Sources offer stocking programs for olive drab cotton duck
March 1st, 2009
Compiled by Juli Case Question: We’re looking for olive drab cotton duck that’s been treated for water and mildew resistance. Can you point us towards any sources? Answer: There’s been a run on olive drab cotton duck recently (we’re not exactly sure why). We had three different fabricators, all in different parts of the country […]
Resources help keep companies in touch
March 1st, 2009
Compiled by Juli Case Question: The phone number for a company that we used to buy fabric from is no longer in service. Is there a way to find out if it’s still in business? Answer: Area codes for telephone numbers sometimes change, so that’s the first thing to check. Your telephone service provider should […]
Boat headliner system features matching pairs that lock
March 1st, 2009
Compiled by Juli Case Question: I’m looking for a boat headliner system, which was new a couple of years ago. It involves a plastic tab system with matching pairs that lock. Answer: We think you’re describing the Fastmount System from the company of the same name. Its headquarters are in New Zealand, with G&T Industries […]
Tax cuts for cutting energy consumption
March 1st, 2009
By Mark E. Battersby Reducing the cost of energy is on every marine fabricator’s mind these days. Saving energy may come with additional costs, but provisions in our tax laws, benefits that increased significantly with last fall’s “Bailout” bill, offset some of those higher, up-front costs. While lawmakers push for and pass more energy-related tax […]
How Mike Erickson grew his Canvas Designers business
March 1st, 2009
By Sigrid Tornquist “I believe that as responsible corporate citizens, we must provide living wages for our employees,” says Mike Erickson, MFC, president and owner of Canvas Designers Inc. in Riviera Beach, Fla., who pays his staff above the industry standard. “I want employees who stay on long term.” And that’s exactly what he’s got, […]
Attainable sustainability: Going green has its business benefits
March 1st, 2009
From magazine articles to seminars to trade show floors, the topic of sustainability has worked its way into the American business consciousness. As a result, companies are pioneering solutions that address the safety of the planet and the effects on people, while keeping the bottom line in mind. In the marine fabrication industry, interest in […]
“Cool” enclosure shelters family during trips
March 1st, 2009
Bennett Custom Canvas Inc., Etobicoke, Ontario The client for this project, which won a 2009 MFA Award of Distinction and an Award of Excellence in the full exterior powerboats under 27 feet category, came to Bennett Custom Canvas Inc. with a request to build an enclosure to shelter his family during their trips back and […]
Dodger features extra removable windows
March 1st, 2009
Mikes Marine Custom Canvas, Virginia Beach, Va. This project, which won an Award of Excellence in the dodger category of the 2009 MFA Awards, involved a new dodger with extra large removable windows, including a swing-up center window that snaps to the reinforced aft pocket. The client had Mikes remove an existing 10-foot-long bimini with […]
Track installation for dodger gives clean look
March 1st, 2009
DRH Canvas & Marine Ltd., Halifax, Nova Scotia This project, which won an Outstanding Achievement Award in the dodger category of the 2009 MFA Awards, included a dodger and frame for Nancy May, a classic O’Day 28. The companion way had to have a custom cover installed, then the dodger could be installed with frame […]
Full enclosure features custom screens and smiles
March 1st, 2009
DRH Canvas & Marine Ltd., Halifax, Nova Scotia This project, which won an Outstanding Achievement Award in the dodger category of the 2009 MFA Awards, included a full enclosure with custom screens and smiles for a 2004 Maxium 401 cruiser. Customer wanted the front three windows and front two side windows to have smiles and […]