Custom Marine Canvas, Noank, Conn. This project, which won an Outstanding Achievement Award in the miscellaneous marine canvas category of the 2008 MFA Awards, called for an awning to provide shade and rain protection for the main deck of the USCGC Eagle. Because the awning would be used while underway, it had to be built [...]

Beyond Canvas Inc., Point Roberts, Wash. This project, which won an Outstanding Achievement Award in the unique and different category of the 2008 MFA Awards, included a retractable bimini for the flybridge that accommodates a radar mast. The customers wanted the bimini to go aft of the radar mast. The Beyond Canvas Inc. design allows [...]

Canvas Designers Inc., Riviera Beach, Fla. This project, which won an Outstanding Achievement Award in the unique and different category of the 2008 MFA Awards, called for a custom retractable roof. The owner wanted full protection on the flybridge, but wanted to be able to retract the roof when he wanted. This was the largest [...]

Fasnap’s grommet line includes rolled rim grommets with spur washers in size #0 to #5.5. The grommets are available in brass, brass/nickel and brass/black oxide, and can be set using a variety of methods. These heavy-duty grommets are ideal for tarps, awnings, coated products, and sign and banner applications. SOURCE Fasnap

Compiled by Juli Case Question: We have been reading a lot about new mattress flammability requirements. Do they apply to boat mattresses? Answer: The main regulation in the United States for mattresses comes through the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and those regulations have become increasingly more strict in the last few years. The particular [...]

Compiled by Juli Case Question: We’re looking for a very lightweight ripstop fabric, something around 20 denier. Do you know any suppliers? Answer: By its very definition, ripstop is a lightweight fabric, with heavier yarns woven in a crosshatch pattern to help prevent ripping. It’s used in such applications as hot air balloons, kites and [...]

Compiled by Juli Case Question: We have a client specifying Bernhardt Winkraft fabric. Where do we get it? Answer: Bernhardt Design is a supplier of designer upholstery materials. Within the last couple of years they collaborated with Winkrelative to create Winkraft, a line of contemporary materials, including upholstery fabric. From what we can tell, the [...]

Policy administration, anti-harassment and best practices. By Kay Robinson This is the final article in a series about human resources basics. In this issue, Kay Robinson, SPHR, Director of Human Resources Consulting Services with RSM McGladrey, discusses policy administration, anti-harassment and best practices. This article should not be construed as legal advice. In the past [...]

Last summer we created a “virtual” three-bow bimini frame and top from measurements taken using CAD. A 3-D bimini is modeled in CAD software using measurements taken in the field. The frame is dimensioned for specs necessary to bend the tubing. The top, created by “flattening” its 3-D surfaces to a 2-D plane, is cut [...]

When it comes to fabric, the marine environment is unique. Moisture and dirt don’t like most fabrics, and those elements accelerate the growth of mildew, deteriorating fabrics further. Unfortunately, your customers don’t always choose the best fabric, and that’s where you, your suppliers and manufacturers come in. “A boat owner is going to be driven [...]