July 27, 2017
Boston, Massachusetts-based Sea Machines Robotic Inc. is developing the industry’s first self-driving boat. The company is using a Safeboat Defender 250 as a test model in what it hopes will be its first unmanned surface vessel (USV). Sea Machines plans to develop an autonomous control system that would initially be used in commercial work for …
July 25, 2017
Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based Strataglass LLC., which manufactures clear marine composite vinyl enclosure products, has launched its new website www.strataglass.com. The website provides articles, fabrication tips and other information for the marine enclosure markets including downloadable product documents for its vinyl products Strataglass and CrystalClear.
July 20, 2017
The National Boating Safety Advisory Council (NBSAC) is soliciting applications for 2018 positions, although 2017 appointments remain undeclared. According to the Federal Register, NBSAC, which advises the Coast Guard (USCG) on recreational boating safety regulations and other major boating safety matters, seeks to fill seven vacancies. Applications must reach the USCG by August 29 to …
July 18, 2017
The Institute of Marine Technology (IMT), located at Warner University in Lake Wales, Fla., has established a scholarship program for students participating in its marine technical training program in 2017-2018. The intent of the program is to prepare individuals for entry-level technician opportunities in the watercraft industry. Three full scholarships of up to $28,000 each …
July 1, 2017
Phifer’s SheerWeave® Style 5000 line of window covering fabrics is available in six new colors. The new colors are Bark/Ash, Bark/Pewter, Linen/Pearl, Linen/Taupe, Linen/Clay and Metro/Platinum. The fabrics are certified to GREENGUARD standards for low chemical emissions into indoor air during product usage and are infused with Microban® antimicrobial product protection to inhibit the growth …
By way of introduction, let me say right up front I’m a Minnesota girl. My earliest experiences with aquatic life involved a lake, a fishing pole, a Styrofoam container of worms and a long summer morning of catching sunnies off a dock (they also like bacon). I have sailed, paddled, rowed, motored and floated on …
Designed for marine environments, Ultrafabrics’® new collection of Ultraleather® Indoor/Outdoor polyurethanes protects against fading and discoloration. EPA-registered anti-mildew defense protects against foreign substances. Climate-control technology resists temperature changes, ensuring the material will not crack or decompose. Thermal comfort dissipates heat and moisture away from the body, promoting a pleasant seating experience above and below deck. …
Don Wedge, former owner of the Marine Canvas Training Institute in Palmetto, Fla, passed away peacefully on April 3. Wedge was born on December 27, 1929, in Chardon, Ohio. He helped launch the Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) and IFAI’s Master Fabric Craftsman (MFC) certification program. Wedge was well known for his training school, instructional videos …
This article is a follow-up to the one I wrote in the May/June issue of Marine Fabricator in which I discussed the project plan our team utilized to meet the customer’s request for a full boat cover for a 40-foot Andreyale yacht. The boat is the property of the Peninsula Yacht Club in Cornelius, N.C., …
Charlie and Marcia Kees are the owners of Mister Sew-N-Sew Custom Boat Canvas. Based in Waterford, N.Y., the marine fabrication business designs and sews boat covers and marine upholstery for a variety of makes and models of boats. From bimini covers to mooring covers to camper-style marine covers, all custom work is professionally designed and …