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Supplier Spotlights 2021
Events
IBEX 2021 schedule of events
September 27, 2021
The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) runs through Thursday, September 30 in Tampa, Fla. The show includes a number of networking and special events for industry professionals to connect during its 30th anniversary celebration. The IBEX daily schedule can be found at www.ibexshow.com/schedule-at-a-glance/. Special events can be found at www.ibexshow.com/special-events-demos/.
Events
Registration opens for ABYC/USCG risk mitigation conference
September 24, 2021
Registration is now open for the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) Risk Mitigation: Series 1—Regulations and Electrification to be held virtually on Tuesday, November 9, 2021. The first in a new series of free one-day events dedicated to mitigating the risk in designing and building recreational boats, this …
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 …
Company News
TVF launches online resource center
September 21, 2021
TVF Inc. has launched its TVF Resource Center, a source for accurate information and education for all things fabric. The resource center, found at resourcecenter.tvfinc.com, contains fabric knowledge, textile tips, instructional guides and other helpful content designed to educate and inspire. “The textile industry is complicated and ever-evolving. There is a lot of content out …
Events
MFA virtual event will explore marine fabrication around the world
September 20, 2021
Registration is now open for the Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) two-hour online event “Marine Fabrication Around the World” taking place Dec. 2, 2021, from 3-5 p.m. EDT. Attendees and suppliers will gather for a look into how fabrication methods vary in different locales. Topics will include a discussion of fabrication techniques with fabricators in Australia, …
News
Deadline Extended for Steve Lukos Memorial Education Scholarship
September 16, 2021
The Steve Lukos Memorial Education Scholarship, to honor the career of Steve Lukos in the industrial textiles industry, has been extended to Monday, October 4. Steve Lukos was known as a hardworking, intelligent—a bit on the stubborn side—and innovator that refused to settle for anything less than perfection. He is noted as giving generously to …
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 …
News
IFAI launches first podcast
September 14, 2021
IFAI Talking Textiles The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) recently launched IFAI Talking Textiles, a podcast hosted by the IFAI Canada and the Advanced Textiles Products divisions. One episode will be available each month featuring interviews with members in the Canadian and advanced textile markets. “The Canada division wanted to offer content specific to …
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Presented By: Sunbrella
Expanding Production of Sunbrella® Fabrics
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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 …
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Presented By: Sunbrella
Expanding Production of Sunbrella® Fabrics
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Supplier Spotlights 2021
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 & …
Feature
Does co-entrepreneurship lead to more divorce?
April 1, 2021
By Michelle Miron Are divorce rates higher among couples that co-own a business? Consider the 24/7 togetherness, the disagreements over business decisions, the juggling of work and family, and the worries over the bottom line. How could that not translate into marital strife? Chandler and Charlene Clark, co-owners of Signature CanvasMakers in Hampton, Va., say …
Sponsored Content
Presented By: Sunbrella
Expanding Production of Sunbrella® Fabrics
Sponsored Content
Supplier Spotlights 2021
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 …
Industry News
Marine Mat now ISO 9001:2015 certified
September 2, 2021
Marine Mat, which manufactures EVA traction mats to the marine industry, officially became ISO 9001:2015 certified on July 29th, 2021. This certification is the international standard that specifies requirements for quality management systems, says Robby Wellden, general manager. “The ISO 9001 certification enhances Marine Mat’s standing in the industry. We have consistently met high-quality standards …
Industry News
Patrick Industries acquires Tumacs Covers
August 31, 2021
Patrick Industries, the Elkhart, Ind.-based supplier and manufacturer of marine and RV accessories and components, has completed its acquisition of Tumacs Covers, according to the Trade Only Today website. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Penn., with manufacturing plants in Indiana and Pennsylvania and a distribution center in Michigan, Tumacs serves the marine industry as a supplier of …
Industry News
Sea Tow Foundation launches new life jacket loaner stations
August 25, 2021
The Sea Tow Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to the education and awareness of safe boating practices, will work with 154 organizations and agencies to establish new Life Jacket Loaner Stations and restock existing stations for the 2021 summer boating season, according to the boatingindustry.com website. With more than 750 Life Jacket Loaner Stations already …
Industry News
ABYC and USCG launch online risk mitigation series
August 24, 2021
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) and American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) are launching a new series of one-day events dedicated to mitigating the risk in designing and building recreational boats. The first event, USCG Risk Mitigation: Series 1—Regulations and Electrification, will be held virtually on November 9 and will focus on the transition …
Sponsored Content
Presented By: Sunbrella
Expanding Production of Sunbrella® Fabrics
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. …
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Presented By: Sunbrella
Expanding Production of Sunbrella® Fabrics
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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 …
