Sponsored Content
Awards
MFA Fabrication Excellence Awards deadline next week
October 22, 2021
From design excellence to quality workmanship, the MFA Fabrication Excellence Awards showcase projects representing the breadth of the industry from tops and covers to interior and exterior upholstery. Submissions will be accepted through Oct. 30, 2021. Winners will be announced at the 2022 MFA Conference at Wild Dunes Charleston’s Island Resort, Isle of Palms, S.C., …
Industry News
President Biden reinstates critical conservation measures in marine monument off Cape Cod
October 21, 2021
President Joe Biden signed a proclamation restoring protections for Northeast Canyons and Seamounts National Monument, while maintaining access for recreational fishing. The National Monument is composed of two units, the Canyons Unit and the Seamounts Unit, each showcasing unique geological features that anchor vulnerable ecological communities threatened by varied uses, climate change and related impacts. …
Industry News
Marine CEOs report strong business productivity through Q2
October 19, 2021
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Q2 2021 Marine CEO Sentiment Report, a quarterly survey to assess the state and needs of U.S. recreational boat, engine and marine accessory manufacturing businesses, is now available. The latest data shows marine CEO assessments of overall business conditions were positive through the second quarter of 2021 following a …
Industry News
Maryland governor establishes outdoor rec office
October 15, 2021
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced the state would establish an office of outdoor recreation (OREC) and the hiring of the first Executive Director, J. Daryl Anthony, according the National Marine Manufacturing Association website. In partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Department of Commerce, the establishment of an OREC will strengthen the coordination …
Industry News
NOAA seeks new members for Ocean Exploration Advisory Board
October 14, 2021
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) is seeking up to four new members for its Ocean Exploration Advisory Board, a federal advisory committee that advises the NOAA administrator on strategic planning, exploration priorities, competitive ocean exploration grant programs and other matters as requested. In addition to advising NOAA leaders, NOAA expects the board to play …
Events
CONNECT by IFAI hosts workforce development event
October 13, 2021
CONNECT by IFAI will be hosting an Ask Me Anything on Workforce Development event with textile industry recruiter Doug Coley of Coley Company on Oct. 19. Coley is a seasoned recruiter with more than 25 years of recruiting success in the apparel, textile and nonwovens industries. Prior to his recruiting career, Coley worked directly in …
Events
2022 MFA Conference schedule released
October 12, 2021
Registration is open, and the full conference schedule is available for the annual Marine Fabricators Conference being held Jan. 13-15, 2022, at Wild Dunes Charleston’s Island Resort, Isle of Palms, S.C. The conference features three full days of education and networking designed to help marine fabricators cultivate industry connections, improve their efficiency and increase revenue. …
Awards
MFA Fabrication Excellence Awards deadline approaching
October 11, 2021
From design excellence to quality workmanship, the MFA Fabrication Excellence Awards showcase projects representing the breadth of the industry from tops and covers to interior and exterior upholstery. Submissions will be accepted through Oct. 30, 2021. Winners will be announced at the 2022 MFA Conference at Wild Dunes Charleston’s Island Resort, Isle of Palms, S.C., …
Awards
IBEX Innovation Award winners announced
October 7, 2021
The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) announced the winners of the IBEX Innovation Awards for the 30th Anniversary Show. The IBEX Innovation Awards program is managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and judged by Boating Writers International (BWI). The judges selected 11 Innovation Award winners and three honorable mentions among dozens of …
Events
Norwalk Boat Show reports strong attendance
October 6, 2021
The 2021 Progressive Insurance Norwalk Boat Show, which ran Sept. 23-26, marked the return of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) in-person boat and sport shows—and came back strong, according to the NMMA website. Attendance reached 12,976, which is up 1 percent compared to 2019. Organizers say the show saw an uptick in first-time attendees …
Sponsored Content
Supplier Spotlights 2021
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 …
Expo News
Rapid prototyping = faster market launch
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 …
Expo News
Textile industry leaders call for policy changes to support U.S. production of PPE
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 …
Expo News
The larger issues in respiratory protection
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, …
Expo News
Rodgers: Textiles are the “T” in STEM
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 …
Sponsored Content
Supplier Spotlights 2021
Awards
MFA Fabrication Excellence Awards deadline next week
October 22, 2021
From design excellence to quality workmanship, the MFA Fabrication Excellence Awards showcase projects representing the breadth of the industry from tops and covers to interior and exterior upholstery. Submissions will be accepted through Oct. 30, 2021. Winners will be announced at the 2022 MFA Conference at Wild Dunes Charleston’s Island Resort, Isle of Palms, S.C., …
Feature
Shade sails on land and sea
September 1, 2021
Honing your math skills can open up new markets. By Jeff Moravec On the way to becoming the owner of Wyckam Fabric Creations in Portland, Ore., Amy Poe developed a set of eclectic skills that have come in handy in the wide world of fabrication. She earned degrees in physics and Spanish and specialized in …
Feature
New solutions to some sticky textile problems
September 1, 2021
Supply chain issues aside, advancements in marine fabrics bring long-awaited solutions to at least some of the problems that have plagued marine canvas manufacturers since the dawn of the industry. by Sigrid Tornquist Despite a log-jammed supply chain and an increase in the number of people who want to renovate their boats, this is a …
Feature
Taking the next step: Jeff Newkirk grows his business
September 1, 2021
Pushed by the pandemic, Jeff Newkirk envisions a growth plan for Precision Custom Canvas. By Michelle Miron Jeff Newkirk, MFC, started sailing at such a young age, he can’t remember a time when he wasn’t entranced with sailboats, the glide across open water and the call of the open wind. That’s why sail and …
Feature
Members only content
Bedding projects that wow
July 1, 2021
The sleeping quarters are where marine fabricators can really show off their design chops, but for bedding projects that impress, asking clients the right questions and thoughtful preplanning are essential. By Pamela Mills-Senn Boats give marine fabricators plenty of chances to showcase their skills and some of the best areas on the vessel for doing …
Feature
Members only content
Digital patterning: 2D and 3D tools
July 1, 2021
How one fabricator stepped into the future. By Jeff Moravec Marine Tops Unlimited Inc. has been providing custom fabrication for Wisconsin boats for just shy of 40 years. Kyle Van Damme, who with his father owns the company in Omro, west of Oshkosh, has for the vast majority of those years done fabrication the old-fashioned …
Feature
Members only content
Tailored Solutions: Monica Stockburger profile
July 1, 2021
Monica Stockburger combines artistry with performance when repairing the vessels of Alaska’s Kachemak Bay. by Darcy Maulsby Southcentral Alaska is filled with spectacular natural beauty, hardworking people and an array of fishing boats and other vessels that are often in need of repair. The latter fact creates an opportunity for Monica and Mike Stockburger, …
Feature
Members only content
Tools of the Trade: Marine fabricators share their favorites
May 1, 2021
We asked marine fabricators to tell us about the “must-have” tools in their shop. The variety and creativity of submissions we received told us what we already knew—fabricators are a resourceful and innovative lot! By Cathy Broberg Hercules 1575 foam cutter with Bosch blade “A good quality foam cutter makes shop life so much easier,” …
Feature
Members only content
Managing difficult clients
May 1, 2021
Marine fabricators discuss their best forms of defense By Michelle Miron Most businesses have encountered these people at least once: impossible-to-please customers who make life miserable for everyone who has to work with them. Maybe they are disrespectful to you and your employees. Maybe they demand price breaks where none are due. Or perhaps they …
Feature
2021 Premier Product Showcase
May 1, 2021
High-quality products to help you create durable, attractive and successful projects. For this feature, we asked our contributors to send us information about their high-performing products. The product information was submitted by the participating manufacturers and suppliers by the established deadline. The products are organized into three categories: Fabric, Film, & Foam; Equipment, Tools & …
Sponsored Content
Supplier Spotlights 2021
Industry News
President Biden reinstates critical conservation measures in marine monument off Cape Cod
October 21, 2021
President Joe Biden signed a proclamation restoring protections for Northeast Canyons and Seamounts National Monument, while maintaining access for recreational fishing. The National Monument is composed of two units, the Canyons Unit and the Seamounts Unit, each showcasing unique geological features that anchor vulnerable ecological communities threatened by varied uses, climate change and related impacts. …
Industry News
Marine CEOs report strong business productivity through Q2
October 19, 2021
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Q2 2021 Marine CEO Sentiment Report, a quarterly survey to assess the state and needs of U.S. recreational boat, engine and marine accessory manufacturing businesses, is now available. The latest data shows marine CEO assessments of overall business conditions were positive through the second quarter of 2021 following a …
Industry News
Maryland governor establishes outdoor rec office
October 15, 2021
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced the state would establish an office of outdoor recreation (OREC) and the hiring of the first Executive Director, J. Daryl Anthony, according the National Marine Manufacturing Association website. In partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Department of Commerce, the establishment of an OREC will strengthen the coordination …
Industry News
NOAA seeks new members for Ocean Exploration Advisory Board
October 14, 2021
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) is seeking up to four new members for its Ocean Exploration Advisory Board, a federal advisory committee that advises the NOAA administrator on strategic planning, exploration priorities, competitive ocean exploration grant programs and other matters as requested. In addition to advising NOAA leaders, NOAA expects the board to play …
Events
2022 MFA Conference registration now open
September 24, 2021
Registration is open, and the full conference schedule is available for the annual Marine Fabricators Conference being held Jan. 13-15, 2022, at Wild Dunes Charleston’s Island Resort, Isle of Palms, S.C. The conference features three full days of education and networking designed to help marine fabricators cultivate industry connections, improve their efficiency and increase revenue. …
Industry News
California assembly approves legislation to keep marine manufacturers in federal compliance with consumer protection law
September 22, 2021
The California Assembly unanimously approved Assembly Bill 335 (AB 335) following unanimous passage in the California Senate, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association website. The legislation ensures that marine manufacturers maintain compliance with federal consumer protection law by allowing them to collect and retain consumer information from marine dealers to verify warranties and contact …
Industry News
New appointments to National Boating Safety Advisory Committee
September 16, 2021
The U.S. Coast Guard recently appointed 20 individuals to serve as members of the National Boating Safety Advisory Committee (NBSAC), which was established in 2018. NBSAC members are selected from disciplines within the following fields of expertise: state boating safety programs, recreational vessel and associated equipment manufacturers; and national recreational boating organizations and the general …
Industry News
Submit outdoor recreation projects eligible for LWCF funding
September 15, 2021
The implementation of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) offers the outdoor recreation community an opportunity to have its voice heard and inform agency and congressional partners of priorities carried out through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the maintenance backlog. In an effort to collect projects for FY 2023-2026, the Outdoor Recreation …
Industry News
Minnesota DNR seeks Game and Fish Fund Oversight Committee members
September 14, 2021
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking applications from Minnesota residents to serve two-year terms on the Game and Fish Fund Oversight Committee. The Game and Fish Fund has two oversight committees–the Fisheries Oversight Committee (FOC) and the Wildlife Oversight Committee (WOC). Applications must be submitted online by Monday, September 20. The Game …
Industry News
Glen Raven addresses supply chain issues
September 7, 2021
In a recent news release distributed by Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), Kirk Fitzsimmons, director of industrial sales for Glen Raven Inc., discussed the continuing supply challenges for fabricators ordering Sunbrella fabrics. “We’re seeing unprecedented levels of demand for Sunbrella fabrics–more than twice pre-pandemic levels across all markets,” says Fitzsimmons. “Beyond demand, there are also …
Sponsored Content
Supplier Spotlights 2021
Products
Leather-like upholstery fabric
September 1, 2021
Stamskin® Top Club has a new leather-grain texture for the already popular Stamskin Top upholstery range. Available in 15 modern colors, the fabric emulates the look of worn leather and performs well in demanding environments such as outdoor, marine and hospitality. Rated as a heavy-duty material, it withstands more than 600,000 double rubs in Wyzenbook …
Products
Corrosion-free screw stud
September 1, 2021
The CAF-COMPO composite screw stud blends with any design. Now introducing new M6-threaded versions that are suitable for installation on aluminum or steel, offering a 100 percent corrosion-free solution. No galvanic action on window profiles or other aluminum or steel surfaces. The stud is the lower part of a snap or press fastener system. Available …
Products
Smooth and comfortable seating
September 1, 2021
For exterior and interior boat seating, Causeway features a polycarbonate-based top coating for ease of cleaning and extended performance. It offers durability, stretch and recovery, color retention, and water and mildew resistance. Available in 16 embossed colors, it comes in marine fabric, Roll-N-Pleat and Foam Back styles. May be paired with matching marine-grade hidem gimp …
Products
Vegan leather upholstery fabric
September 1, 2021
Compo-SiL® silicone rubber-based marine leather is a green alternative to toxic leather and leatherette materials used for interior and exterior marine upholstery. Non-toxic and free of PPA, lead, latex and halogens, it is maintenance-free and easy to clean. It withstands the harsh sunlight and salt-rich ocean environment, is mildew resistant and can be customized to …
Products
Chic yet durable fabrics
September 1, 2021
Designtex has launched four fabrics that look and feel like silk and velvet, but they’re tough enough to be used in any environment. Glimmer has the subtle, metallic glow of raw silk, but it’s decked out in a tough topcoat that stands up to whatever comes its way. Nook, a hybrid textile with a silicone …
Products
Alternatives to mattress foam
September 1, 2021
As mattress manufacturers grapple with industry-wide foam shortages, Precision Textiles fiber products can be used in a mattress’s top comfort layer as well as an alternative to firmer foams that support spring units. Ecoloft is high-quality quilting fiber, Ecoloft Lux combines down alternative pillow fill with bicomponent polyester, and Vertically Lapped Densified Eco-Pads are formulated …
Products
Substance and style
July 1, 2021
Delivering powerful protection from extreme precipitation and moisture, Sunbrella® SeaMark® is a top-rated marine-grade fabric that doesn’t sacrifice style. Fabricated from Sunbrella performance fabric with a 100 percent impervious waterproof backing, the product is available in a range of colors for use on biminis, dodgers and cockpit enclosures, as well as restaurant patio enclosures, awnings …
Products
Durable elegance
July 1, 2021
Made to withstand adverse weather conditions, DUO is 100 percent water repellent with a natural appearance and agreeable texture. The reversable two-sided technical fabric is durable, lightweight and offers high UV-radiation resistance and eliminates condensation with a specific anti-mold treatment. Recommended for marine applications, upholstery and awnings. Easy to handle and dries quickly. www.decoabrusci.us
Products
Lightweight and waterproof
July 1, 2021
Waterproof yet breathable Tempotest Marine Coated fabric is lightweight compared to other waterproof products, and its acrylic back coat will remain clear and flexible. The fabric has high colorfastness and comes in a wide range of colors with a 10-year warranty. Recommended for boat covers, bimini tops, sun shades, sprayhoods, enclosures, awnings and canopies. www.miamicorp.com
Products
Luxury on the water
July 1, 2021
UV-stable Trevira CS Outdoor textiles are inherently flame retardant and are recommended for indoor use to comply with fire safety regulations and outdoor use where materials are required to perform against tearing and the elements. Appropriate for drapes, decorative fabrics, upholstery materials, sunscreen systems, wallcoverings or bedding textiles on cruise ships and other marine applications. …
Sponsored Content
Supplier Spotlights 2021
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 …
In the Shop
Fresh updates for older vessels
January 1, 2017
Most interior fabrication projects occur on fixer-uppers. The vessel might be vintage or it might be less than ten years old. While I always welcome the challenge of doing a better design than the original, there is a fine line between aesthetics and practicality. After all, the boat needs to be both comfortable and secure …
How-To Articles
Constructing snow flies for the Alaskan climate
January 1, 2017
Our winters in Fairbanks, Alaska, can be cold or very cold with lots of snow or little snow; it all depends. One condition we don’t see often is wind. In my 26 years of living here, I can remember only one time when the wind blew and the snow flew. Most of our snow falls …
How-To Articles
Meticulous prototyping leads to attractive cylinder cushions
September 1, 2016
Over the years I have been asked to fabricate several unusual items. I never know if that item will be a one-hit wonder or will become a customer favorite. In most cases, I create prototypes that help me creatively solve design challenges. I charge a prototype fee of a few hundred dollars to develop and …
How-To Articles
Marine fabricators meet customers’ window wish lists
August 1, 2016
When making boat windows for customers, marine fabricators often have a specific set of requirements of their materials. “Our fabricators require a sheet that is easy to handle, durable and can be cut and sewn easily without fear of damaging the product,” says Lyle Shipley, product manager at O’Sullivan Films, Winchester, Va., for O’Sea and …
How-To Articles
Complex and compound frame bending
July 1, 2016
Incorporating unconventional design into dodgers and biminis. I often suggest that my customers try to think out of the box when envisioning what their boats can look like. I tell them, “If I have done my job properly, the cover will become part of the boat.” Take a spray dodger, for example. I generally recommend …
Interiors & Upholstery
The art of project management on contour cushions
July 1, 2016
Marine fabricators are a unique group of craftspeople and business owners. Many of us are familiar with the notion that creative pursuits are right-brain activities, while math and logic are left-brain activities. As marine fabricators, we utilize the right sides of our brains for design solutions that meet customers’ aesthetic and practical expectations. At the …
