Spun-dried polyester for marine applications is engineered for the toughest climates; the fabric is PVC-free but virtually waterproof—it will not leak even after a week of standing water. High-tech 37+ fabric will not permanently stretch or shrink, and returns to its original shape after being distorted by heavy wind and water. It also does not [...]

"For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned.” That sage advice from American founding father Benjamin Franklin holds true for any marine fabrication business, because an organized shop can improve employee efficiency and affect the bottom line all while keeping customers coming back for more. Streamlined Processes Marine fabricators are always looking for ways [...]

Given the changes in consumer shopping and online behavior, the Grow Boating Board of Directors commissioned a study to better understand today’s first-time boat buyer. Study findings include definitions of six different types of first-time boat buyers including their interests and psychographic traits, what motivates them to explore boat ownership, how they move from “boating” [...]

More than 2,100 attendees and 193 exhibitors gathered at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Orlando, Fla., in March for Geotechnical Frontiers 2017, the biggest geosynthetics show in the industry. Geotechnical Frontiers combined the annual Geo-Congress and the biennial Geosynthetics Conference into a super-event held once every six years. “We had a great show and we’re [...]

Spradling International Marine, Maryville, Tenn., has confirmed that its marine performance products comply with the European Biocide Product Regulation. Spradling products do not contain OBPA (Oxybisphonoxyarsine), a biocide banned by the European Union that is processed in marine vinyl material to prevent pink staining. Spradling marine-grade products have been manufactured without OBPA since 2013. They [...]

If yours is a typical manufacturing shop, workers’ compensation costs—or the threat of them—can quickly become a major expense. Almost every business in the United States that has employees must deal with the cost of workers’ compensation, so you’re not alone in this potentially damaging liability. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help [...]

Neutrals still dominate, but customers are slowly embracing bolder patterns and colors that pop, especially on pillows, cushions and other soft furnishings. Today’s interior designs of marine vessels represent a curious amalgam of styles and trends. This is a function of boat owners wanting to experiment with new looks as well as a [...]

Heytex and BondCote Corporation, Pulaski, Va., providers of coated, laminated and composite fabrics, announced the hiring of Steve Moses as the purchasing/materials manager. Moses will assume the responsibilities of cross-plant global purchasing strategy of Heytex and BondCote, manage the division materials activities and process, and participate in the global purchasing strategy, supplier rating process and [...]

Marine Fabricators Association welcomes the following new members. For complete contact information, visit www.ifai.com/marine. Duneland Custom Canvas LLC James Torres Portage, Ind. Design Techniques LLC David Weatherly La Conner, Wash.

http://smallbiztrends.comSmall businesses are spending a lot of time and money on federal taxes, a new survey has found. According to the National Small Business Association 2017 Small Business Taxation Survey, federal tax burden is one of the biggest challenges facing small businesses. The report finds the majority of small businesses (67 percent) are spending more [...]