Custom projects offer fabricators a numbers of advantages, such as interesting work, a broader customer base and a reputation as a can-do company. The owner of this 2003 Chaparral 232 Sunesta had a simple request of Southern Stitch Canvas & Upholstery—make it new. Shown here is the one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted, tailor-trimmed interior featuring textured material and [...]

2019 looks like another year of growth for the marine industry, according to IFAI’s market research. The U.S. economy is above full employment and consumer confidence is at a 17-year high. Entering 2019, consumers see a stronger economy than do businesses; however, both believe the economy has room to grow. Although marine fabricators welcome an [...]

By Terri Madden A headboard or wall panel is the focal point of a cabin. It can be configured in any shape or size and can be easily made by selecting a material and stretching and stapling it over foam and PVC.  A headboard or wall panel is the focal point of a cabin. Selecting [...]

High-quality products help you create durable, attractive and successful projects. For this feature, we asked our contributors to send us information about their high-performing products. The product information was submitted by the participating manufacturers and suppliers by the established deadline. The products are organized into three categories: Fabric, Film, Foam and Flooring; Equipment, Tools & [...]

By David Huntington Marketing is a critical component in the success of all businesses, and marine fabrication is no different. You may be booked weeks in advance, but even established shops should include marketing in their annual business plan to continue to build “brand equity”—making your brand valuable to the customer. Strong brand equity improves [...]

by Kyle Van Damme, MFC This photo shows a camper back aft enclosure on a Formula® 40PC that is secured to the hardtop using a track and keder welt system. Using a track and keder welt combo to fasten an enclosure to a boat gives your project a sleek and seamless look. It sets your [...]

Back Creek Canvas Shawn James www.backcreekcanvas.com Norwell, Mass.  D Squared and Blu Water Canvas Deborah Dorland Selak www.bluwatercanvas.com Tahoe City, Calif.  Dunlap Industries Inc. Mike Kwasnik www.dunlapworld.com Dunlap, Tenn.    Even Keel Canvas Whitney Carman www.evenkeelcanvas.com El Segundo, Calif.    Hayden Island Canvas Josh Davis www.haydenislandcanvas.com Portland, Ore.    Kustom Kovers Dennis Ogburn www.kustomkovers.com Daytona [...]

Dear Editor, Concerning your article “Clearing up the differences” (Jan/Feb 2019), I take issue with the quotation “extruded vinyl…can be an appropriate choice for applications that don’t see prolonged exposure to the environment.” Many factors determine the longevity of a vinyl window but how the vinyl is processed is not one of them. Responsible suppliers [...]

Maintenance—and knowing your machine—means less downtime It’s human nature. Even the best-intentioned person doesn’t always floss his or her teeth daily. And, as it turns out, not all fabricators read the instruction manuals for their sewing machines. Or take the time to keep up with the machine’s maintenance needs. The sewing machine is the heart [...]

These are submissions to the 2018 and 2019 Marine Fabricators Conference Tools, Tips and Tricks contest. Tip 1  Use color coding to track job progress I purchase multicolor job folders from our local office supply company and coordinate my Outlook calendar using category colors that correspond with the folders. —Joni Johnstone, Lakeside Marine Canvas Inc. [...]