The wrong choice can be a costly mistake . Compiled from industry experts Nearly three-fourths of the millions of small businesses in the United States are sole proprietorships, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. But is that the best choice for you and your business? That’s a question that you should consider carefully, whether [...]

The frame is the foundation of your boat top. It supports the canvas top and all other canvas that will be attached to the top. The frame adds tightness to the canvas, which helps water runoff and the tight look of a good top. A strong frame shapes your top and counteracts the effects of [...]

Collapsing financial system got you worried? Now is the time to focus on making your marine fabrication business strong. Thriving shop owners from around the country share insights and tips for selling, upselling, expanding, retaining customers and getting new ones, even in a tough economy. Give your customers “comfort food” At Signature CanvasMakers in Hampton, [...]

Industry experts tell their procedures for keeping fabric and equipment clean and functioning properly. Quality-conscious fabricators demand top-quality components for their end products. Boat owners will insist that fabricators use high-quality, durable materials. The weakest link in any marine product is the quality of the materials that go into making it. With a little investigation [...]

Fiscal reality, fair firing and responsible management. Compiled from industry experts It’s an unwelcoming and unrewarding responsibility, but given today’s troubled economy, almost every manager will eventually come face-to-face with the disagreeable task of terminating one or more employees. “Firing people is one of the toughest, most unpleasant things you do as an employer,” says [...]

Acqua waterproof leather from Spinneybeck is made using a unique process that ensures its waterproof formula penetrates fully into the hide, as opposed to topical applications. This formula also results in a more durable leather that can withstand abrasion and mildew. Acqua is available in 40 standard colors, and custom colors can be ordered. SOURCE [...]

Recacril from Recasens now includes an updated binding line. The solution-dyed acrylic binding is made exclusively from Recacril fabric, and is available in all colors offered in the line. The binding comes in five sizes and is ideal for finishing edges. SOURCE Recasens

Compiled by Juli Case Question: With this economy, boat work has been slow. We’d like to get into military contract work and have heard we have a good chance, since we’re used to working with canvas, and government jobs use a lot of heavy fabric. Where do we go to find out about government bids? [...]

ShrinkRapid sewn shrinkwrap covers from Dr. Shrink come with sewn-in perimeter and belly bands. Boats can be covered in as little as 12 minutes, and the covers can be removed and reinstalled. ShrinkRapid covers are the only shrinkwrap boat covers that are recyclable, using Dr. Shrink’s REBAG program. SOURCE Dr. Shrink

The CleaRinse Washdown System from G2 Products removes minerals and contaminants from the incoming water supply, so boats can be cleaned without hard water spots and damage to finishes. The system is compact, self-contained and takes up very little space, making for easy washings on the dock. The CleaRinse system is available in two models. [...]