Sponsored by the Marine Fabricators Association, the Fabrication Excellence Awards are designed to recognize excellence in marine fabrication. The entries are displayed throughout the MFA’s Marine Fabricators Conference and are judged by a panel of Master Fabric Craftsmen.

Awards of Excellence and Outstanding Achievement Awards are given in each category. The MFA recognizes two Awards of Distinction, chosen from the Award of Excellence winners. All winners receive a press release and a plaque.

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SOFT ENCLOSURES

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE (TIE)
AQUASPORT

DESIGNER: Darren Arthur
FABRICATOR: Steven Sinatra
PROJECT MANAGER: Darren Arthur
INSTALLERS: Darren Arthur, Steven Sinatra
MATERIALS: Recacril by Recasens USA from The Miami Corp.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The owner wanted a new enclosure that fit properly. The original canvas had a lot of Velcro on it and allowed a lot of spray to enter the boat. Also, the back panels were unable to be rolled because of the way they returned through the back corner. This four-sided, seven-panel enclosure with an opening windshield was built from 40-gauge soft vinyl. The project was built during the winter, with wind a constant factor; we measured with a laser, which was new to us. Connecting to the windshield, avoiding the pipework and having some pipework come through the enclosure presented a new challenge. It took us 45 minutes to measure, and we used CAD to design. Scallops were put into the aft corners of the enclosure to reduce flapping. The enclosure went on without a hitch. The cutouts for the pipe lined up, the shape in the aft vertical corners brought the enclosure in to the boat so the window did not make contact with the pipework, and the windows were flat with great visibility.

Nautilux Custom Canvas LLC
Hazlet, N.J.

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE (TIE)
ELIMINATE THE SEAMS

DESIGNER: Rob Kotowski, Bob Kotowski
FABRICATORS: Rob Kotowski, Bob Kotowski, Gregory Phillips
PROJECT MANAGER: Rob Kotowski
INSTALLERS: Rob Kotowski, Gregory Phillips, Nick Featherstone
MATERIALS: Stamoid by Serge Ferrari North America Inc. from Trivantage LLC; Strataglass by Strataglass LLC from J Ennis Fabrics; YKK by YKK USA from Trivantage LLC; Tenera Thread by W.L. Gore & Associates Inc. from Trivantage LLC
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: We used Stamoid Top White and 60-mil Strataglass to provide a rigid track-to-track enclosure. All view lines, zipper breaks and cover flap pick up lines from the boat inside and out had to provide a sleek appearance. We changed the enclosure from a five-section window set to three panels to avoid any visibility issues with zipper breaks. The view line of the glass was raised so it was in line with the inside hard top rails, and zippers were put on the bottom of the windows and up the arch so it would be easy to install and remove. Patterning with an aftermarket hard top was very difficult, especially for the windows on the top edge where awning molding PVC track was installed. We also stitched small pieces of screen onto keder welt to allow us to pin our templates in areas that were not accessible.

Lake Shore Boat Top Company Inc.
Detroit, Mich.

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RIGID ENCLOSURES

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
BRENDA LOU

DESIGNER: Michael Varga, Canvas Experts Inc.
FABRICATOR: Victor Albino, Canvas Experts Inc.
PROJECT MANAGER: Victor Albino, Canvas Experts Inc.
INSTALLERS: Victor Albino, Justin Huggins, Canvas Experts Inc.
MATERIALS: Breakwater X Natural by Safety Components Fabric Technologies, Powderbake Sliders from Nicholas Pompa Glue Systems; Plaskolite Aqua Glass from American Keder; SolarFix 3300; EZ2CY marine track systems EZ-100-B and EZ-100-F; YKK zippers; Vislon by Velcro
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This Albamarle 330 Express has eight EZ2CY panels and one Strataglass panel. We removed the fasteners from the windshield and installed EZ2CY EZ-100-F track so the opening faces upward. Flaps on each panel prevent water from entering. The factory enclosure leaked badly, causing water damage to the helm station and electronics. The new enclosure doesn’t leak and has outstanding visibility and ventilation. The U-chain panels easily flip up and back down into place.

Canvas Experts
Ocean City, Md.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
JOAN’S ARK

DESIGNERS: Mike Johnson, Dan Johnson, Mike’s Marine Custom Canvas
FABRICATOR: Faith Thomas
PROJECT MANAGER: Mike Johnson
INSTALLERS: Dan Johnson, Mike Johnson
MATERIALS: Stamoid Open by Serge Ferrari North America Inc. from Keyston Bros.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: We fabricated and installed a rigid enclosure on the fly bridge, provided ventilation on the front and sides, and used rigid window material with heavy-duty vinyl borders. For the large windows, Costa Track was attached to a stainless steel railing at the top edge of the windshield, which required drilling and tapping 90 holes. The center-forward curtain incorporates curved connecting zippers, attaching it to the adjacent curtains doubling as a U-zipper to open for ventilation. The middle side curtains unzip for ventilation.

Mike’s Marine Custom Canvas
Virginia Beach, Va.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
SLIGHT EDGE – ENCLOSURE

ENGINEER: Canvas Designers Inc.
DESIGNER: Canvas Designers Inc.
ARCHITECT: Canvas Designers Inc.
FABRICATOR: Canvas Designers Inc.
GRAPHICS: Canvas Designers Inc.
PROJECT MANAGER: Canvas Designers Inc.
MATERIALS: EZ2CY by EZ2CY; Stamoid by Ferrari S.A.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The old enclosure was worn and the glass was dull and damaged. The boat was located in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and the customer was in Houston, Texas. Approvals were done via email and phone calls. We made and installed a three-sided, five-panel standard EZ2CY enclosure built to the aft edge of the helm with three vents forward in the upper border.

Canvas Designers Inc.
Riviera Beach, Fla.

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DODGERS/DODGERS WITH EXTENSIONS

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE (TIE)
CLEAN SLATE

DESIGNERS: Mike Charlton, Chandler Clark, Signature CanvasMakers
FABRICATOR: Sally Ellis, Signature CanvasMakers
PROJECT MANAGER & INSTALLER: Mike Charlton, Signature CanvasMakers
MATERIALS: Sunbrella by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC from Trivantage LLC; Strataglass by Strataglass LLC from Keyston Bros.; Makrolon UV from Performance Textiles; SolarFix from The Miami Corp.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: We built a bimini, dodger, connector and enclosure with Framework for a 2015 Catalina 445. The project used a combination of Strataglass and Makrolon, with Sunbrella fabric throughout. The customers needed a complete canvas outfit including framework, bimini, dodger, connector, enclosure, strapless bimini struts and solar panel frames. The clients requested a design that complemented the contour of the boat. We used 1.25-inch stainless for the bimini frame and attached it to the rails.

Signature CanvasMakers
Hampton, Va.

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE (TIE)
REESE ENCLOSURE

DESIGNER: Jim Reese
ARCHITECT: Brian Bennett, MFC, Custom Marine Canvas
FABRICATOR: Brian Bennett, MFC, Custom Marine Canvas
PROJECT MANAGER: Brian Bennett, MFC, Custom Marine Canvas
INSTALLER: Brian Bennett, MFC, Custom Marine Canvas
MATERIALS: Seamark by Haartz Corp. from Rainier Bonded Windows; Sunbrella by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC; Makrolon by Bayer Material Science; Paskal Molded Zippers; Strataglass by Strataglass LLC, YKK zippers
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The owner wanted the center cockpit enclosed. Limiting factors were a gallows in the middle of the area, a mizzen mast through the aft bimini area, a traveler against the base of the dodger window, among other impediments. The owner wanted the enclosure to be as watertight as possible and allow access to the halyard winch.

Custom Marine Canvas
Noank, Conn.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
THE COMFORT ROOM

DESIGNER: Dave Elliot, David’s Custom Trimmers
FABRICATORS: Dave Elliott, Aaron Stumer, Kieran Jones
PROJECT MANAGER: Dave Elliot, David’s Custom Trimmers
INSTALLERS: Dave Elliott, Aaron Stumer, Kieran Jones, David’s Custom Trimmers
MATERIALS: Stamoid and Stamoid Open by Serge Ferrari North America Inc. from Bainbridge International; O’Sea from Nolan UDA
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A dodger for a yacht with lock-line roof on a stainless frame with link sheet and full cat-proof mesh enclosure. Sailing vision is important, as was winch clearance and entry into the cockpit from both the aft and sides. I decided upon a “hard top roof effect” bimini using lock-line to enhance and incorporate with the stainless work. The dodger needed to be redesigned around the instrument panel and traveler for the boom.

David’s Custom Trimmers
Queensland, Australia

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MARINE INTERIOR UPHOLSTERY, 44 FEET AND UNDER

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
LILLY

DESIGNER: Ally Maloney
FABRICATORS: Mike Koemm, Jean Conca, Martha Brooks
PROJECT MANAGER: Ally Maloney
INSTALLER: Ally Maloney
MATERIALS: Ultraleather by Ultrafabrics; Duralee Pavilion by Duralee Fabrics; LULU DK by Donghia; Kravet Soleil by Kravet Fabrics
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The owner of this Friendship 40 wanted all “soft goods”—interior and exterior—aboard the boat replaced. A classic New England navy-and-wheat color scheme was selected for both. The cockpit cushions, upholstered in Outdoor Ultraleather, were thoughtfully designed; the seat cushions are box style with welt—practical, as they will be stepped on as one moves about the boat, and we had fun detailing the back rest cushions in a channel quilted design with welt. We also faced challenges fabricating the curved aft settee, and securing the back cushions with a system of tie-down straps with snaps. Throw pillows in a navy/wheat stripe pattern by LULU DK and trimmed out in a twisted lip cord bring a fun pop of color to the seating area. Below, two settees feature seat cushions in Ultraleather and throw pillows in different prints from the Duralee Pavilion collection. Atop a new daybed mattress sit custom linens including sheets, a quilted bedspread and a lot of pillows. These were fabricated in outdoor fabrics from Kravet Soleil, Duralee Pavilion and Greenhouse Fabrics. No detail was overlooked; we also made a mast cover in Ultraleather to coordinate with the upholstery, and outfit the day head.

Maloney Interiors LLC
Warren, Fla.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
CHECKED CURVED LOUNGE

DESIGNER: Dave Elliott, David’s Custom Trimmers
FABRICATORS: Dave Elliott, Kieran Jones, David’s Custom Trimmers
INSTALLERS: Dave Elliott, Kieran Jones, David’s Custom Trimmers
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The yacht features a curved U-shape lounge for the main cabin and bunks downstairs. The customers required new, more comfortable bunks. We recommended against using stripes for the curved back rests of the lounge, as the straight lines won’t follow the curves and would create optical illusions. However, with patience every fabric panel was successfully lined up accurately to create quite an eye-catching effect.

David’s Custom Trimmers
Queensland, Australia

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MARINE INTERIOR UPHOLSTERY, 45 FEET AND ABOVE

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
AWARD OF DISTINCTION – UPHOLSTERY
CARYALI CUSTOM SOFA

ENGINEER: Canvas Designers Inc.
DESIGNER: Canvas Designers Inc.
ARCHITECT: Canvas Designers Inc.
FABRICATOR: Canvas Designers Inc.
SUBCONTRACTOR: Merritt Boats
GRAPHICS: Canvas Designers Inc.
PROJECT MANAGER: Canvas Designers Inc.
INSTALLER: Canvas Designers Inc.
MATERIALS: White and gray real Italian leather (customer supplied)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The customer wanted a large sofa with storage under the seats and in the arm rests for his 72-foot Merritt Sport Fish. We designed the sofa, Merritt built the frame, and we engineered the upholstery. For the horizontal channels, we developed separate pockets for the foam, and installed zippers for each channel to hold the foam and to accentuate the shape. The entire seat and back are on hydraulic hinges, which lift up for storage space.

Canvas Designers Inc.
Riviera Beach, Fla.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
DREAMING ABOUT CLASSIC COLORS

DESIGNER: Krisha Plauche
FABRICATOR: Roy Amaral
INSTALLER: Krisha Plauche
MATERIALS: Kravet Fabrics; Duralee Fabrics; Sunbrella from Trivantage LLC; Link Fabrics
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: We outfitted the forward of the vessel with new wall-to-wall carpeting, headboard, bedding and accent pillows; the master bedroom with headboard, drapes, bedding, accent pillows and wall-to-wall carpeting; and the galley with custom bound carpeting. We put shades in the head; custom bound carpeting, accent pillows, new upholstery on ottomans and new custom aft blinds in the main salon, and new upholstery and accent pillows in the cockpit.

Onboard Interiors LLC
Marblehead, Mass.

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MARINE EXTERIOR UPHOLSTERY, 44 FEET AND UNDER

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Project 1

DESIGNER: Carol Racine
FABRICATOR: Carol Racine
PROJECT MANAGER: Carol Racine
INSTALLER: Sam Mays
MATERIALS: Enduratex from The Miami Corp.; Shock by Morbern Inc. from The Miami Corp.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The customer wanted a new look to his boat. He did not want a factory look. He used the boat frequently and wanted something durable and easy to maintain. We also added foam to the sun pad and the bow cushion for more comfort. The project included completely new upholstery with new design to match new graphics on the outside. It started as new graphics on the sun pad and bow cushion. The rest of the boat was going to have subtle color changes. As the project moved forward, the customer began to make changes, requesting that all of the cushions have more detail. Every cushion had to have a color sketch emailed to him for approval. Some of the cushions had to be completed and installed before we could start others so we could line up stripes or graphics. The amount of pieces and the design itself took considerable time and thought to map it all out. The customer was delighted with the end result and was excited about showing it off to his friends. He later installed LED lighting.

Racine Design Inc.
Jacksonville, Fla.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
MAHALO ONBOARD

DESIGNER: Krisha Plauche, Onboard Interiors LLC
FABRICATOR: Roy Amaral
INSTALLER: Krisha Plauche, Onboard Interiors LLC
MATERIALS: Duralee; Robert Allen; Vibe
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The young customers wanted to update a 2006 vessel with all new soft goods: sun pads, exterior cockpit, helm U-shaped table seating, master and V-berth bedding. We were asked during the fall of 2014 to work on the project winter of 2015 and have it completed by April 2015. We researched fabric that would complement the name of vessel—Mahalo—and the owners’ love of their annual trips to Hawaii. We had to find unique fabrics with a Hawaiian theme that would stand up to elements and were marine grade. Based in New England, we don’t often work with palm tree themes. Once we sourced the palm tree themed fabric, the customers loved it so much they wanted to use it in the largest seating area. We had to make sure the large repeat could match up perfectly in several sections and in the U shape. Keeping this all labeled and in place during production of all sewing was very important.

Onboard Interiors LLC
Marblehead, Mass.

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MARINE EXTERIOR UPHOLSTERY, 45 FEET AND ABOVE

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
SLIGHT EDGE – UPHOLSTERY

ENGINEER: Canvas Designers Inc.
DESIGN: Canvas Designers Inc.
ARCHITECT: Canvas Designers Inc.
FABRICATOR: Canvas Designers Inc.
GRAPHICS: Canvas Designers Inc.
PROJECT MANAGER: Canvas Designers Inc.
MATERIALS: Ultraleather by Ultra Fabrics LLC from Seafarer Canvas
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The customer wanted a new look that would make the boat stand out. We recovered the mezzanine cushions, flybridge cushions, fabricated a new mezzanine jump seat, arm rest caddies, cup caddies and a drop-in back rest. The boat was some 60 miles away in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and the customer was in Houston, Texas. Approvals were done via email and phone calls. The crew had to travel to Fort Lauderdale to pattern the boat, while samples of materials were sent to the customer for approval. We created a two-tone look, recovering the cushions and also making new cushions using EZ-Dri foam and Buckskin Ultra Leather Brisa Distressed Outdoor. The drink caddies and the drop-in headrest were made with a single-color Ultra Leather Brisa Distressed Outdoor.

Canvas Designers Inc.
Riviera Beach, Fla.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
POWDER

ENGINEER: Carl Pellegrini, SeaCanvas LLC
DESIGNER: Gladys Maxwell, SeaCanvas LLC
FABRICATOR: Gladys Maxwell, SeaCanvas LLC
PROJECT MANAGER: Carl Pellegrini, SeaCanvas LLC
INSTALLER: Carl Pellegrini, Gladys Maxwell, SeaCanvas LLC
MATERIALS: Ultraleather from The Miami Corp.; PTFE by W.L. Gore & Associates Inc. from Manart-Hirsch Co. Inc.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Our client was looking for updated seating on the bridge of his 65-foot yacht. We had to replace worn and cracked fabric that was original to the boat, but was only eight years old. A fresh look with the simplicity of white Ultra Leather fabric was requested, while also using existing foam if possible. We started with the tear down, which confirmed we could reuse the foam. The breakdown of the original cover fabric was from UV rays. This enabled us to steam-clean the foam while keeping the shape and saving the client some money. We ended with smooth seating once again. We are now reupholstering the helm and captain chairs on the forward bridge.

SeaCanvas LLC
Egg Harbor Township, N.J.

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TOPS & ENCLOSURES, 29 FEET AND UNDER

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
PURSUING A DREAM

DESIGNER: Chris Ritsema, Canvas Innovations
FABRICATORS: Stacy Chandonnet, Chelsea Freers, Canvas Innovations
PROJECT MANAGER: Chris Ritsema, Canvas Innovations
INSTALLERS: Ken DeGroot, Mitch Lemmon, Canvas Innovations
MATERIALS: Recacril by Recasens USA from The Miami Corp.; Strataglass from Keyston Bros.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: We made and installed a full enclosure on an inflatable dinghy. The bimini top had to cover the helm area when the front panels where off and still fold back to the arch when in a booted storage position. All eight windows needed to roll up and fit in the storage locker underneath the helm bench seat with custom storage bags. The enclosure had to have good visibility and ventilation. We added a small vent with a micro horseshoe zipper on the top of the front center panel with a flap to cover the zipper. All eight windows were sized to fit in the storage locker. The customer also requested that track be drilled and tapped to the radar arch. We needed a small window for the front navigation light and access points for bow cleats. So we sewed in 40-gauge isinglass between the Sunbrella strips on the entire bottom edge.

Canvas Innovations
Holland, Mich.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
ATLAS SHRUGGED

ENGINEER: Edward Skrzynski, MCU_LLC
DESIGNER: Edward Skrzynski, MCU_LLC
FABRICATORS: Jeremy Luthy, Jon Skrzynski, Adam Skrzynski, Adam Szenay, MCU_LLC
SUBCONTRACTOR: Powder Coater, Pro Powder
PROJECT MANAGER: Edward Skrzynski, MCU_LLC
INSTALLERS: Jeremy Luthy, Ray Unsderfer, Jon Skrzynski, Adam Szenay, MCU_LLC
MATERIALS: Riviera Marine by Herculite Products Inc. from Trivantage LLC; Strataglass by Strataglass LLC from Trivantage LLC; Riviera Binding by Herculite Products Inc. from Trivantage LLC
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The owner of this 2002 Grady White wanted a new top with a sturdy and durable enclosure. He also requested a removable shade for the aft cockpit area. We removed the weak bimini frame and canvas and used new and older Grady White Sports frames. We used Prodim Digital technology to 3-D template the boat and 3-D CAD for a welded aluminum fame, canopy cover, seven-piece enclosure and retractable aft top system. We designed and fabricated a six-attachment, welded frame structure with a forward visor and a “trombone” aft top extension. The entire canopy and trombone frame were powder coated a complementary color to the hull. The fabric on the extension would accordion up and would be removable. If left in place retracted, standing water would drain off the sides; when fully deployed, with straps in place, it surpasses 55 miles per hour.

Marco Canvas
Marco Island, Fla.

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TOPS & ENCLOSURES 30 FEET & ABOVE

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
SPIRIT OF MASSACHUSETTS

DESIGNER: Stephen Eberle, MFC, Canvasworks Inc.
FABRICATORS: Stephen Eberle, Buddy Whitehouse, Lance Smith, Ken Boostra, Robbin Muir
MATERIALS: Precontraint 502 coated vinyl by Ferrari S.A.; .080 Mill Bonded Polycarbonate Semi-Rigid Windows by Rainier Industries
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Design, fabricate and install a 78-foot-long by 25-foot-wide combination marine top and awning frame structure with a full clear-view enclosure. We fabricated two mast boots sewn to the top of the cover, and two for the main deck to keep the lower dining area dry. A strong welded aluminum framework system, top fabric cover and full enclosure created a bar and restaurant area on the main deck. We fabricated a clear semi-rigid enclosed panel system for the port and starboard sides that hinges up to the frame rafters, zips together vertically with hidden zippers, and fastens on the bottom.

Canvasworks Inc.
Kennebunk, Maine

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
LANDING CRAFT SUNSHADE

ENGINEER & DESIGNER: Greg Keeler, Oyster Creek Canvas Co.
FABRICATORS: Greg Keeler, Cat Sieh, Jess Flegel, Oyster Creek Canvas Co.
INSTALLERS: Greg Keeler, Cat Sieh, Jess Flegel, Oyster Creek Canvas Co.
MATERIALS: Sunbrella from Trivantage LLC; Top Gun by Marlen Textiles from Keyston Bros.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A 16-by 10-foot sunshade that covers the deck space on a custom 32-foot Munson landing craft. The top is attached to the frame using stainless grommets and Spectra Line. The top complements the lines of the vessel and holds up to 50-mph winds. The top had to allow space for four pick points when the vessel is lifted out of the water. A big challenge in designing the framework was that it couldn’t be symmetrical because the loading doors were in different locations on either side.

Oyster Creek Canvas Company
Bellingham, Wash.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
BRONZE 2404

DESIGNER: Michael Varga, Canvas Experts Inc.
FABRICATOR & PROJECT MANAGER: Justin Huggins, Canvas Experts Inc.
INSTALLERS: Justin Huggins, Michael Varga, Canvas Experts Inc.
MATERIALS: Plaskolite Optix Bronze 2404 from YKK Canada; Powderbake beige sliders from Menax Fasteners; Sattler Outdura Trio Antique Beige; EZ2CY marine track systems EZ-100-F; SolarFix 3300 Translucent; Nicholas Pompa Glue Systems; YKK zippers; Vislon beige; Velcro
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The client had a HVAC system installed for the bridge of a Carver 56 and wanted it completely water and air tight. The project has a four-bow bimini top with a 10-panel EZ2CY enclosure. The front middle and the side curtains swing up to the top for ventilation. The track system is mounted inverted and fits perfectly on the windshield’s stainless steel radius. The enclosure front panels maximize the front corners with no zipper lines. The bimini was made with twice the amount of stitching because of the added weight of the EZ2CY panels.

Canvas Experts
Ocean City, Md.

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TRAVEL/FULL COVERS

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
AWARD OF DISTINCTION – EXTERIOR
FULL BOAT COVER

DESIGNER: Suzi Clinefelter, Mystery Bay Sails and Canvas
FABRICATOR: Suzi Clinefelter, Mystery Bay Sails and Canvas
INSTALLER: Suzi Clinefelter, Mystery Bay Sails and Canvas
MATERIALS: Sunbrella by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC from Trivantage LLC; Top Gun by Marlen Textiles from Trivantage LLC; Evolution from Trivantage LLC; AY Tech LLC from Keyston Bros.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: We had to cover as much of this 1956 runabout as possible, allow few openings, and use minimal hardware. It also had to protect the boat from weather and protect the bottom of hull from road debris. Hot Pink Sunbrella was used to maintain the boat’s original color. The engine cover attaches with a zipper and is reinforced with Velcro. Other challenges were lining the underside of the boat and adding the contrasting striping and highlights, while minimizing bulk at edges and corners.

Mystery Bay Sails and Canvas
Nordland, Wash.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
DON’T DRONE YOURSELF

DESIGNER: Michael Varga, Canvas Experts Inc.
FABRICATOR: Dale Tingle Wise, Canvas Experts Inc.
PROJECT MANAGER: Michael Varga, Canvas Experts Inc.
INSTALLERS: Michael Varga, Victor Albino, Canvas Experts Inc.
MATERIALS: Outdura; SolarFix 3300; YKK zippers #10 Vislon; YKK Canada Powder Bake Sliders
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The client wanted a full protective cover to transport his boat between Ocean City, Md., and Key West, Fla., and have the boat in mint condition when it arrived in either location. The client picked Sattler Trio fabric for its soft backing; it is waterproof and will not chafe the hull. Outdura was used in the non-contact areas. The cover was made in two parts so the client could handle its weight and size. The engines were done separately so the cover hugs the hull for aerodynamics.

Canvas Experts Inc.
Ocean City, Md.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
MALIBU DIAMONDS
DESIGNER: Michael Charpentier, Paul’s Custom Canvas
FABRICATOR: Michael Charpentier, Paul’s Custom Canvas
PROJECT MANAGER: Paul Charpentier, Paul’s Custom Canvas
INSTALLER: Dan White, Paul’s Custom Canvas
MATERIALS: Sunbrella by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC from Trivantage LLC; SolarFix PTFE by The Quality Thread & Notions Co. from Keyston Bros.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: We manufactured mooring covers for a Malibu 21. We made the main body of the cockpit cover in three sections. The diamonds are yellow Sunbrella and triangles are black Sunbrella. This created a straight line that was then sewed to the left and right sides. We made one of the diamonds go over the windshield to tie into the bow cover and keep the diamond look through both covers.

Paul’s Custom Canvas Inc.
Denver, Colo.

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MISCELLANEOUS

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
SLIPSIDE SUITE

FABRICATORS: Chelsea Freers, Stacy Chandonnet, Canvas Innovations
SUBCONTRACTOR: Brant Higgins, Higgins Marine Metals
PROJECT MANAGER: Ken DeGroot, Canvas Innovations
INSTALLER: Mitch Lemmen, Canvas Innovations
MATERIALS: Stamoid by Serge Ferrari North America Inc. from Keyston Bros.; Sunbrella by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC from Trivantage LLC
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: We installed two teak lounge chairs and a matching umbrella on the bow of the boat. The design needed to be user friendly and not be a burden to put up and down. Each chair had to be removable but firmly mounted to the boat so they could remain in place while underway. We also built a custom bracket for the umbrella with a support leg and custom brackets for the chairs to mount to the boat with pull pins.

Canvas Innovations
Holland, Mich.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
FIGHTING IRISH HEADLINER

ENGINEER: Canvas Designers Inc.
DESIGNER: Canvas Designers Inc.
ARCHITECT: Canvas Designers Inc.
FABRICATOR: Canvas Designers Inc.
GRAPHICS: Canvas Designers Inc.
PROJECT MANAGER: Canvas Designers Inc.
INSTALLER: Canvas Designers Inc.
MATERIALS: Tricot Destiny-Foam Backed (“Whisper Wall”) by Majilite
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: We replaced the entire tray ceiling headliner tuck system on a 145-foot Westship motor yacht. The existing headliner material was water-damaged and contained mold. The headliner was challenging because there were many cutouts required for the tray ceiling, lights, air-conditioning vents, speakers, smoke detectors and outlets. Each headliner piece had to be carefully stretched and “tucked” into the groove to keep it in place.

Canvas Designers Inc.
Riviera Beach, Fla.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
WAY TOO BIG
DESIGNER: Darren Arthur, Nautilux Custom Canvas
FABRICATOR: Steven Sinatra, Nautilux Custom Canvas
PROJECT MANAGER: Darren Arthur, Nautilux Custom Canvas
INSTALLERS: Darren Arthur, Steven Sinatra, Nautilux Custom Canvas
MATERIALS: Recacril by Recasens USA from The Miami Corp.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This awning is a 180-degree covering detached from the house on an independent structure. The awning covers a deck on the main level of the home; however, the deck is on a hill and is off the ground by about 20 feet. The end cap of the awning is separate and has a motorized 17-foot drop to shade the sun. The original awning had a valance around the perimeter that the wind would lift up and wear out. The entire awning was measured with a laser and the complete project was designed in CAD and cut with a plotter.

Nautilux Custom Canvas LLC
Hazlet, N.J.