July 2014

  • Published On: July 1, 2014

    Mobile shops are an increasingly popular option for onsite repairs. In today’s fast-paced world, what could be better than having your marine fabrication projects done on site? These modular, mobile structures are an excellent solution for a world that craves quick, convenient service but is still unwilling to give up on the exceptional craftsmanship that [...]

  • Published On: July 1, 2014

    Both have their advocates. Hear from the experts in the marine fabrication industry to see which fits your business. What is the best route to become a skilled marine canvas fabricator? Focused classes or on-the-job training? For Mark Hood, owner of Hood Marine Canvas in Merrimac, Mass., taking a series of focused classes is the [...]

  • Published On: July 1, 2014

    You can protect your workers ... while keeping workers’ compensation costs in line. If you’re a typical marine-fabrication business owner, workers’ compensation costs—or the threat of them—can quickly become a major expense burden. Almost every business in the United States that has employees must deal with the cost of workers’ compensation; it’s a perennial issue, [...]

  • Published On: July 1, 2014

    Mira Koma, Calif.-based Enduratex has introduced 12 new colors and added its stain-resistant topcoat Forbid to its Predictions line of vinyl-coated fabrics. There are now 24 total SKUs in the Predictions collection. Enduratex serves the marine, automotive, hospitality, healthcare and spa industries.

  • Published On: July 1, 2014

    BLACK+DECKER has introduced the 20V MAX Lithium Cordless Drill with AutoSense Technology featuring an automatic clutch that is three times more accurate than a mechanical clutch. The drill stops automatically when it senses the screw is flush with the work surface.

  • Published On: July 1, 2014

    My-Villages has launched the DockMaster 8.0 suite of marine business software for beta testing; it features new navigation, scheduling and dashboard features. DockMaster 8.0 unifies the user experience across all modules, improves overall navigation, and provides flexibility and control over critical data. Its architecture has been upgraded to provide seamless connectivity to off-site “cloud” data [...]

  • Published On: July 1, 2014

    The Liberator from Jackson Canvas Co. is a fully automatic, remote-controlled mooring cover/cruising top combination for pontoons constructed from Safety Components’ WeatherMAX 80 fabric. The Liberator features four separate positions: mooring cover, bimini, double bimini (full shade) and bridge for low overpass, and was recently named a 2014 Industrial Fabrics Foundation innovation award-winner.

  • Published On: July 1, 2014

    Brentano introduces Discovery, a new collection of “fantasy leathers,” including Komodo, an embossed polyurethane that recreates the hide of the giant lizard, and Splint, which creates a metallic take on the texture of wood grains or the fissures in tree bark. Both are solvent resistant, antibacterial and bleach-cleanable.

  • Published On: July 1, 2014

    With access to better fabrics and accessories, fabricators are crafting boat cushions that look great and perform well. Boat cushion design is leaving the Dark Ages, where basic vinyls, color and patterns have reigned supreme. “Over the past 10 years, fashion and design have become more prevalent in the marine industry,” says Patty Mastrandrea, a [...]

  • Published On: July 1, 2014

    The American Red Cross has launched a new flood app to help save lives and reduce losses from floods and flash floods. The free app gives iPhone, iPad and Android smart-phone users instant access to local and real-time information in both English and Spanish. The app includes location-based, audible NOAA flood and flash flood watches [...]