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Supplier Spotlights 2023
IFAI news
ATA Workforce Development Council seeking advisory board members
September 21, 2023
As part of the Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) member group restructuring, the former Makers Division has been reimagined as the Workforce Development Council (WDC). The goal of this group is to find solutions to the biggest problem facing the textile industry today—finding and keeping skilled employees. This group works to build and train the sewing, …
Industry News
Newport International Boat Show kicked off 2023 season
September 20, 2023
The 52nd Newport International Boat Show took place September 14-17, 2023, at the Newport Yachting Center in downtown Newport, Rhode Island. One of the largest in-water events in the country, its expanded footprint encompassed more than 15 acres on both land and water and hosted hundreds of exhibitors, dealers and manufacturers, with new powerboats and …
Industry News
Registration now open for 2024 ABYC Standards Week
September 19, 2023
The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC), the nonprofit organization that develops safety standards for the design, construction, maintenance, and repair of boats has opened registration for Standards Week, Jan. 7-11, 2024, in Annapolis, Md. The ABYC’s annual meeting is slated for the evening of Jan. 8, marking the organization’s 70th anniversary. Standards Week is …
Industry News
BoatUS Foundation receives $10M NOAA grant for debris removal program
September 14, 2023
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded a four-year, $10 million grant from its Marine Debris Removal Program to the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water, which aims to rid the nation’s shores of abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs), and remove the associated pollution, navigation and safety hazards that can harm …
Industry News
Registration now open for ABYC, USCG risk mitigation webinar
September 13, 2023
Registration is now open for the next U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) free online USCG/ABYC Risk Mitigation Series. Taking place Nov. 1, 2023, from 2-4 p.m. EST, the topic will be Navigating Compliance in the Age of Evolving Technology. ABYC and USCG experts will explore the future of USCG …
Company News
Trivantage debuts customer membership program
September 12, 2023
Trivantage® has launched a new customer membership program called Trivantage Plus™. The program offers membership advantages that are aligned with the company’s core customer benefits, including a best-in-class experience and hassle-free ordering. The annual membership program includes these benefits: • $25 flat-rate, same-day shipping on parcel package orders (exclusions may apply) • Special offers on …
Events
ATA launches Leadership Academy
September 11, 2023
Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) has launched the ATA Leadership Academy, an initiative set to reshape leadership excellence within the textile industry. This comprehensive leadership development program is designed to offer advanced training to professionals across all levels, with training options for ATA member companies of all sizes. The ATA Leadership Academy exemplifies the Association’s commitment …
Industry News
Newell donates thousands of life jackets to the Sea Tow Foundation
September 8, 2023
Newell Brands, a leading global consumer goods company, answered a call from the Sea Tow Foundation, a nonprofit focused on boating safety, by donating more than 10,000 Stearns and Coleman branded life jackets and floating cushions, which will help keep people safe across the country. The Sea Tow Foundation’s Life Jacket Loaner Program is the …
Industry News
Pennsylvania establishes new outdoor recreation office
September 7, 2023
Pennsylvania’s new Office of Outdoor Recreation is the state’s single largest investment in parks and forests in decades to the tune of $112 million in the FY23-24 budget. The office is the 20th State Office of Outdoor Recreation (OREC) created across the United States. Outdoor recreation generates $13.6 billion for the Commonwealth’s economy, is 1.6% …
Events
Great Lakes marine workshop registration now open
September 6, 2023
Registration is now open for the Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) Great Lakes Regional Workshop taking place Nov. 17–18, 2023, at Chicago Marine Canvas in Chicago, Ill. This event offers exclusive educational opportunities as well as hands-on training in a shop setting. Education topics include shop safety, patterning, preparing a digital pattern for a bimini top …
Sponsored Content
“How to Choose the Right Marine Fabric” Whitepaper & Webinar presented by Sunbrella
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Supplier Spotlights 2023
Events
Advanced Textiles Expo 2023 registration opens
May 10, 2023
Registration is now open for Advanced Textiles Expo 2023 (formerly IFAI Expo.) This year’s show takes place Nov. 1–3, 2023, with education from happening from Oct. 31–Nov. 3, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. This event brings together more than 4,000 decisions makers in the advanced textiles, specialty fabrics and shade and …
Events
Call for speakers for ATA Expo 2023
February 3, 2023
The call for presentations is open for Advanced Textiles Expo 2023. Interested speakers can share their expertise, cultivate valuable new connections and give helpful advice to their markets by presenting at Advanced Textiles Expo Oct. 31–Nov. 3, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. Advanced Textiles Expo, formerly known as IFAI Expo, has been regarded as the premier …
Awards
2022 IFAI Expo Show Stopper winners list includes marine entry
October 24, 2022
Bainbridge International’s Nauti Carbon Pole™ won a 2022 IFAI Expo Show Stopper Award in the Hardware, Findings and Accessories category. The new telescoping pole is made from black carbon fiber and is an excellent solution for lightweight shade supports. The pole can be used for marine awnings, shade sails, bow shades, etc. Its simplistic design …
Expo News
Flexibility is key to navigating changing marine market
October 17, 2022
When Rick Berkey’s marine shop was closed for three months due to COVID-19 restrictions, “it became clear we couldn’t rely on marine work alone to sustain us and our employees during the ebbs and flows of market changes,” he says. Berkey is the owner of Rick’s Custom Marine Canvas and Sail Repair, based in Cornelius, …
Events
ATA hosts webinar on IFAI Expo 2022
August 15, 2022
The Advanced Textiles Association (ATA, formerly IFAI) is hosting the webinar “IFAI Expo 2022 Overview” to present the latest information on IFAI Expo 2022 being held in Charlotte, N.C., October 12-14, 2022. The webinar will take place on August 17, 2022, 1:00–2:00 EDT, and will include information about: •Schedule of events and education •Show floor …
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 …
Sponsored Content
“How to Choose the Right Marine Fabric” Whitepaper & Webinar presented by Sunbrella
Sponsored Content
Supplier Spotlights 2023
Features
Safety practices at the marina and in the shop
August 31, 2023
It was late in the day, rain was threatening, and Edward Skrzynski needed to cover a boat that was on an elevator lift before the storm hit. All the available workers were out, so telling no one he was leaving, he headed out to handle the task alone. Just as he arrived, it started drizzling. …
Features
Ten business lessons in 10 years for Southern Stitch
August 31, 2023
There’s a saying that chance favors the prepared. Sometimes that preparation can take some surprising forms. Just ask Steven Wayne, founder and operator at Southern Stitch Canvas & Upholstery LLC in Gulfport, Miss. When he was growing up, Wayne was much more interested in car audio systems than upholstery. When he landed a sales job …
Features
Upholstery advice from veteran marine fabricators
August 31, 2023
As anybody who’s tried it knows, marine upholstery is not for the faint of heart. Doing it well requires serious skill, creativity and experience. Marine Fabricator asked four sewing pros with more than a century of combined experience in the canvas and marine industry for their best tips and techniques for well-designed, well-constructed and high-performing …
Features
Members only content
Managing tools in the shop and on the go
July 1, 2023
When Krisha Plauché, owner of Onboard Interiors & Hood Canvas, purchased the latter company in March 2023, some redesigning of her shop was required to accommodate the extra 1,000 square feet and expanded tool inventory that came with the Hood Canvas acquisition. Headquartered in Marblehead, Mass., the full-service design firm specializes in providing marine interiors …
Features
Members only content
Fabricator focus: Kyle Van Damme
July 1, 2023
When he’s not patterning and installing boat covers or managing sales and customer relations, sports enthusiast Kyle Van Damme, MFC, spends his free time boating, coaching track and field, and cheering for the Minnesota Vikings. Basketball, however, is his sport of choice for analogies about growing up—and growing a business—in the marine fabrication industry. Likening …
Features
Members only content
Keeping it together with adhesives and fasteners
July 1, 2023
For many boat clients, life on board is about the sun glinting off a shiny hull, comfortable upholstery, glistening chrome and a sexy vessel speeding through the sparkling water. But for marine fabricators, it’s about keeping these boats in the water and looking good season after season. It’s about the nuts and bolts, or—more specifically—the …
Features
2023 Premier Product Showcase
May 1, 2023
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 & Findings. You can see the 2023 Premier …
Features
Members only content
Choosing the right window materials
May 1, 2023
Selecting boat windows for customers might be the hardest thing a fabricator can do—or the easiest. Most customers have two primary concerns: cost and longevity. Make them something that’ll last and that doesn’t break the bank, and they’ll be happy. Easy, right? Not necessarily, because achieving that involves finding the right balance of clarity, scratch …
Features
Members only content
Pricing, costing and estimating
May 1, 2023
Expertise plays an important role in a successful marine business. However, a fabricator might be highly skilled, with lines of customers and a backlog of projects, and that’s still no assurance the business will remain viable in the long run. If pricing is at odds with costs, the effect on the bottom line could be …
Features
2023 MFA Fabrication Excellence Awards
March 1, 2023
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 …
Sponsored Content
“How to Choose the Right Marine Fabric” Whitepaper & Webinar presented by Sunbrella
Sponsored Content
Supplier Spotlights 2023
Industry News
Newport International Boat Show kicked off 2023 season
September 20, 2023
The 52nd Newport International Boat Show took place September 14-17, 2023, at the Newport Yachting Center in downtown Newport, Rhode Island. One of the largest in-water events in the country, its expanded footprint encompassed more than 15 acres on both land and water and hosted hundreds of exhibitors, dealers and manufacturers, with new powerboats and …
Industry News
Registration now open for 2024 ABYC Standards Week
September 19, 2023
The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC), the nonprofit organization that develops safety standards for the design, construction, maintenance, and repair of boats has opened registration for Standards Week, Jan. 7-11, 2024, in Annapolis, Md. The ABYC’s annual meeting is slated for the evening of Jan. 8, marking the organization’s 70th anniversary. Standards Week is …
Industry News
BoatUS Foundation receives $10M NOAA grant for debris removal program
September 14, 2023
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded a four-year, $10 million grant from its Marine Debris Removal Program to the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water, which aims to rid the nation’s shores of abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs), and remove the associated pollution, navigation and safety hazards that can harm …
Industry News
Registration now open for ABYC, USCG risk mitigation webinar
September 13, 2023
Registration is now open for the next U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) free online USCG/ABYC Risk Mitigation Series. Taking place Nov. 1, 2023, from 2-4 p.m. EST, the topic will be Navigating Compliance in the Age of Evolving Technology. ABYC and USCG experts will explore the future of USCG …
Industry News
Newell donates thousands of life jackets to the Sea Tow Foundation
September 8, 2023
Newell Brands, a leading global consumer goods company, answered a call from the Sea Tow Foundation, a nonprofit focused on boating safety, by donating more than 10,000 Stearns and Coleman branded life jackets and floating cushions, which will help keep people safe across the country. The Sea Tow Foundation’s Life Jacket Loaner Program is the …
Industry News
Pennsylvania establishes new outdoor recreation office
September 7, 2023
Pennsylvania’s new Office of Outdoor Recreation is the state’s single largest investment in parks and forests in decades to the tune of $112 million in the FY23-24 budget. The office is the 20th State Office of Outdoor Recreation (OREC) created across the United States. Outdoor recreation generates $13.6 billion for the Commonwealth’s economy, is 1.6% …
Industry News
Application deadline nears for 2023 National Boating Safety Awards
August 30, 2023
The entry deadline for the 2023 National Boating Safety Awards is Friday, Sep. 1, 2023. Sponsored by the Sea Tow Foundation, a boating safety non-profit, the awards recognize efforts to promote boating safety within the for-profit sector of the boating industry. This year, the Sea Tow Foundation has announced two new award categories. The full …
Industry News
IBEX announces 2023 education schedule
August 29, 2023
The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), North America’s largest trade event for marine industry professionals, announced the schedule of technical education included in the IBEX Education Conference to be held during the show, October 3-5, 2023, at the Tampa Convention Center. The IBEX Education Conference includes a technical Seminar Series that offers training and …
Industry News
NMMA moves headquarters to Washington, D.C.
August 28, 2023
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), a trade association representing the North American recreational boating industry and 1,300 member companies, has relocated its headquarters to Washington D.C. as the association continues to expand its advocacy work. The NMMA’s previous headquarters were in Chicago, Ill, which will continue to serve as a strategic hub for key …
Industry News
MARAD designates two new marine highway routes
August 24, 2023
The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) has designated two new Marine Highway Routes, as part of the U.S. Marine Highway Program (MHP). The newly designated M-11 and the M-79 routes will help speed up the movement of goods, strengthen supply chains and support local economies in Alaska, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. These designations allow any eligible …
Sponsored Content
“How to Choose the Right Marine Fabric” Whitepaper & Webinar presented by Sunbrella
Sponsored Content
Supplier Spotlights 2023
Products
Waterproof stitched seams
August 31, 2023
Whether fabric is stretched from wind or body movement, seams bear the brunt of the stress. Needle holes enlarge and sewn material pulls away to leave paths for water to seep through. Seam Sealer coats these areas with an invisible non-silicone waterproof barrier that doesn’t change the fabric’s feel, flexibility or color. Works equally well …
Products
Seamstick taper tool
August 31, 2023
Invented to make taping zippers easier, the Seamstick Taper is designed to apply seamstick tape to one side of a zipper, webbing or facing. The tape block on top is interchangeable to accommodate whatever the fabricator is taping. With the removal of a single bolt, the tape block is easily changed to other block types. …
Products
Spring-loaded hole punch set
August 31, 2023
Stimpson’s new spring-loaded hole punch set allows fabricators to single-source everything needed to set grommets and washers confidently, accurately and securely. The industrial-grade hole punch is made from high-quality W1 steel. It features a hardened guide pin for precise hole placement every time and a hardened cutting edge for superior cutting performance. For enhanced safety, …
Products
Stronger boat cover fabrics
August 31, 2023
AquaTop fabrics are built for strength and durability in extreme marine conditions. AquaTop Air is a 7.5- ounce solution-dyed fabric that is up to 1.5 times stronger and built for extreme UV resistance in sunbaked climates. AquaTop is an 8.75-ounce coated fabric that is up to 1.7 times stronger for added strength, puncture and water …
Products
Versatile engineered fastener
August 31, 2023
C.S. Osborne’s LOXX® self-locking, quick-release two-part engineered fasteners are strong and versatile. Once the male lower and female upper parts are locked, the only way to release the fastener is to pull up on the upper cap where there is an internal tension spring to control the action when locking and releasing. Available in high-grade …
Products
Hardworking upholstery fabrics
August 31, 2023
Three hardworking and luxurious textiles from Designtex tackle everyday demands with style by combining high performance and elegance. Piezo is a digitally printed velvet jacquard that comes in seven striking colorways. Mackintosh is a worsted fabric suited for panel upholstery with a silicone topcoat that is designed to repel water and resist stains. It is …
Products
Lowering the temperature
July 1, 2023
Breeze Permacool® technology reduces the temperature of upholstery by up to 26 degrees when compared to regular vinyl-coated fabrics. The heat from the sun can cause dark surfaces to reach high temperatures, especially on very sunny days. In addition, due to the decrease in heat absorption, there is less stress on the upholstery, which affords …
Products
Breathable outdoor protection
July 1, 2023
TRIO is a soft knit headliner and protector that works well for furniture, boat and car covers. It has a durable topcoat of 100% solution-dyed acrylic, a middle construction of microporous breathable waterproof membrane, and a bottom layer of soft knit tricot headliner fabric that won’t scratch or damage the covered surface it’s protecting. The …
Products
Subrella stock collection
July 1, 2023
Sunbrella’s Upholstery Stock Collection features nearly 300 fabrics. New additions to the collection embrace trends in warmer neutrals. Ikat-inspired pattern Dream elevates any space with its embroidered-like stitch effect. Peaceful pattern Lively adds a soft botanical motif to the collection, and texture-forward pattern Mainstreet, which features Sunbrella bouclé yarn in a luxurious basketweave, provides depth …
Products
Interior and exterior seating
July 1, 2023
The Under the Blue Sky collection consists of four Inside Out® upholstery patterns that elevate exterior and interior seating experiences. Gentle enough to use for a pillow yet durable enough to be used as a seat cushion exposed to the elements. With 1,200 hours of lightfastness, the collection is woven using high-UV solution-dyed olefin and …
Sponsored Content
“How to Choose the Right Marine Fabric” Whitepaper & Webinar presented by Sunbrella
Sponsored Content
Supplier Spotlights 2023
Exterior and Cover
Sailor-friendly sailboat dodger designs
August 31, 2023
I have been a sailor longer than I have been a marine fabricator. In fact, being a sailor is how I got into this business. I often hear from fellow fabricators that the client is not always right, but when it comes to dodger design, it is important to listen to the client’s desires. A dodger …
Interiors & Upholstery
Boat interior upholstery techniques
August 31, 2023
You’ve undoubtedly heard someone say, “Just let the next guys worry about it,” which usually means the product they’re sending out will be nearly impossible for the “next guys” to work on or repair. Boatman Marine Canvas works on all sorts of lake boats that are 38 feet and smaller. Time after time we find …
Exterior and Cover
Bimini top fitting basics
July 1, 2023
When I was asked to write about making a bimini top in 1,000 words or less, I knew this would be a challenge, considering that I probably speak 1,000 words during each step of the process when I am teaching this in our workshops. So, I will provide an outline of steps with some tips …
Interiors & Upholstery
Growing your small shop
July 1, 2023
Every shop is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for growing your business. Yet you can facilitate positive change at any stage by following some basic principles and taking some simple steps. There are lots of impressive tools and programs available to help your business grow, but maybe your shop isn’t ready for a …
Exterior and Cover
Center Console Enclosures
May 1, 2023
Center console boats are a popular style of boat in my area, Yorktown, Va., along with sportfish, cruisers, trawlers and sailboats. In my opinion, center console enclosures are some of the most complicated enclosures to design. This style of boat usually has many challenges to overcome in order to get the job done cleanly and …
Interiors & Upholstery
Choosing the right fabrics
May 1, 2023
There are many suppliers of fabrics in the marine industry. Upon researching just one of our suppliers, I discovered more than 4,000 fabrics, spanning 11 application categories, and each fabric was uniquely created for both the marine and other crossover industries. To cover even a portion of them would require a volume of publications. For …
Exterior and Cover
Elegant rigid solar panel installation made easy
March 1, 2023
An increasing number of jobs at Gemini Marine Canvas & Marine Products (GMP) in Rockland, Maine, begin with clients bringing in rigid solar panels. Rigid panels remain a firm favorite among boaters looking to augment their onboard electricity supply due to their higher efficiency, longer life span, greater durability and lower cost than their flexible …
Interiors & Upholstery
The wonderful (confusing) world of foam
March 1, 2023
The marine industry needs foam, and a lot of it, as do a hundred other industries that provide comfort and support. From exercise equipment to airplanes, cars and furniture in our homes, there is foam available for nearly every use. Jumping into the world of foam has been a wondrous adventure, yet a bit overwhelming …
Awards
Inspiration
January 1, 2023
The clients wanted to make adjustments and add to their current stainless steel dodger and bimini frames to create a more functional cockpit area for cruising. They asked that strong, high-quality materials be used so the final result would be suitable for offshore cruising. A significant challenge was using, adjusting and adding to the existing …
Exterior and Cover
Horizontal and cantilever frames
January 1, 2023
Following the typical 10-to-20-year delay that “new ideas” seem to take to catch on in the canvas industry, the popularity and demand for horizontal frame systems and cantilever support systems has finally arrived everywhere. Sea Ray actually offered a horizontal aft frame option in 1999 on its newly released 460 Sundancer. Some brave canvas shops …
