September 2013

  • Published On: September 1, 2013

    Boston-based Lighthouse Media Solutions has been named the official marketing partner of the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo set for Nov. 17-20 in Orlando, Fla. The firm will create and produce all digital advertising and marketing components for the annual dealer conference. Additionally, Lighthouse Media Solutions will use its expertise in digital video to create [...]

  • Published On: September 1, 2013

    How did your shop get started? We started as a one-man operation out of Paul Charpentier’s basement. After one year, Paul was able to move into a smaller building. We moved into our current building in 1999. What is your product focus? Our main focus is marine canvas and upholstery. What unique design elements are [...]

  • Published On: September 1, 2013

    Fabricators have seen growth in on-site repair work and see it as more than just a trend. Moving large boats from the marina to a shop can be prohibitively expensive, and many small shops don't have room for a large vessel. Shop owners have also seen a greater willingness among owners of smaller boats [...]

  • Published On: September 1, 2013

    A customer is standing in front of you. Maybe she has a question. Or a complaint. Or maybe she’s thinking about a purchase, and wants to discuss a product issue. What do you say to best serve the customer, and bring about a win-win resolution of the conversation? Sounds like a simple question. But the [...]

  • Published On: September 1, 2013

    I would like to share some tips Trevor and I have found useful in our shop in order to work more efficiently and reduce unnecessary stress. All of our systems have evolved from one principle: Don’t reinvent the wheel! Enough thought and planning goes into each custom job that you need to keep the number [...]

  • Published On: September 1, 2013

    Interior shot of a recent Hood Bimini Enclosure. Notice the clean uncluttered look and maximum visibility made possible by our large binder. At Hood Canvas, we have a unique method of fabrication that we teach to our students. Many shops around the world are now using our specialized large binder in their shops [...]

  • Published On: September 1, 2013

    Connecticut lawmakers have repealed the .65 percent luxury tax on boats costing more than $100,000, which was imposed in 2011. The measure is one of several “major wins” for the state’s marine industry that were accomplished through the efforts of the Connecticut Marine Trades Association, NMMA and others. Another measure allows boats to remain in [...]

  • Published On: September 1, 2013

    The International Marina Institute (IMI), a training subsidiary of the Association of Marina Industries (AMI), will visit nine facilities during its seventh annual Southeast Florida Marina and Boatyard Study Tour Oct. 29–30. The tour will stop at Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Riviera Beach and West Palm Beach. The tour is a two-day mobile training course [...]

  • Published On: September 1, 2013

    The Larson Boat Group of Little Falls, Minn., has announced the addition of 27 new dealers to its network of Larson, Triumph and Striper boats for the 2013 model year. “We recognize that dealers today have so many choices,” says Mike O’Connell, executive vice president & COO of Larson Boat Group. “We have to work [...]

  • Published On: September 1, 2013

    New York City-based global law firm White & Case LLP has released “Restructuring & Beyond: The marine industry’s routes to safety.” The report focuses on survival strategies for those affected by the industry’s downturn as well as emerging opportunities for companies, banks and investors. The report examines strategic and practical measures companies under threat might [...]