Canvas Designers Inc., Riviera Beach, Fla. This project, which won an Award of Excellence in the unique and different category of the 2008 MFA Awards, was coordinated by the boat builder and the canvas shop. It consisted of a traditional aft frame, but with moveable frames so the captain could pull on a cord and [...]

Cape Canvas & Rigging, West Yarmouth, Mass. In November 2006, Alex Bell of Mariner Canvas Co., New Bern, N.C., a beloved member of MFA, passed away unexpectedly. The MFA board of directors voted to rename the New Member Award in his memory. This project, which won the Alex Bell New Member Award in the 2008 [...]

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ruled that employers are required to pay for almost all personal protective equipment (PPE) required by OSHA’s general industry, construction and maritime standards. The employer is expected to make sure the employees’ PPE meets OSHA standards. All employers must change their existing PPE payment policies by May 14, [...]

The biggest—and arguably the best—­MFA National Convention went down in “Margaritaville,” with more people, more products and more educational opportunities. The theme for the 2008 Marine Fabricators Association National Convention, Jan. 13-15,­ was “Margaritaville,” a term made popular by the Jimmy Buffet song of the same name. The Marriott Hutchinson Island Resort in Stuart, Fla., [...]

Compiled by Juli Case Question: I’m looking for an edge trim company called Trinlok. Where are they located? Answer: We couldn’t find Trinlok, although we did find a German manufacturer of digital radio equipment named Trinloc GmbH, and a European manufacturer of laminate flooring named Trinloc. We think you might be referring to Trim-Lok Inc., [...]

Compiled by Juli Case Question: What is a canton flannel? Answer: A canton flannel is a woven fabric, typically made of cotton. It’s a heavy-twill woven fabric that has a plush nap on one side. It’s used in applications where the nap offers protection, such as in an interior cover for keeping a boat from [...]

Compiled by Juli Case Question: We’re working on a boat upholstery job and we need some sort of button form that we can cover with leather. The form can be plastic or another non-rusting material, size 20, 22 or 30. Do you know where I can find something like that? Answer: You’re probably referring to [...]

Fair Labor Standards Act and high-level benefits requirements. By Kay Robinson This is the second in a series of articles about human resources basics. In this issue, Kay Robinson, SPHR, Director of Human Resources Consulting Services with RSM McGladrey, discusses the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and some high-level benefits requirements.This article should not be [...]

Sail magazine recognized the Island Packet 465 as one of its “Best Boats for 2008.” Island Packet also received the Editor’s Choice Award for Excellence in Accommodation Design. Judges noted that the IP465 had superior head room, a comfortable navigation station and excellent joinery. This is the second year Island Packet has been recognized with [...]

Jeffrey W. Kirk, president of The Astrup Co. and chief operations officer of the distribution division of Glen Raven, retired in February. Kirk served 32 years with The Astrup Co. First hired as an account representative in 1975, he worked his way up and was named president and secretary in 1999. Kirk, Industrial Fabrics Manager, [...]