Win big with Xtreme Seal’s Xtreme Deal

March 25th, 2010

Xtreme Seal is offering to marine fabricators a chance to win two roundtrip airline tickets to San Diego, Calif., for the 2011 Marine Fabricators Association National Convention, and two complimentary passes to the convention's exhibit hall. For each roll of Xtreme Seal purchased by a fabricator, they will receive one grand prize, online entry, which […]

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Safety Components new WeatherMax Distributor

March 18th, 2010

Innovative Industrial Solutions Inc. (IIS) is a full-service distributor that serves the awning, marine, sign, billboard and banner markets. IIS now carries Safety Components WeatherMax 80, Weathermax LT and fire-retardant WeatherMax FR. Utilizing tightly-woven, solution-dyed SaturaMax yarns, UV-resistant WeatherMax has unmatched dimensional stability and is guaranteed to retain its color for at least five years. […]

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American Boating Congress registration now open

March 11th, 2010

Online registration for the 2010 American Boating Congress (ABC), May 5-6, is now open. ABC is the recreational boating industry’s premier legislative conference, bringing industry leaders to Washington, DC, to help formulate public policy and present a unified front on issues that impact marine businesses. The conference offers attendees an opportunity to discuss and learn […]

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Preventing mildew build-up

March 1st, 2010

Compiled by Juli Case Question:How can I prevent mildew build-up under the mattresses I’ve installed in boat berths? I’ve heard there are some products you can put under the mattress. Answer:Because boats exist in an environment that’s already moist, condensation between the mattress and the surface it rests on creates problems. There are a number […]

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Finding data on potential customers

March 1st, 2010

Compiled by Juli Case Question:I’m applying for a loan and the lender wants me to submit a business plan for my marine shop. How do I find out how many boats are registered in New Jersey so I can provide data on potential customers? Answer:Boat owners are usually required to register with a state’s Department […]

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Tax breaks for computer equipment

March 1st, 2010

By Mark E. Battersby In the not so distant past, marine fabricators spent hundreds of hours or large amounts of money hiring a programmer to customize an accounting system for their shops. Fortunately, the days of cumbersome, manual systems are long past, and today there are a number of affordable and full-featured software packages that […]

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Trusted tips for creating custom covers

March 1st, 2010

“Travel covers are notoriously good and bad,” says Steve Griffith, owner of Marine Tops Unlimited in Madison, Wis. “The good part is they will keep your boat clean and dry.” The downside is that the wind created by driving down the highway can cause the cover to billow out, blow around and damage both the […]

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Getting results from marketing efforts

March 1st, 2010

Traditional tactics yield results, but so do the web and social media. By Marc Hequet Recession’s rough seas haven’t changed Jeri Perillo’s marketing approach: word of mouth is her best marketing tool—that and her website. Business is changing, but tried-and-true marketing tactics still work. “We’ve pretty much stuck to our plan and we’re doing pretty […]

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Dodger and bimini designed for height restrictions

March 1st, 2010

Bennett Custom Canvas Inc., Toronto, Ontario The title of this project is Misty Isle, a dodger and step bimini for a C&C 35. The project won a 2010 MFA Award of Distinction and an Award of Excellence in the tops 27 feet and up category. This customer has been restoring his boat for five years […]

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Removable windows offer full zip-in screens

March 1st, 2010

SeaCanvas, Egg Harbor Township, N.J. A traditional dodger design, which won a 2010 MFA Outstanding Achievement Award in the dodger category, utilized the Rainier Diamond Series windows for the three front windows. Windows are removable, while still keeping the dodger top up and connected to the bimini. Full zip-in screens to help shade the cockpit. […]

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