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BoatUS/NWSA seek nominations for Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award
November 30, 2023
The National Women’s Sailing Association (NWSA) and Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) are seeking nominations for the 2024 BoatUS/NWSA Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award. Since 1999, the national award has sought to recognize an individual with a record of achievement in inspiring, educating and enriching the lives of women through sailing. Past …
Industry News
METSTRADE reports record attendance for 2023
November 29, 2023
METSTRADE 2023 wrapped at RAI Amsterdam on Nov. 17 with record attendance across the three-day show. The show presented 1,540 exhibitors, 240 of them new to the show, from 53 countries across 11 halls at RAI Amsterdam. Busy stands, features and corridors hosted 28,900 visits from 18,630 unique visitors spanning 130 nationalities. The METSTRADE show …
ATA Events
ATA Women in Textiles Summit speakers announced
November 28, 2023
The speaker and activities schedule for the Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) Women in Textiles Summit taking place Feb. 12–14, 2024, in Phoenix, Ariz., is August 3, 2023, has been announced. The event is an opportunity to share expertise and empower others by engaging with industry members who are passionate and engaged in their career, education, …
Industry News
BEA 2022 data show outdoor recreation remains strong economic driver
November 22, 2023
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) recently released economic data from the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account for the year 2022. The data show that in 2022, outdoor recreation contributed more than $1 trillion to the U.S. economy, with boating and fishing remaining a top contributor to the outdoor economy. Outdoor recreation …
Industry News
2024 Discover Boating Boat & Sport Shows schedule announced
November 21, 2023
Discover Boating boat shows, in partnership with Progressive Insurance®, will take place in 10 markets throughout the country, including New York, Atlanta, Chicago, and Miami with a focus on attracting both current boaters and next-gen customers through floorplan expansions, enhancements to the Discover Boating boat show experience and Boat Finder upgrades that allow customers to …
Industry News
2022 Canadian boating retail markets report now available
November 20, 2023
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) 2022 Canadian Boating Statistical Abstract’s retail markets report is now available for member download. After two years of strong sales, new boat unit sales fell nearly 12% in 2022, returning to pre-pandemic levels. For more information, visit nmma.org.
Industry News
DOT announces more than $653 million in grants for U.S. ports
November 16, 2023
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently announced a new round of grants going to 41 ports across the United States from President Biden’s infrastructure package. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes nearly $17 billion for port infrastructure. The Biden administration is investing more than $653 million to fund port projects with the goal …
Industry News
ABYC releases 2024 certification class calendar
November 15, 2023
The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), which provides technical information for the global marine industry, has unveiled its 2024 class calendar for ABYC certification courses. The 2024 offerings include marine electrical, marine systems, marine standards and marine corrosion. Crafted to provide in-depth understanding and practical skills, these courses ensure that marine professionals adhere to …
ATA Events
NECPA 2024 Conference and Expo registration now open
November 14, 2023
Registration is now open for the North East Canvas Products Association (NECPA) 2024 Conference and Expo being held January 18-20 at the Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick in Warwick, R.I. The annual event provides a peek into the latest and greatest products and services for the awning and marine canvas industry. Fabricators have an opportunity to meet …
ATA news
New online sourcing directory
November 13, 2023
Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) announces VISTA by ATA, a new online sourcing directory platform specifically designed to provide information on sourcing products, services and suppliers in the textile industry year-round. “Sourcing is an important benefit for our membership and VISTA allows for an easy and effective way to connect suppliers to buyers and so much …
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ATA Events
Registration opens for Advanced Textiles Expo preview 2023 webinar
September 26, 2023
A free Advanced Textiles Expo Preview webinar is being offered October 4, 2023, from 1–2 pm EDT, that will give a show overview, address concerns and answer questions about the upcoming Advanced Textiles Expo being held Nov. 1-3, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. For more than a century, Advanced Textiles Expo has been the textile industry’s …
ATA 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 …
ATA 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 …
ATA news
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 …
ATA Events
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, …
ATA 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 …
ATA 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 …
ATA 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 …
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Supplier Spotlights 2024
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
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 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
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 …
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Supplier Spotlights 2024
Industry News
BoatUS/NWSA seek nominations for Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award
November 30, 2023
The National Women’s Sailing Association (NWSA) and Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) are seeking nominations for the 2024 BoatUS/NWSA Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award. Since 1999, the national award has sought to recognize an individual with a record of achievement in inspiring, educating and enriching the lives of women through sailing. Past …
Industry News
METSTRADE reports record attendance for 2023
November 29, 2023
METSTRADE 2023 wrapped at RAI Amsterdam on Nov. 17 with record attendance across the three-day show. The show presented 1,540 exhibitors, 240 of them new to the show, from 53 countries across 11 halls at RAI Amsterdam. Busy stands, features and corridors hosted 28,900 visits from 18,630 unique visitors spanning 130 nationalities. The METSTRADE show …
Industry News
BEA 2022 data show outdoor recreation remains strong economic driver
November 22, 2023
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) recently released economic data from the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account for the year 2022. The data show that in 2022, outdoor recreation contributed more than $1 trillion to the U.S. economy, with boating and fishing remaining a top contributor to the outdoor economy. Outdoor recreation …
Industry News
2024 Discover Boating Boat & Sport Shows schedule announced
November 21, 2023
Discover Boating boat shows, in partnership with Progressive Insurance®, will take place in 10 markets throughout the country, including New York, Atlanta, Chicago, and Miami with a focus on attracting both current boaters and next-gen customers through floorplan expansions, enhancements to the Discover Boating boat show experience and Boat Finder upgrades that allow customers to …
Industry News
2022 Canadian boating retail markets report now available
November 20, 2023
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) 2022 Canadian Boating Statistical Abstract’s retail markets report is now available for member download. After two years of strong sales, new boat unit sales fell nearly 12% in 2022, returning to pre-pandemic levels. For more information, visit nmma.org.
Industry News
DOT announces more than $653 million in grants for U.S. ports
November 16, 2023
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently announced a new round of grants going to 41 ports across the United States from President Biden’s infrastructure package. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes nearly $17 billion for port infrastructure. The Biden administration is investing more than $653 million to fund port projects with the goal …
Industry News
ABYC releases 2024 certification class calendar
November 15, 2023
The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), which provides technical information for the global marine industry, has unveiled its 2024 class calendar for ABYC certification courses. The 2024 offerings include marine electrical, marine systems, marine standards and marine corrosion. Crafted to provide in-depth understanding and practical skills, these courses ensure that marine professionals adhere to …
Industry News
2022 U.S. recreational boat and marine engine exports and imports report available
November 9, 2023
The Recreational Boat and Marine Engine Exports and Imports section of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) 2022 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract is now available. This report examines historical and recent trade data on different categories of recreational boats and marine engines imported to and exported from the U.S. each year. The trade dynamics …
Industry News
2022 U.S. sailboat sales trends report available
November 2, 2023
The latest Sailboat Sales Trends report, part of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) 2022 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, is now available. Sailboat production in North America grew an estimated 3% in 2022, reaching 2,710 units. The U.S. remained a net importer of sailboats with both imports and exports rising over the course of …
Industry News
2022 U.S. pre-owned boat sales trends report available
November 1, 2023
The latest sales trends report for the pre-owned boat market, part of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) 2022 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, is now available for download. Pre-owned boat sales returned to pre-pandemic levels, down nearly 13% to just below one million units in 2022 following two years of growth. The market value …
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Supplier Spotlights 2024
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
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 …
Products
No-scrub boat cleaner
July 1, 2023
HullMagic is a powerful and safe instant cleaner and stain remover. It works on all fiberglass, non-skid, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, chrome and plexiglass surfaces. One application cleans stubborn stains effortlessly, economically and safely. Its unique clinging foam removes even the toughest stains safely. Its spray on/rinse off composition makes it easy to use and …
Products
Tough bias binding and thread
July 1, 2023
WeatherMAX 80 Binding is an outdoor performance bias binding developed for demanding applications and environments. Strength and durability combine with long-term color retention. Made from WeatherMAX 80 fabric for overall match in color and weave, it is available in ¾ and 1-inch widths for tops, awnings and other outdoor applications. WeatherMAX 80 Thread, an engineered …
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 …
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Supplier Spotlights 2024
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 …
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 …
Interiors & Upholstery
Tricky client design challenges
January 1, 2023
For most fabricators, long-term success doesn’t come from the easy jobs, but from the challenging projects. Using two case studies, I’ll present a few design challenges I’ve encountered in the hope that my experiences will help you work more smoothly with clients and shorten your learning curve. Case study 1: Agree on the design vision …
