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Supplier Spotlights 2023
Company News
Glen Raven phases out PFAS chemicals
March 28, 2023
Glen Raven Inc. announced it has begun to phase out PFAS chemicals across its global fabric portfolio. The company began incorporating optimal non-PFAS solutions into production in February, and all production will be transitioned to non-PFAS by the end of 2023. In addition, all new fabric designs, including for the company’s flagship Sunbrella® brand, will …
Events
2024 Marine Fabricators Conference location chosen
March 23, 2023
The 2024 Marine Fabricators Conference will take place Jan. 25–27, 2024, at the Tradewinds Island Resorts in St. Pete Beach, Fla. The conference will feature a variety of education and networking events including hands-on technical education, classroom presentations on business topics, a welcome reception, awards dinner, and an extensive show floor. The conference is designed …
Industry News
Canada study predicts job losses and lower sales revenue due to luxury tax
March 22, 2023
The Canadian government’s proposed “luxury tax” on new recreational boats valued above $250,000 CAD went into effect September 1, 2022. This month, the Canadian Department of Finance released a study and analysis on the economic impacts of the tax, which predicts a severe drop in sales revenue and hundreds of job losses from the federal …
Company News
Onboard Interiors acquires Hood Marine Canvas
March 21, 2023
As reported by the Marblehead Current, Marblehead, Mass., Krisha Plauche’, owner of Onboard Interiors and a marine fabricator who has been in business for 20 years, will acquire Hood Marine Canvas Co. to create a one-stop shop for Marblehead boaters and sailors by combining her showroom and canvas manufacturing. “For the last 20 years, everyone …
Industry News
MRAA releases Dealer Week business podcasts
March 16, 2023
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) has released eight special-edition “The Boat Biz” podcasts. Recorded at MRAA’s Dealer Week Conference and Expo in Austin in December 2022, the podcasts feature eight guests—two MRAA Strategic Partners (Boats Group and Lightspeed) and six MRAA Education Champions (Boatline, Elite Recreational Finance, Global Marine Insurance, National Marine …
Industry News
Registration opens for the 2023 American Boating Congress
March 15, 2023
Registration for the recreational boating industry’s annual advocacy event, the American Boating Congress, is now open to all industry stakeholders. The American Boating Congress (ABC) will return to Washington, D.C., from May 8-10, 2023, bringing together all segments of the recreational boating industry to share its collective voice on Capitol Hill and address pressing matters …
Industry News
USDOT announces funding for the U.S. Marine Highway Program
March 14, 2023
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity making $12,423,000 available in Fiscal Year 2023 funds through the United States Marine Highway Program (USMHP), previously named America’s Marine Highway Program. The USMHP seeks to increase the use of America’s navigable waterways, especially where water-based transport is the most …
Industry News
California DBW begins invasive plant control program
March 9, 2023
California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) has announced its plans for this year’s Aquatic Invasive Plant Control Program in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and its southern tributaries. Starting March 1, DBW will begin herbicide treatments to control water hyacinth, South American spongeplant, Uruguay water primrose, Alligator weed, Brazilian waterweed, curlyleaf pondweed, Eurasian …
Company News
Marine Mat European factory now open for business
March 8, 2023
Marine Mat’s European factory in the centrally located country of Slovakia is now fully operational and open for business. As an introductory program, the brand, which manufactures marine decking, is offering sheets to European customers at the lowest price available regardless of the order size. Sheet pricing that is typically reserved for orders of 250+ …
Industry News
Miami International Boat Show sees strong attendance
March 7, 2023
The 2023 Discover Boating® Miami International Boat Show®’s five-day run over Presidents Day weekend drew more than 100,000 visitors from 35 countries to its six venues, with exhibitors reporting strong sales, leads and attendance, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. The show is the largest boat and yacht event in the world. With the …
Sponsored Content
Fabric 101 presented by Sunbrella
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Supplier Spotlights 2023
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 …
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 …
Sponsored Content
Fabric 101 presented by Sunbrella
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Marine Grade Fastening Solutions
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Supplier Spotlights 2023
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 …
Features
Made for the shade
March 1, 2023
Changing consumer trends, evolving boat designs, and fabric and materials advancements are giving marine fabricators ample opportunity to exercise their creative muscles. Interestingly, the pandemic’s supply shortages also forced some fabricators to juice up their innovation with excellent results. For Tov and Kelsey Renna, co-owners of MarineRennavators LLC, located in Belfast, Maine, supply chain issues …
Features
Creative control
March 1, 2023
Mike Charlton begins most weekdays with a leisurely cup of coffee on his back porch with his wife and business partner, Rachel Charlton, in Yorktown, Va. They typically leave for work by 9 a.m., where they fabricate custom marine canvas projects until 5 p.m.—at the latest. If they’re a few minutes late, no employee (or …
Features
Members only content
Pros and cons of mobile marine shops
January 1, 2023
When you’re a marine fabricator with a mobile unit, you’re often at a competitive advantage. Not only can you offer customers fast, convenient repairs and service, but you’re often able to recruit business from other boat owners who notice you at their marinas. Vendors who are fully mobile can save money on brick-and-mortar mortgages or …
Features
2023 MFA Time Standards Manual
January 1, 2023
The Time Standards Manual was developed in 1996 by the Marine Fabricators Association (MFA), a division of the Industrial Fabrics Association International, to serve as a benchmark that shop owners can use to set fabrication times, with which they can generate competitive labor costs. The manual is an ongoing project that will grow and change …
Features
Members only content
Fabricating metal frames
January 1, 2023
Fabricating frames, tubing, hardware and other items can present a quandary for marine fabricators. It’s a job that customers need, but it’s not easy work, and it can take a pretty penny to have all the necessary equipment on hand. But as is usually the case with fabricators, where there’s a will, there’s a way. …
Awards
Marine Fabrication Excellence Awards deadline approaching
October 26, 2022
The 2023 MFA Fabrication Excellence Awards deadline is Nov 1, 2022. Fabrication Excellence Award Winners receive: •A featured spot in Marine Fabricator magazine •A personalized plaque and press release •Recognition on the MFA website New this year: A new category called Transformations (Before & After) is meant for two or more jobs on one boat. …
Features
Members only content
Choosing the right needles and thread
September 1, 2022
Needles and threads are essential for keeping marine fabrication projects looking and performing their best, but their role is often taken for granted—until something goes sideways that is. When a thread or needle is wrong for the job or is of poor quality, the consequences can be aggravating—or even worse. The correct choice matters Choose …
Features
Members only content
Custom boat cover tips and techniques
September 1, 2022
Remember the old adage that the only sure things in life are death and taxes? For marine fabricators, the list might include a third one—boat covers. Tony Troxell, co-owner of Fine Line Canvas & Upholstery in Fountain, Colo., makes about 100 boat covers a year. The annual count for Ben Lange, proprietor of Wyoming Canvas …
Features
Celebrating marine fabricators age 40 and under
September 1, 2022
There is a dedicated new generation of marine fabricators who are making a difference in this industry. Marine Fabricator put the word out seeking nominations for fabricators age 40 and under who deserve recognition for their high-quality work and efforts to improve the marine fabrication industry as a whole. The nine fabricators from across the …
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Fabric 101 presented by Sunbrella
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Marine Grade Fastening Solutions
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Supplier Spotlights 2023
Industry News
Canada study predicts job losses and lower sales revenue due to luxury tax
March 22, 2023
The Canadian government’s proposed “luxury tax” on new recreational boats valued above $250,000 CAD went into effect September 1, 2022. This month, the Canadian Department of Finance released a study and analysis on the economic impacts of the tax, which predicts a severe drop in sales revenue and hundreds of job losses from the federal …
Industry News
MRAA releases Dealer Week business podcasts
March 16, 2023
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) has released eight special-edition “The Boat Biz” podcasts. Recorded at MRAA’s Dealer Week Conference and Expo in Austin in December 2022, the podcasts feature eight guests—two MRAA Strategic Partners (Boats Group and Lightspeed) and six MRAA Education Champions (Boatline, Elite Recreational Finance, Global Marine Insurance, National Marine …
Industry News
Registration opens for the 2023 American Boating Congress
March 15, 2023
Registration for the recreational boating industry’s annual advocacy event, the American Boating Congress, is now open to all industry stakeholders. The American Boating Congress (ABC) will return to Washington, D.C., from May 8-10, 2023, bringing together all segments of the recreational boating industry to share its collective voice on Capitol Hill and address pressing matters …
Industry News
USDOT announces funding for the U.S. Marine Highway Program
March 14, 2023
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity making $12,423,000 available in Fiscal Year 2023 funds through the United States Marine Highway Program (USMHP), previously named America’s Marine Highway Program. The USMHP seeks to increase the use of America’s navigable waterways, especially where water-based transport is the most …
Industry News
California DBW begins invasive plant control program
March 9, 2023
California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) has announced its plans for this year’s Aquatic Invasive Plant Control Program in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and its southern tributaries. Starting March 1, DBW will begin herbicide treatments to control water hyacinth, South American spongeplant, Uruguay water primrose, Alligator weed, Brazilian waterweed, curlyleaf pondweed, Eurasian …
Industry News
Miami International Boat Show sees strong attendance
March 7, 2023
The 2023 Discover Boating® Miami International Boat Show®’s five-day run over Presidents Day weekend drew more than 100,000 visitors from 35 countries to its six venues, with exhibitors reporting strong sales, leads and attendance, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. The show is the largest boat and yacht event in the world. With the …
Industry News
Hydrogen-powered shipping project wins multimillion pound funding
March 1, 2023
A consortium led by zero-emission vessel provider ACUA Ocean in partnership with zero-emission infrastructure provider Unitrove has won a multimillion pound UK government grant in a major push to decarbonize the maritime sector. The Hydrogen Innovation–Future Infrastructure & Vessel Evaluation and Demonstration (HI-FIVED) consortium will receive more than £3.8m ($4,573,566 USD) of funding to build …
Industry News
Florida seaports see record-high cargo in 2022
February 28, 2023
Florida’s 16 seaports experienced a new record high of 112.5 million tons of cargo received during 2022, a six% increase over 2021, as the newly released Seaport Mission Plan report from the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Council (FSTED) shows. Further, because Florida has encouraged shippers to change shipping lanes and call on the …
Industry News
Industry headwinds discussed at boat show
February 23, 2023
In a recent Soundings Trade Only article, writer Gary Reich reported that during remarks at the Miami International Boat Show, marine industry leaders discussed some of the headwinds facing the marine industry as a whole. According to Reich, Dave Chanda, president and CEO of the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF), said that after picking …
Industry News
Sustainable marine fuels in the spotlight
February 22, 2023
The advancement, innovation and availability of sustainable marine fuels was the focus of an industry event at the 2023 Miami International Boat Show® in February. Sustainable marine fuels minimize CO2 emissions from recreational boating while maintaining boats’ range and performance. They are compatible with existing recreational boats, requiring no changes to fuel systems or engines. …
Sponsored Content
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Supplier Spotlights 2023
Products
Colorfast durability
March 1, 2023
SunReal Outdoor Performance Fabrics are made using 100% solution-dyed acrylic fiber, which creates high durability. They are made with color pigments throughout the fabric instead of just on the surface, which enables the fabrics to stay true to color for a long period of time, and a colorfastness rating of 2000 hours. Bleach cleanable, fire …
Products
Rugged good looks
March 1, 2023
TVF’s SunMaster™ Plus, is a 17.1 oz., 600 denier solution-dyed polyester backed with 60mm PVC. With excellent colorfastness, waterproof backing and mold and mildew resistance, it is an excellent choice for any outdoor job that requires a rugged but rich looking fabric. It is abrasion resistant, easy to clean and works well for shade and …
Products
New Sunbrella shade offerings
March 1, 2023
The updated Sunbrella® Shade Collection includes 17 new additions designed to create calming outdoor oases by balancing soothing colors with dynamic neutrals. The new patterns include Paxton, a nuanced take on the traditional bar stripe that offers both visual and tactile texture and is available in three neutral colorways. Marco is a softer approach to …
Products
Clear vinyl cleaning kits
March 1, 2023
Continental’s Easy 1-2-3 clear vinyl cleaning kit provides care for automotive, marine and commercial clear flexible windows and enclosures. Each kit includes a non-detergent, non-abrasive true soap with a non-streaking, non-spotting formulation that rinses clear and reduces drying time. The kit also provides UV protection to enhance flexibility and an antistatic formulation to help repel …
Products
Lightweight, recyclable pattern material
March 1, 2023
Bainbridge’s Pattern X-2 is lightweight, recyclable polyurethane fabric that works great as pattern material. It is a high-density PE scrim that is coated on both sides with a low-density PE clear coating. It is extra strong and provides added resistance to tears and punctures when pulled over a frame, while translucent for use in patterning. …
Products
Tough two-sided PVC
March 1, 2023
MarineTyte® Banyan is the ultimate in yachting protection. This two-sided commercial-grade composite PVC was developed to withstand even the harshest nautical environments while providing complete protection, making it an excellent choice for cockpit enclosures, bimini tops, sprayhoods, equipment covers and more. It provides exceptional strength, cleanability and UV protection along with an industry-leading 10-year warranty. …
Products
Stay-cool vinyl
September 1, 2022
Sonar with ChromaCool™ vinyl is a marine-grade material designed to stay cool even after prolonged sun exposure. Designed to reflect sunlight and block UV rays, it keeps coated fabrics 30 degrees cooler than standard black vinyl. For use in marine, outdoor and stadium seating, golf carts and many other applications. rexpeggfabrics.com
Products
Upholstery cleaner for synthetic leathers
September 1, 2022
Bling Sauce has added Mild Soap Sauce to its upholstery cleaning collection. Specially formulated to clean cool touch vinyl and synthetic leathers, the cleaner has been approved by leading OEM vinyl and upholstery manufacturers for specialty fabrics prohibiting the use of anything other than the use of mild soap. The cleaner repels mold, mildew and …
Products
Coated fabric line adds new colors
September 1, 2022
Trivantage’s Hydrofend®, an exclusive solution-dyed polyester with a proprietary high-performance back coating, is now available in mahogany brown and hunter green colorways. The new additions were created based on customer feedback and will be offered with matching binding. The fabric is designed to balance high water resistance with breathability. Its multipurpose applications include boat covers, …
Products
New shade fabrics collection
September 1, 2022
The Sunbrella® Emerge Collection is a versatile and vibrant collection that highlights a host of new yarns from calming blues to muted earth tones that pairs classic colors with modern hues. With 11 patterns and 35 colors, the collection is suitable for a variety of indoor and outdoor upholstery applications, from sofa covers to patio …
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Fabric 101 presented by Sunbrella
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Supplier Spotlights 2023
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 …
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
Thinking outside the box
September 1, 2022
Thinking outside the box by Russ Griffin Our company, Northcoast Marine Specialties LLC, has had two decades of great success due to our unfamiliarity with the outdated and unimaginative techniques many canvas shops fall into the habit of re-creating endlessly. Many people entering this trade have a vision of creativity. Often, however, the day-to-day operations …
Interiors & Upholstery
Tools and tips for better cushions
September 1, 2022
At Custom Marine Canvas, we are always looking for ways to improve our work. After 38 years, we’re still finding new ways to do things. In this article, we share some of our favorite tools and tips for improving your cushions. Zipper jig Nothing is worse than making a pile of cushions and spending a …
Interiors & Upholstery
Adjusting to a bigger shop
July 1, 2022
In 2019, I moved Chicago Marine Canvas into a new 2,500-square-foot space, and by the summer of 2021, customer projects were piling up on top of one another. An additional sewing table had been made under a low storage loft, we were constantly moving projects in the middle of production to complete everyday tasks, and …
Exterior and Cover
Award-winning travel covers
July 1, 2022
Fabricating travel covers presents a unique set of challenges for the marine fabricator. The cover needs to withstand highway traveling speeds, crosswinds and road debris without rubbing or otherwise damaging the boat. The correct fabric choice, close tailoring and proper reinforcing all play a part in preventing unnecessary wear to the cover and damage to …
Interiors & Upholstery
Ultimate cushion design
May 1, 2022
At Interiors by Dawn, the ultimate cushion design—which provides increased drainage and airflow, reduced mold and mildew growth and longevity—is always evolving. This is not for every customer or project; we tailor and customize our cushions to fit each individual project. However, we make sure to discuss these options with customers so they understand what’s …
