When it comes to fabricating a clear window for a boat-owning customer, canvas shops who are experienced in both soft vinyl and semi-rigid materials maintain a competitive advantage. The keys to becoming a successful fabricator include understanding the materials, identifying ideal applications and, of course, plenty of practice. Understanding soft vinyl Soft boat enclosures, made [...]

A fabricator shares his system for effectively communicating assignments and organizing schedules. by Chris Patterson I purchased Weaver Canvas, a successful marine canvas shop, in May 2002. As we started to grow the company and add employees, it became clear that our work order process needed to be improved. I had always been impressed with [...]

Get results by setting your business apart from the competition. by Kelly Frush There’s no question that education affords opportunities. When those opportunities lead to growth—both business and personal—the results are worth the effort. Marine fabricators have a unique opportunity to get educated by becoming a certified Master Fabric Craftsman or Industrial Fabric Manager through [...]

Award of Excellence | Canvas Innovations | Holland, Mich. This project won a 2011 MFA Award of Excellence in the rigid enclosures category. This Formula boat came standard with a soft window enclosure. We converted it to a rigid enclosure with a track-to-track application. Project data Designer: Chris Ritsema Fabricators: Chris Ritsema, Andi Hansen Project [...]

Outstanding Achievement Award | Mike’s Marine Custom Canvas | Virginia Beach, Va. This project, which won a 2011 MFA Outstanding Achievement Award in the rigid enclosures category, called for a shade over the cockpit on an open center console boat. The enclosure was needed to provide protection and comfort for the captain and crew after [...]

Outstanding Achievement Award | Seacanvas | Egg Harbor Township, N.J. This project, which won a 2011 MFA Outstanding Achievement Award in the rigid enclosures category, involved a three-sided enclosure of rigid .080 acrylic EZ2CY glass. Adding slider windows to port and starboard sides will add ventilation once the aft is finished. Project data Designer: Carl [...]

Award of Excellence | Bennett Custom Canvas Inc. | Toronto, Ontario For this project, which won a 2011 MFA Award of Excellence in the soft enclosures category, we fabricated a full aft enclosure with a “ball-cap” rook to better utilize the space. Project data Designer: Mike Bennett Fabricators: Mike Bennett, Michaela Bruton Project manager: Mike [...]

Outstanding Achievement Award | Nautilux Custom Canvas LLC | Hazlet, N.J. This project won a 2011 MFA Outstanding Achievement Award in the soft enclosures category. The client requested an enclosure to protect the offshore fisherman. This three-sided, seven-panel enclosure on this Contender gives the owner and his companions protection as they make their weekly 5-hour [...]

Outstanding Achievement Award | Mike’s Marine Custom Canvas | Virginia Beach, Va. This project, which won a 2011 MFA Outstanding Achievement Award in the soft enclosures category, involved a complete enclosure for comfort and safety. It needed to adapt to any weather conditions by removing curtains as needed, or rolling the side curtains to fish [...]

Award of Excellence | Canvas Innovations | Holland, Mich. This project won a 2011 MFA Award of Excellence in the full exterior canvas powerboat 27 feet and up category. This Tiara was getting a complete overhaul. We contracted Towers Unlimited to custom design a new aluminum T-top frame to incorporate the existing radar arch and [...]