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Not-so-common applications for window material
January 1st, 1970
By Kelly Frush Many fabricators agree that soft vinyl is better for use on smaller boats and rigid windows are better for use on larger ones. Some fabricators, however, are finding jobs for clear window products in some not-so-common applications. Here are some options: Cafe screens and blinds Roll-up windows for outdoor dining Golf carts […]
Q&A with Jeri Perillo, president of Custom Canvas of Charleston
January 1st, 1970
Interview by Sigrid Tornquist What is a piece of advice you’ve received from other business owners that has helped you run your business? After talking about a customer of ours at a Virginia Carolinas Canvas Products Association, Zone 4 meeting, a couple of other fabricators took us aside and said: "You need to learn when […]
Subcontracting benefits businesses
January 1st, 1970
By Janet Preus It’s not so complicated: there are certain things your company does very well, and there are other things that could be done more expediently by someone else. It could be a matter of expertise, time available, or any number of factors influencing workflow. The bottom line is that contracting arrangements are a […]
Profiting from strategic alliances
January 1st, 1970
By Jamie Swedberg A great many companies in the specialty fabrics industry are small businesses. Two people, 10 people, 50 people—they can only do so much in a day. Crosslink, a materials development company based in St. Louis, Mo., is one such small business, with fewer than 30 employees spread across three locations. “What we’re […]
Help customers get the most from their boat
January 1st, 1970
Marine fabricators suggest ways to give the customer what they want. By Holly O’Dell Ask, don’t tell. “I ask customers what they would like to have on their boat rather then immediately tell them what I think they should have,” says Keith Purves of Riverside Covers. He starts the process by asking how they use […]
NRC study addresses impact of sea-level rise
January 1st, 1970
A recent National Research Council (NRC) study, titled Sea-Level Rise for the Coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington: Past, Present, and Future, will be used to ensure that California is safeguarding its citizens, strengthening its economy, and minimizing impacts to natural resources by investing in climate-ready development and infrastructure. This review sets a standard for […]
Awning Composer marine application
January 1st, 1970
By Mary Jo Morris Imagine sitting with a prospective customer and being able to demonstrate to them, in full color, what their boat’s interior and upholstery would look like after you’ve revamped it—and do it without ever touching a swatch of fabric. Tri Vantage’s Awning Composer is a digital tool available to the awning industry. […]
Recession effects on boating
January 1st, 1970
By Mary Jo Morris After several years of recession, fabricators across the country are seeing evidence that the worst is over. “I think boat owners are opting to have things recovered and fixed as opposed to buying new,” says Cindy Boersema, owner of The Nautical Needle in Holland, Mich. “They’ve waited the past few years […]
Recreational vessel repair exclusion
January 1st, 1970
By Maura Keller For over 25 years, Congress has exempted the vast majority of the recreational marine industry from the coverage of the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation program when those workers were already covered under a state’s workmans’ compensation program. “The reason for this exemption was Congressional recognition that the risks associated with recreational […]
Working with suppliers
January 1st, 1970
By Maura Keller The fabricator/supplier relationship plays an important role in a shop’s inventory management and storage procedures. The following are some tips from fabricators for working with suppliers to get the right products when you need them. Fabricators should explain to suppliers what you need and why if they’re not stocking what you need. […]