May 2022

  • Published On: May 11, 2022

    The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) released a free Energy Optimization Toolkit that manufacturers can download to reduce energy costs, improve sustainability and increase resilience, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association website. As marine manufacturers continue acting in their commitment to increase sustainability efforts and lessen impact on the environment, industry stakeholders are encouraged [...]

  • Published On: May 10, 2022

    Organizers of the 2023 Marine Fabricators Conference, which will be held Jan. 26-28, 2023, at the Sheraton New Orleans, in New Orleans, La., are looking for conference speakers. Speaker proposals must be free of commercial content, and conference organizers are especially interested in educational sessions that provide hands-on demonstrations covering topics such as patterning, business [...]

  • Published On: May 5, 2022

    Registration is now open for IFAI Expo 2022, taking place October 12–14 with education happening from October 11–14 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C. IFAI Expo is known as the specialty textile industry's flagship show for sourcing, networking and education. It’s an opportunity to join thousands of industry stakeholders and leaders who are [...]

  • Published On: May 4, 2022

    More than 415,000 first-time boat buyers of new and pre-owned boats entered the market in 2021, on par with 2020 and at levels the industry hasn’t seen since 2007, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Info-Link, a market intelligence firm serving the recreational boating industry. First-time boat buyers accounted for 34 percent [...]

  • Published On: May 1, 2022

    Are your marketing efforts attracting the types of clients and projects you’re interested in? If not, how should you go about it? The first step, obviously, is creating quality projects. And then you need to get the word out to your desired clients. For Midwesterners like myself, tooting our own horns can feel uncomfortable, but [...]

  • Published On: May 1, 2022

    The recent proliferation of well-publicized cyberattacks has revealed ransomware to be a serious national security threat. Still largely hidden from public view, however, are the attacks on small businesses, including many within the industrial, specialty and advanced textile industry, that don’t make the headlines. Surprisingly, while ransomware attacks have become a multibillion-dollar threat, the average [...]

  • Published On: May 1, 2022

    At Interiors by Dawn, the ultimate cushion design—which provides increased drainage and airflow, reduced mold and mildew growth and longevity—is always evolving. This is not for every customer or project; we tailor and customize our cushions to fit each individual project. However, we make sure to discuss these options with customers so they understand what’s [...]

  • Published On: May 1, 2022

    A Hood bimini enclosure on a Beneteau Swift Trawler 42. The forward enclosure panels are tucked under the windshield to the fasteners with a seam hidden along the edge of the windshield by fabric strips. Pattern darting is a useful technique to have in any marine fabricator’s toolbox. This article will provide an example of [...]

  • Published On: May 1, 2022

    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; Equipment, Tools & Miscellaneous; and Hardware and Findings. You can see the 2022 Premier [...]

  • Published On: May 1, 2022

    Greg Keeler, Oyster Creek Canvas Co., was working for a dive company 21 years ago when he was offered a $300 a month rental space. He says he had no idea what to do with the space, “but then I acquired an antique sewing machine and started learning to use it.” Photo: Steve Johnston-ExposureLeak If [...]