innovative marine companies
July 26, 2018
Soundings Trade Only has launched a new awards program for the recreational boating industry called the Most Innovative Marine Companies Awards. The awards will acknowledge innovative initiatives companies are using to advance their businesses including innovative materials, new manufacturing processes, fresh marketing approaches, workforce solutions, supply chain, export programs and others. The awards are open …
Industry News
Executive order establishes workforce council
July 24, 2018
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to prioritize and expand workforce development, which seeks to create and fill American jobs with American workers. The order establishes the National Council for the American Worker with the goals of developing a national strategy for training and retraining workers, and utilizing data to connect American businesses, workers …
Sponsored Content
Supplier Spotlights
Sponsored Content
Next-Generation Marine Fabric Available Exclusively from Trivantage®
Feature
Members only content
High-tech tools for high-tech marine covers
July 5, 2018
Tim James, co-owner of digiShapes™ LLC in Kent, Wash., is a software developer with an interest in marine canvas. His company takes 3-D measurements of entire boats, which are then converted into automatic boat covers. Its SwiftShield™ system consists of a hydraulic mechanism and a tight-fitting fabric cover that is lifted up and over the …
Feature
Recommended fabric cleaning products
July 1, 2018
Fabricators play an important role in teaching customers to keep their boats in shape. It’s pretty simple. People buy boats because they want to have fun. The reality, however, is that work—the opposite of fun—is required to keep any watercraft in tip-top condition. Therein lies the rub. “A lot of boaters don’t want to do …
Feature
Members only content
Better job costing for better profits
July 1, 2018
Working with numbers may not be your cup of tea, but it’s critical to the success of your business. It’s a fairly safe bet that not many fabricators started their operations because they wanted to work on spreadsheets. But like it or not, when you hang out a shingle, only part of your work will …
Feature
Members only content
Coping with material failures and client confusion
July 1, 2018
Material meltdowns, client confusion and the wrath of Mother Nature create challenges for fabricators that require savvy skills and teeth-gritting determination. Nearly every marine fabricator has stories about projects that went awry and failed to meet demands in one way or another. It might be thread that doesn’t hold up, a mooring cover tearing loose …
Feature
Members only content
Liz Diaz creates marine interiors and homeless shelters
May 1, 2018
Liz Diaz designs inspired boat interiors—and is applying that expertise to bring shelter to the homeless. Having a really good life is not financially driven. It’s inspiration driven,” says Liz Diaz, MFC, owner of North Beach Marine Canvas in San Francisco, Calif. “Working on and around the water is a singularly lovely employment. I am …
Feature
Members only content
Diversifying beyond marine
May 1, 2018
There’s value in diversifying beyond boats for marine fabricators, like steadier work and income flow, but the move may not be smooth sailing for every business; careful evaluation is critical to avoid sinking. Business owners are often given conflicting advice. On the one hand, they are cautioned about the dangers of “putting all your eggs …
Feature
Members only content
Makerspaces offer work-based learning for students
April 10, 2018
The CCC Maker Initiative, administered by Sierra College (www.sierracollege.edu) in Rocklin, California, is offering internships and work-based learning experiences for students through 24 California Community College makerspaces, where students gain technical, entrepreneurial and work-ready skills sought by employers. California Community Colleges participating in the CCC Maker (cccmaker.com) initiative to build makerspace communities are preparing students …
Feature
Members only content
On the horizon for marine tension shades
March 13, 2018
Canvas shops around the country have seen an increase in demand for tension shades versus fixed-frame structures such as biminis. Boat owners like sun protection with less obstructive framing and the modern look of shade sails. Fabricators who have been installing tension shades are already looking at where the market is heading and where the …
Feature
Members only content
Fasteners for marine tension shades
March 7, 2018
As more boat owners are having tension shades installed over decks for sun protection, marine fabricators have come up with various ways of attaching the fabric to poles. “The most common fastener is SnapFast® for hardtops,” says Tony Shaw, owner of Affordable Canvas LLC in Venice, Fla. “Sometimes we use keder track or webbing to …
Feature
Zipper tricks and techniques
March 1, 2018
Advanced tips and techniques for choosing and working with zippers in your projects. Providing an excellent end product is paramount to marine fabricators, and zippers play a vital role in the long-term functionality of everything from covers to cushions. But zippers can be tricky. Choosing the right one can be confusing, and working with zippers …
Sponsored Content
Supplier Spotlights
Sponsored Content
Next-Generation Marine Fabric Available Exclusively from Trivantage®
Industry News
STEP Ahead Award call for nominations
August 16, 2018
The Manufacturing Institute 2019 STEP Ahead Award nominations are now open, honoring women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in science, technology, engineering and production (STEP) careers. STEP Ahead Award honorees hold positions at all levels of manufacturing, from the factory floor to high-level executive, and illustrate the widespread impact women have on shaping the …
Industry News
Autometrix announces personnel changes
August 14, 2018
Automated cutting table provider, Autometrix, announced that after serving in a variety of positions in his family’s business, Jonathan Palmer has taken over as the CEO from Autometrix founder, John Palmer. Sidney Sponseller, who was previously with Heytex USA (Bondcote), is now responsible for Central U.S. and Canada Sales. Aaron McMahan, who has a background …
Industry News
US boat building production index now available
August 9, 2018
The latest U.S. Boat Building Production Index, a quarterly report on boat production forecasts from ITR Economics, is now available for National Marine Manufacturers Association member download. This report includes directional forecast trending on boat production through 2020. ITR Forecasts indicate growth in boat production through 2018 with a moderation thereafter, picking back up during …
Industry News
IFAI to host Women in Textiles Summit 2019, call for presentations open
August 8, 2018
IFAI will host its first ever Women in Textiles Summit on March 6-8, 2019, at the Hyatt Regency Savannah in Savannah, Ga. The goal of the summit is to strengthen the advancement of women through an interactive forum that provides education, networking and dialogue about important issues affecting women in business. The summit will explore …
Industry News
Daniel Lesch achieves MFC Lifetime Certification through IFAI
August 7, 2018
Daniel Lesch, Lesch Boat Cover Co, Norwalk, Ohio, achieved Certified for Life Master Fabrics Craftsman (MFC) in Marine in August 2018. This certification recognizes Lesch’s superior knowledge of business and organizational management in the specialty fabrics industry. Lesch has been an IFAI member since 1994 and previously served as chairperson of the MFA Board. As …
Industry News
MFA to exhibit at IBEX
August 2, 2018
The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) will be exhibiting in booth 2319 at the International Boatbuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX), held at the Tampa Convention Center, Oct. 2 – 4, 2018, in Tampa, Fla. One of North America’s largest technical boat-building showcases, IBEX offers technical education from industry experts and exhibit halls filled with hands-on trainings …
Industry News
MFA Regional Workshops Sept. 28-29, Nov. 2-3
July 31, 2018
The MFA Southeast Regional Workshop is being held Sept. 28-29 at Lakeside Marine Canvas Inc. in Buford, Ga. The two-day workshop features marine education on Pontoon boat patterning and fabrication, efficient cushion patterning techniques and sewing machine maintenance. It also offers opportunities to discuss technology and other concerns with fellow fabricators, which is something Lakeside …
Industry News
New awards program for innovative marine companies
July 26, 2018
Soundings Trade Only has launched a new awards program for the recreational boating industry called the Most Innovative Marine Companies Awards. The awards will acknowledge innovative initiatives companies are using to advance their businesses including innovative materials, new manufacturing processes, fresh marketing approaches, workforce solutions, supply chain, export programs and others. The awards are open …
Industry News
Executive order establishes workforce council
July 24, 2018
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to prioritize and expand workforce development, which seeks to create and fill American jobs with American workers. The order establishes the National Council for the American Worker with the goals of developing a national strategy for training and retraining workers, and utilizing data to connect American businesses, workers …
Industry News
New training videos for MFA members
July 17, 2018
A variety of short training videos are now available for marine fabricators who are new to the industry or are looking for a techniques refresher. The Marine Fabrication Association (MFA) how-to member videos include a six-part series on bimini tops and a three-part series on frame bending, among others. The videos were produced by the …
Sponsored Content
Supplier Spotlights
Sponsored Content
Next-Generation Marine Fabric Available Exclusively from Trivantage®
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
Fabric & Film
Versatile polyester
July 1, 2018
Aqualast HD is resistant to mildew and UV radiation, providing extra protection for boat covers, awnings, bimini tops, storage and furniture covers, and camping enclosures, among many other uses. The heavy-duty, 100 percent solution-dyed polyester fabric has a urethane coating, is offered 60 inches wide, and comes in 12 popular colors with a 5-year warranty …
Products
New exterior roller shades color
March 15, 2018
Phifer Inc. has added a new color to its SunTex® 95 exterior sun control line. The new hue, Stucco, joins the current range of nine neutral color options in this fabric collection designed specifically for exterior roller shade applications. Made from vinyl-coated polyester, the line is thinner and lighter weight than traditional SunTex fabrics. Blocking …
Equipment
Lighter thread snips
March 1, 2018
The ECO thread nipper is a lighter weight thread snips from Kretzer that offers a new feel to snipping threads. Traditional thread snips require the user to pick up and adjust the grip, because the finger has to be placed in the ring before snipping. With these new snips, the user simply picks them up …
Hardware & Findings
New marine hardware options
March 1, 2018
Trivantage has added SolaMesh hardware to its shade sail and structure product offering. This new line of hardware complements SolaMesh fabric with a wide range of D-rings, shackles, stainless steel rope, rope connections and mounting options for all installations. SolaMesh hardware offers eye-on-eye, jaw-on-jaw and hook-on-hook turnbuckle options to suit a variety of preferences and …
Sponsored Content
Supplier Spotlights
Sponsored Content
Next-Generation Marine Fabric Available Exclusively from Trivantage®
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 …
