Exhibitors at the first five National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) boat shows of the season—New York, Kansas City, Nashville, San Diego and New Orleans—reported better-than-expected sales and healthy buying crowds. Reports indicate dealers are writing contracts, selling boats and walking away with solid leads. Attendance was down at all five shows compared to the previous [...]

Vinyl-coated fabrics manufacturer Enduratex is printing an identifying backing on its products to combat imitations and knock-offs. Enduratex fabrics, starting with the Endurasoft line, will now bear a backing stamped with “Authentic Enduratex.” The parent company of Enduratex is China General Plastics Corporation of America.

Smooth-Cut shears from Consew feature an ergonomic design with stainless steel blades and a solid core thumb handle and flexible bottom handle that works well for both left and right hands. Available in a variety of styles and sizes. Forged stainless steel clippers are available with straight and curved blade. SOURCE Consew, +1 212 741 [...]

SeaCanvas, Egg Harbor Township, N.J. This project, which won the Alex Bell New Member Award and an Award of Excellence in the full exterior sailboat 27 feet and up category, both part of the 2009 MFA Awards, involved the design of a dodger and bimini for a bluewater sailboat. In November 2006, Alex Bell of [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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, [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]