Competition, especially from overseas manufacturing; increasing costs for equipment, materials and labor; the need to keep up with fast-paced technology; and the general state of the economy, which directly affects the consumer pool, rank as challenging issues for most businesses. Yet the owner of a marine fabrication shop in Portland, Ore., has a more pressing [...]

Boat Vent AERO is Vico Marine’s first sew-in vent. Excellent for adding extra venting or to be used when tenting is not an option. An optional louver front can be added to keep bugs and rodents from entering the cover or as extra protection from heavy rain. Works well on sailboat covers, aft covers, cockpit [...]

Larson Electronics’ LED boat lights offer a combination of intensity, power and durability. Underwater boat lights are available for boaters who wish to add more aesthetic to their watercraft. The Perko mount LED navigation/running lights will provide bright illumination needed for safe navigation after dark. Make stairways and walking areas safer with Larson interior LED [...]

The National Marine Manufacturer Association’s (NMMA) 2016 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract is available. Each section is released individually as the statistics become available and contains thousands of data points and insights on the boating industry. The data sections’ release dates are as follow: March: Outboard Engine Sales Trends; Sailboat Sales Trends April: Pre-owned Boat [...]

The Aluma Hawk™ boat paint line is available in several new colors. The chromate-free paints’ quick-dry coating is designed for use on aluminum with no need for additional primers. It is ideal for a wide variety of vessels, and the complete color palette can be mixed and matched, allowing for a fully coordinated look. Additionally, [...]

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the U.S. boating industry is expected to have its seventh consecutive year of growth in 2017, surpassing the pre-recession peak set in 2006. The article, which included an interview with National Marine Manufacturer Association (NMMA) president Thom Dammrich, attributes part of that growth to boaters upgrading to bigger, automated, [...]

Valdese Weavers, Valdese, N.C., designers and producers of fabrics for specialty markets including RV, marine, luggage, apparel, pillows, drapery and bedding, has purchased the Circa 1801 facility in Connelly Springs, N.C. The 156,000-square-foot structure houses the Circa 1801 Design studio, administrative offices and manufacturing plant. The building was constructed in 1997, and is located five [...]

The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) has named William V. McCrary Jr. NCTO chair at its annual meeting in March. McCrary is chair and CEO of William Barnet and Son LLC, a synthetic/fiber/yarn/polymer firm located in Spartanburg, S.C. Marty Moran, CEO of Buhler Quality Yarns Corp., a Jefferson, Georgia-based fine-count yarn supplier, has been [...]

In 2014, Deloitte, in conjunction with The Manufacturing Institute, surveyed more than 450 manufacturing executives for a report titled “The skills gap in U.S. manufacturing 2015 and beyond.” “And beyond” strikes at the heart of the matter, in large part because of the “retirement exodus” of baby boomers leaving 2.7 million jobs by the year [...]

Serge Ferrari One is durable but exceptionally soft upholstery fabric designed for demanding indoor and outdoor environments in hospitality, yachting and contract seating. Oil-resistant and easy to clean, the fabric is phthalate-free and fire-retardant. Now available in 25 colors, with a choice of smooth or grain finish. Seven-year warranty offered. www.sergeferrari.com