The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) New Powerboat Registrations Report has been updated through December 2017, and preliminary data shows new powerboat registrations were up 5 percent in 2017, compared to 2016. Highlights from the report include: •Growth in registrations was led by the following segments: cruisers (up 10 percent), pontoons (up 7 percent), tow [...]

Choosing the right type of zipper for a project comes down to the application, desired longevity and environmental conditions. Advanced tips and techniques for choosing and working with zippers in your projects. Providing an excellent end product is paramount to marine fabricators, and zippers play a vital role in the long-term functionality of [...]

Trivantage has added SolaMesh hardware to its shade sail and structure product offering. This new line of hardware complements SolaMesh fabric with a wide range of D-rings, shackles, stainless steel rope, rope connections and mounting options for all installations. SolaMesh hardware offers eye-on-eye, jaw-on-jaw and hook-on-hook turnbuckle options to suit a variety of preferences and [...]

Photos 1 and 2: Designer and private label textiles, such as this Ralph Lauren anchor pattern, can cost $100 or more per yard. Using a matching tone in a solid Sunbrella® fabric on the zipper bands and bottom lining can help keep a project within budget. Thank goodness for Dr. Google! When sourcing [...]

Tammy Golden has been the owner of Aureus Custom Canvas in Pasadena, Md., since January 2014. She began the business in her basement and within nine months expanded to her current location. She now has three employees and once again has outgrown her existing space and is in the process of expanding into a new, [...]

Trivantage has introduced a new line of filament-bonded polyester sewing thread designed for vinyl, canvas and carpet applications. PremoBond features maximum durability, UV protection and colorfastness. With yarn that’s approximately 30 times stronger than the current industry standard, the thread is long-lasting, even in harsh weather conditions. PremoBond’s proprietary bonding blend and custom-formulated dyes ensure [...]

The owner of a Cobia 296 boat wanted an easy-to-maneuver bow shade. Affordable Canvas used SnapFast® fasteners, Sur Last® fabric and fiberglass poles. Photo: Affordable Canvas. Marine fabricators help boat owners expand shading options with stretched fabric. It could easily be argued that the pleasures of boating are best appreciated on a deck [...]

Robeco’s newest flexible transparent vinyl provides another film option for the marine and industrial fabrics industries. GlassClear® adds a scratch-resistant coating to both sides of its one ply 030 Clear Extruded Vinyl product. Supplied in roll form, this newest product option allows users to unroll only what they need for a specific job, This reduces [...]

No matter where in the world we run our businesses, we aspire to be successful, profitable and happy. We have either started the business from nothing, purchased an existing enterprise or taken the reins of the family business. Often, we begin with limited skills, have minimal formal industry training and largely “learn by our mistakes.” [...]

Merriam-Webster’s defines craft as: “an occupation or trade requiring manual dexterity or artistic skill.” As this relates to marine fabricators, I would tweak this sentence to read: “requiring manual dexterity and artistic skill.” The finest efforts by marine fabricators are works of art, as anyone can see by looking at The MFA Fabrication Awards. Here [...]