2023 MFA Fabrication Excellence Awards

Published On: March 1, 2023Categories: Awards

Sponsored by the Marine Fabricators Association (MFA), the Fabrication Excellence Awards contest is designed to recognize excellence in marine fabrication. The entries are judged by a panel of certified marine professionals. Awards of Excellence and Outstanding Achievement Awards are given in each category.

The MFA recognizes two Awards of Distinction, chosen from the Award of Excellence winners. All winners receive a press release and an award plaque to celebrate their achievements. All of the winning projects, including photos and descriptions, are available on the MFA website, marinecanvas.com, and at marinefabricatormag.com.


Hybrid Enclosures » Sailboat & Powerboat

Award of Excellence

Charlton’s Marine Canvas
Sea Ray 44 Sedan Bridge
Installation: Mike Charlton
Materials: Docril® by Docril Fabrics® LLC, TUFFAK® Marine 5 polycarbonate by Plaskolite Inc., O’Sea® polished 40-gauge vinyl by O’Sullivan Films Inc., SolarFix® thread by Solar Fix
Project Description: This project consisted of two biminis, a full enclosure and two headliners. The customer wanted as much visibility as possible and wanted to make sure there was enough airflow on hot summer days to keep cool. Project challenges included an interior ceiling with a mesh headliner to hide the framework. It was all 60-gauge polycarbonate except for the two side U-zip inserts, which were 40-gauge O’Sea®. These had to roll up so they wouldn’t overlap the front and back polycarbonate U-zips. For a clean look, the lower fasteners were completely hidden with a separate flap sewn to the inside of the panel. The craziest part of this project was that the framework had a keder track that was part of the pipe to which the bimini tops, mesh headliner and the enclosure all zipped to the exact same welt. All components had to line up perfectly to work out and fit correctly together. 

Charlton’s Marine Canvas
Yorktown, Va.
charltonsmarinecanvas.com

Outstanding Achievement

Canvas Designers
360-Degree-View Ready for Alaska
Installation: Corey Degroff, Michael Gallagher, Robert Erickson, Mike Erickson
Materials: Snow White Stamoid Top by Serge Ferrari North America Inc., EZ2CY® impact-modified acrylic, YKK Zippers by YKK®, SolarFix® thread by Solar Fix
Project Description: This was a 14-panel combination rigid and soft sundeck surround enclosure on a 156 Delta motor yacht. The aft side is composed of nine rigid EZ2CY panels and five large soft 40 mil panels. The rigid component is track-to-track installed in front of a tempered glass surround. The aft soft component is the track top and recessed floor hardware on the bottom. The panel breaks are specifically designed so that the lifting of panels provides maximum airflow. This boat will spend fall, winter and spring in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and will then travel to Alaska for the summer. The enclosure needed to be designed and function so that it could be easily taken down on very warm days and re-deployed on cooler days in Mexico as well as being functional in Alaska for much cooler/colder daily use. The aft section can be quickly taken down, rolled and stowed to allow open air into the bridge area and hot tub use.

Canvas Designers Inc.
Riviera Beach, Fla.
canvasdesigners.com

Outstanding Achievement

Oyster Creek Canvas Co.
Gunkholing Glory
Installation:
Greg Keeler, Matt Jones
Materials: Sunbrella® by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC, TUFFAK® Marine 5 polycarbonate by Plaskolite Inc., Top Gun® by Marlen Textiles, Strataglass by Strataglass LLC
Project Description: The customers wanted some protection from the sun and rain and to increase the usable space on their boat. To quickly get some airflow up on the flybridge, U-zips were installed in the polycarbonate windows to easily snap up. A strip of fabric was added across the top of the U-zip windows so that there is no stress on the corner top of the zippers and they hinge up nicely and sit flat on the inside when they are snapped up. The customers wanted the aft bimini for shade when they are sitting out on the back of the aft cabin, and then also to be able to fold it up easily and stow it in a boot when they are fishing and crabbing. They were really happy with the final project and said they spent two full days just sitting up on the flybridge checking it out.

Oyster Creek Canvas Co.
Bellingham, Wash.
oystercreekcanvas.com


Marine Exterior Upholstery

Award of Excellence

Boatman Marine Canvas
Black Flame
Materials:
Islander by Spradling® International Inc.
Project Description: This 2005 22-foot MB Sports ski boat needed an updated interior, which was already unique with the black flames, but was worn and dated with elements like gold cording. The customer wanted to keep the black flame design and eliminate the gold trim. It is unusual for lake boats to have this particular flame design. The aggressive design of the boat was interesting, and the design challenge was to keep the main focus on the flames. A lot of the busy, distracting original gold cording was eliminated and replaced with top-stitched sections, which gave the interior a more modern, clean look. Adding the red cording accents throughout the interior, especially the little splash of red integrated in the flames, kicked the design up a notch and the customer loved the quality of the work and the red accents.

Boatman Marine Canvas
Oklahoma City, Okla.
boatmanmarinecanvas.com

Outstanding Achievement

In Stitches Customs
Purrfection Fast Cat
Materials:
Sunbrella® Horizon Capriccio White and Sunbrella Horizon Capriccio Burgundy by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC, Carbon Fiber Silver by Spradling International Inc.®, Aruvo lifetime thread by Fil-Tec Inc., SeaDek® flooring by SeaDek® Marine Products
Project Description: This 2008 Eliminator Fast Cat was dated, worn and sunburnt. The customer wanted the sporty look of a new boat with updated styling but wanted to maintain the practical aspects of the boat layout. The customer liked the bucket seats in the back of the new boats but didn’t want to give up the ability to lounge in the back seat. As a solution, the illusion of bucket seats was designed, but the flat cushions for lounging were maintained. The curved radiating diamond pattern satisfied the customer’s request for diamonds but added a unique twist. The addition of the burgundy center panel and silver outer frame produced the combination of curves and lines that gave the design its sporty vibe. Project execution required careful attention to detail and the use of an acrylic template to lay out the diamonds and ensure consistency. EVA foam flooring sporting the curved radiating diamond design used in the upholstery completed the design.

In Stitches Customs
Lake Havasu City, Ariz.
institchescustoms.com

Outstanding Achievement

Lake Shore Boat Top Co.Inc.
Quilted Chris-Craft
Installation:
Mark Durecki, Chris Minne, Gregory Phillips
Materials: Sunbrella® Horizon by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC, SolarFix® thread by Solar Fix
Project Description: The clients wanted to remodel their older Chris-Craft to create a “new” modern-day-looking boat without having to buy a new boat. The hybrid-style design modernized this boat to their liking. The customers had to have the quilting, which took many sewing hours, to deliver the final look and they were very happy with the result. An automated cutting table/plotter was used to design and draw all the quilting. The job had many detailed pieces throughout that required close attention so everything would line up properly. All the foam was replaced in this job, and a lot of the hardware needed to be replaced too. The goal was to make this look like a 2022 Chris-Craft, and the final design hit the nail right on the head!  

Lake Shore Boat Top Co. Inc.
St. Clair Shores, Mich.
lakeshoreboattop.com


Transformations (Before & After)

Award of Excellence

Canvas Designers
Sunny Sunseeker Facelift
Installation:
Corey Degroff, Michael Gallagher, Memo Gutierrez, Robert Erickson
Materials: Sunbrella® Nurture Pebble, Sunbrella Horizon Capriccio Cadet Grey and Sunbrella Horizon Textil Navy by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC, Tottori Origami White by Ultrafabrics® Inc., WeatherMAX® 80 Light Charcoal by Safety Components Fabric Technologies Inc., Stamoid Light Snow White by Serge Ferrari North America Inc.
Project Description: This stunning 74 Sunseeker flybridge model had its exterior cushions and upholstery completely renewed. The fabrics on the sunbed areas are Sunbrella Horizon Capriccio Cadet Grey with Sunbrella Horizon Textil Navy welting. The sitting areas on the boat are covered in Sunbrella Nurture Pebble. All areas have a custom honeycomb quilting. The U-shaped interior sofa is upholstered in Ultrafabrics Tottori Origami White. The utility covers for the exterior of the boat are done in WeatherMAX 80 in Light Charcoal. The bimini top was re-covered in Stamoid Light Snow White fabric. This project is uniquely different in that it combines Sunbrella fabric and vinyl palettes in proximity while maintaining the aesthetic look of the quilting pattern. This allows the customer to use the sunpads and helm seats in vinyl without fear of staining while at the same time having the comfort of the fabric in the guest seating areas.

Canvas Designers Inc.
Riviera Beach, Fla.
canvasdesigners.com

Outstanding Achievement

In Stitches Customs
Koru-New Life
Materials:
Sunbrella® Horizon Capriccio by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC, Carbon Fiber Silver, Simtex Kiwi and Zander by Spradling International Inc.®, SeaDek® flooring by Seadeck® Marine Products
Project Description: A good example of breathing life into an old boat, this project involved the fabricators/owners giving a complete interior makeover to a boat they have owned for about 10 years. The goal was to make the boat more functional and to give it an updated look that would not go out of style. After stripping the entire boat, they built an entirely new and modern interior with additions such as cupholders and speaker cubbies in the bow, a new captain’s chair and a real backseat with storage underneath. A fiberglass/gel-coated floor was added to allow for updated flooring. Carpeted boat sides have the company logo as does the vinyl wrap that covers the faded and dated gelcoat. A custom Halo bimini was built that mounts directly to the tower and allows for access to boards and skis that are on the storage racks. Because this was a personal boat, improvements were made with “sweat equity” without concern for the cost. 

In Stitches Customs
Lake Havasu City, Ariz.
institchescustoms.com

Outstanding Achievement

Chicago Marine Canvas
Under-Arch Frame Conversion
Materials:
Sunbrella® Mediterranean Blue Tweed by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC, Strataglass by Strataglass LLC, SolarFix® thread by Solar Fix
Project Description: The existing canvas was in shambles, and the customers wanted a new canvas enclosure that extended farther to the back of the boat. Most importantly, they wanted it to look “cool.” The new design added a track system to the arch to support the canvas, which would allow for more headroom and an up-to-date look. The current stainless steel framing was in great shape, so the forward section could be used as is. The rear frame section needed to be retrofitted for the canvas to attach to the arch track and also rearranged to have it extend farther back. The customers appreciated the utilization of the existing frame, which kept the project within their budget. The results looked fantastic, and the customers were very pleased with the outcome and, most importantly, they thought the boat looked “very cool!”

Chicago Marine Canvas
Chicago, Ill.
chicagomarinecanvas.com

Outstanding Achievement

Yachtsman’s Canvas
Jeanneau 50 DS Overhaul
Installation:
Keri Ames
Materials: Sunbrella® Horizon Capriccio Cadet Grey by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC, Stamskin Top by Serge Ferrari North America Inc., TUFFAK® Marine 5 polycarbonate by Plaskolite Inc., SolarFix® thread by Solar Fix, YKK Zippers by YKK®
Project Description: The project consisted of a dodger and frame, bimini top re-cover, external solar panel frame (above bimini), and complete set of cockpit cushions, seats and backs for a 2017 50-foot Jeanneau Deck Saloon sailboat. The boat originally consisted of a bimini-only in bright blue. For their partial-year live-aboard, the clients requested an expansive dodger in both height (aft and forward) and width, added solar panels to the bimini top and comfortable seating. The fabric color of Cadet Grey was chosen to complement the gray coloring in the boat name and toe rail striping of the blue hull. It also significantly reduces the temperature in the cockpit area during the summer heat. A striped pattern fabric with gray accents complements the overall design of the boat. In addition, the bimini and dodger were fabricated to allow for the addition of an enclosure at a near-future date. The final project really provides a sense of extended outdoor living to be enjoyed at dock, anchor or underway.

Yachtsman’s Canvas
North Wales, Pa.
yachtsmanscanvas.com


Marine Interior Upholstery

Award of Excellence

Precision Custom Canvas Inc.
Azimut Adjustment, Part 2
Installation:
Jeff Newkirk
Materials: Microsuede, Majilite
Project Description: The clients wanted to clean and brighten the staterooms on the lower deck. The main salon ceiling had been reupholstered with white microsuede prior to their acquisition of the vessel, and they wanted to continue that white theme but with a coordinating vinyl wallcovering. The Majilite vinyl has a modern stratified pattern that appealed to the design concept. Challenges included the overall complexity of the shapes, the reverse engineering to gain access to all the components, and the volume of on-site gluing and upholstering. Also required was selective and careful cutting within the existing cabinetry to split panels, then have them come back together and look like part of the original design. The project also required the removal or disassembly of much of the structural framing behind the panels to gain access to the full ceiling in the forward stateroom, and the door frames and closets disassembled to complete the wall paneling. 

Precision Custom Canvas Inc.
St. Catharines, Ont., Canada
precisioncanvas.com

Outstanding Achievement

Kustom Canvas & Vinyl
Cabo
Materials:
Silvertex® by Spradling International Inc.®, Naugahyde® Casablanca by Uniroyal Engineered Products LLC
Project Description: The client wanted to update old, outdated upholstery on two helm chairs, flybridge upholstery and saloon lounges. Starting from scratch brought new life into the saloon lounges by using a soft, luxurious leather and three separate composite foams for ultimate comfort. The old helm chairs, which had a dated design with basic slip-on covers, were updated with composite foams on custom Nycel boards for a nicer finish and recessed backrest panels to expose the teak. The starboard saloon lounge backrest had a substantial number of divided panels. Patterning the job accurately and achieving a smooth finish required the use of a material that mimicked the characteristics of leather. The finished project creates a streamlined, luxurious fit featuring clean lines and a modern feel.

Kustom Canvas & Vinyl
Queensland, Australia
kustomcanvas.com


Powerboat—Soft Enclosures

Award of Excellence

Bootssattlerei Hallier
Cobalt 200s
Materials:
Sunbrella® Plus by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC, Renolit Prime Crystal Clear rolled vinyl by Renolit, Gore® Tenara® thread by W.L. Gore & Associates Inc., YKK Zippers by YKK®
Project Description: The clients wanted a large bimini and to be able to use the whole bowrider in bad weather conditions. Larger frames than the original ones were made to go over the windshield, offering excellent sun protection at the helm seat. Since the Cobalt has an extended bathing platform, the back panels were fastened directly above the rub rail at the stern resulting in even more space beneath the closed enclosure. The customers wanted to boat with the entire enclosure snapped on the front panels with their windows, which was challenging. The normal roller clear had to fit perfectly to get the window vinyl to look like glass. Also, the customers wanted to be able to leave the boat at the bow and to roll up the middle part of the front panel. Using the snaps of the travel cover meant the side panels also became quite large.

Bootssattlerei Hallier
Bad Abbach, Germany
bootssattlerei-hallier.de

Outstanding Achievement

Bootssattlerei Hallier
Beelitz Backdecker
Materials:
 Sunbrella® Plus by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC, Cristal Plus 800 rolled vinyl by Giofex, Gore® Tenara® thread by W.L. Gore & Associates Inc., YKK Zippers by YKK®
Project Description: This Beelitz Backdecker won the Concours d’Elegance at the Cannes Yachting Festival in 2019, and the customers wanted to be able to use their boat for longer one- and two-week holiday trips. The old enclosure didn’t really fit and wasn’t nice to look at either. The hull was manufactured in wooden lightweight construction and the original windshield wasn’t very stable. The new frames had to be reinforced in the area of the deck fittings from underneath. The four support poles made it possible not to have too much tension on the windshield. For fastening the back panels, a mixture of the existing LoXX and webbing straps from inside were used. Using ball fittings for the frames allows the customers to lay them down below the windshield for trailering.

Bootssattlerei Hallier
Bad Abbach, Germany
bootssattlerei-hallier.de

Outstanding Achievement

Chicago Marine Canvas
A Striped Affare
Materials:
Sunbrella® Mayfield Collection Beaufort Classic and Sunbrella Slate by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC, Strataglass by Strataglass LLC, SolarFix® thread by Solar Fix
Project Description: The customer recently purchased the Sea Ray 420 Sundancer® “Affare A Vita” and wanted a new enclosure. The primary focus was to extend the current short rear frame to a camper enclosure style, and the customer chose a striped awning fabric, which presented numerous challenges. The customer wanted the back canvas top to be static but did not want the frame supports going farther back. Using a 1¼-inch stainless steel frame with arcing supports from the radar arch allowed for extra openness when the enclosure panels were removed. During the CAD design process, positioning the stripes was a primary challenge. Seaming the two tops down the middle created a chevron pattern, with the stripes running parallel to the sides of the frame, creating an effect of the stripes coming together for the forward and back sections at the arch. The enclosure is a great conversation starter and has resulted in multiple referrals.

Chicago Marine Canvas
Chicago, Ill.
chicagomarinecanvas.com


Powerboat—Rigid Enclosures

Award of Excellence

Oyster Creek Canvas
Meridain Magic
Installation:
Greg Keeler, Matt Jones, Deann Clees
Materials: Sunbrella® by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC, TUFFAK® Marine 5 polycarbonate by Plaskolite Inc., Top Gun® by Marlen Textiles
Project Description: The clients had an old, tattered production-made top that was basically unusable. They wanted something clear to see out of, something that would last, and something where you could get airflow easily without having to undo a bunch of snaps and roll the windows up. Starting with a new five-bow 1.25-inch frame to get the length that was required, the enclosure was built from there. Tensioning straps were used to hold the intermediate bows in place after rethinking and testing the forces that are on the bows when pockets are used to hold them up. The result was a perfectly tensioned top that can easily hold the weight of the polycarbonate windows. The customers were extremely happy with the final product.

Oyster Creek Canvas
Bellingham, Wash.
oystercreekcanvas.com

Outstanding Achievement

Canvas Services
Sportfishing Flybridge Enclosure
Materials:
Cadet Gray Sunbrella® by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC, TUFFAK® Marine 5 polycarbonate by Plaskolite Inc.
Project Description: For this flybridge enclosure, the customer wanted large, clear, long-lasting windows with minimal view obstruction and as many large zipper smiles as possible to maximize ventilation. The design called for polycarbonate window vinyl so it would last a long time and provide the clearest windows. The windows extend down past the rod holders with cutouts to further maximize the view from the flybridge. This enclosure has four zipper smiles and will last the customer for many years. The client was willing to pay the extra cost of a high-end enclosure to achieve a quality project despite the price point of using polycarbonate windows with this many smiles, which sets this project apart and made it a fun and rewarding project for the fabrication team and the customer. 

Canvas Services
San Diego, Calif.
canvasservices.com

Outstanding Achievement

BayView Canvas
Look Ma, No Seams!
Installation:
Tonya Marozzi, Jamie Marozzi
Materials: Sunbrella® by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC, TUFFAK® Marine 5 polycarbonate by Plaskolite Inc., SolarFix® thread by Solar Fix, YKK Zippers by YKK®
Project Description: The customer’s wish list included ease of use, optimal clarity and a unique design that would set his enclosure apart from everyone else’s. To gain optimal clarity, all zippers and seams were removed between the gull wing and the gunwale, two panels were combined into one, and the decision was made to design this as a rigid enclosure to make the curve of the polycarbonate from the gull wing to gunwale really pop. With a J zipper that curves at the top and runs all the way to the bottom of the panel, the door is able to swing forward or back. A few snaps on the console allow the door to snap in, creating a temporary doorway that doesn’t require the customer to continually open and close it. The challenging part of putting the J zipper in a curved panel was positioning it carefully so the radius of the panel was pronounced while still allowing adequate room to move front to back. The result was a very happy customer who showed his new enclosure off to all his buddies!

BayView Canvas
West Creek, N.J.
bayviewcanvasnj.com


Sailboat Dogers & Biminis

Award of Excellence

Gemini Marine Products
Dodger and Bimini with Large Solar Array
Installation:
John LeMole, Sam Smith
Materials: Sunbrella® Forest Green by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC, Strataglass by Strataglass LLC, Gore® Tenara® thread by W.L. Gore & Associates Inc., Gemini Marine Products side mounts
Project Description: The project was a rigidly built dodger for offshore sailing with pusher bars, a welded aft grab rail and bolt-through side grabs. It included a strapless bimini and full cockpit enclosure with a solar panel mount. Besides canvas with offshore capabilities, the owner wanted a mounting solution above the bimini for two 350-watt glass-top solar panels that measured 4 feet by 6 feet. The panels needed to extend aft beyond the bimini quite far while still being secure in a seaway or gale. Given the size and weight of the panels, the solar panel installation was definitely the unique and challenging part. The beam width barely fit the panels and the aft overhang was huge. Creating a frame for these that was well supported and very stable in a seaway pushed the team’s creativity.

Gemini Marine Products
Rockland, Maine
geminiproducts.net

Outstanding Achievement

Yachtsman’s Canvas
Melding Classic and Modern Design
Installation:
Keri Ames
Materials: Sunbrella® Smoke by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC, TUFFAK® Marine 5 polycarbonate by Plaskolite Inc., SolarFix® thread by Solar Fix, YKK Zippers by YKK®
Project Description: This project consisted of a full canvas redesign and installation of a dodger with frame, bimini and connector for a classic 1988 36-foot Sabre sailboat. Primary goals were to balance updated and traditional components and to give the 6-foot-tall client the ability to see through the front windshield, not above the dodger, while standing at the helm. The boat’s narrow companionway cabin top and beam created a design challenge for an underframe sight line without creating a disproportional “boxy” or “tugboat” look. Rather than utilizing present-day modern frame techniques (compound bends, curves and cantilever design), the basic frame shape was kept traditional with tweaks to modernize and blend seamlessly with the classic lines of the boat. The frame design and updated window configuration, in conjunction with modern materials including PVC, silicon and acrylic fabric in a contemporary color, resulted in a project with an updated look that honors the original boat design. 

Yachtsman’s Canvas
North Wales, Pa.
yachtsmanscanvas.com

Outstanding Achievement

BayView Canvas
Contrast Is the Spice of Life!
Installation:
Tonya Marozzi, Jamie Marozzi
Materials: Sunbrella® by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC., Seabrook by Morbern®, TUFFAK® Marine 5 polycarbonate by Plaskolite Inc., SolarFix® thread by Solar Fix
Project Description: The customer requested an East Coast-style dodger, connector and two attached biminis that would really stand out in his marina. A unique part of this job is the contrasting gray vinyl rub strip that runs throughout the entire setup, which gives the job a seamless, flowing look. Both biminis connect at the arch via track; the rear bimini has a polycarbonate sailing window with a “sliding” window cover on the outside. Using polycarbonate for the three panels allows for excellent clarity and a beautiful radius, as the panels wrap all the way around from the front to the sides with no wrinkling in the clears. Using three panels instead of five eliminated an additional vertical zipper and seam to enhance visibility.  

BayView Canvas
West Creek, N.J.
bayviewcanvasnj.com


Tops and Sunflys

Award of Excellence

Precision Custom Canvas Inc.
Leave Your Umbrella at Home!
Installation:
Jeff Newkirk
Materials: Stamoid Open by Serge Ferrari North America Inc., SolarFix® thread by Solar Fix
Project Description: The client wanted a permanent shade structure over the aft seating that would flow with the roofline and overall design of the boat. The client was extremely concerned about following the look and flow of the Neptunus 56. The large cantilevered bimini top was designed to flow seamlessly from the existing cabin top, which was not an easy feat given the extreme roundness of the cabin. The design included rather extreme doglegs into the cantilever framework to fit to the shape of the cabin, and it extended the tracking far forward and around the attachment fins of the radar and antenna array for a smooth connection of the Stamoid top. Given the dimension and strength needed for the top, the framework was designed using 1¼-inch stainless steel and fit the aft supporting struts to the existing rail and bolsters that surround the aft seating. The forward struts were heavily contoured to match the roundness of the Neptunus design and were welded on-site for a perfect fit. 

Precision Custom Canvas Inc.
St. Catharines, Ont., Canada
precisioncanvas.com

Outstanding Achievement

Charlton’s Marine Canvas
Game Changer
Installation:
Mike Charlton
Materials: Stamoid Open by Serge Ferrari North America Inc., SolarFix® thread by Solar Fix
Project Description: The client wanted to add some sun protection to the aft curtains to cut down on the heat and cut down on the leaves and dust collecting in the aft end of the boat. He also wanted to leave the sides open for easy access to the boat, as it would be a challenge for him to install when getting off the boat due to the non-floating docks. He also wanted shade while rigging fishing rods or cleaning fish and the boat at the end of the day. The aft backdrop cover is designed to function as a cover but also to be used as a sunfly when needed. The design was very tricky to figure out because the two shapes are completely different. The aft section zips off so it’s short enough to be able to be used as a sunfly. It was necessary to carefully calculate the side curves to allow the sunfly to work properly without taking away from the protection that the cover would provide. Designing the cover/sunfly as one unit also makes for easier storage. 

Charlton’s Marine Canvas
Yorktown, Va.
charltonsmarinecanvas.com

Outstanding Achievement

Boatman Marine Canvas
Shady Diamonds
Materials:
Sunbrella® by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC
Project Description: The customers wanted to replace the bimini top fabric, which was worn out and the color was dated. They bought the boat new in 1995 and wanted a fresh up-to-date look. Since the goal was to transform the boat, the design was a bimini skin that was unique and would make a statement. The design team integrated stripes and diamonds into the design to match the interior and boat cover, with the goal of making it look just as great on the bottom side of the bimini as the top side. Using Sunbrella marine material, the center diamonds were created by sewing 1/8-inch foam between two layers of material. This gave the diamonds depth without being too thick when stored in the zipper boot. In addition to making the matching zipper boot, the creation of matching zipper sleeves made the project look great from the bottom side. This bimini gave the boat that extra-special custom touch.

Boatman Marine Canvas
Oklahoma City, Okla.
boatmanmarinecanvas.com


Travel / Full Covers

Award of Excellence

Chicago Marine Canvas
No Fasteners, No Problem
Materials:
Softouch SD Charcoal by Marlen Textiles, SolarFix® thread by Solar Fix, Suction Cups by SeaSucker®
Project Description: The customer wanted a full cover that would be used when his 2022 Midnight Express 43 was moored at the dock. He did not want fasteners installed into the fiberglass and was also concerned about maintaining the paint job and requested a soft material. The boat had an open bow with seating and upholstery that needed to be covered along with the cockpit area, but the customer did not want a rachet on the full boat cover, which would make it difficult to take dock lines and fenders on and off the boat after docking. SeaSucker suction cups were sourced, field tested and were a perfect fit. The boat was measured with a Prodim Proliner and the cover was designed in CAD. The cover was fit over the bow, secured to the T-top with straps and held in place with 17 SeaSucker suction cups. Softouch SD fabric, which has a soft underside, was used to protect the paint on the hull along with the upholstery when taking the cover on and off. 

Chicago Marine Canvas
Chicago, Ill.
chicagomarinecanvas.com

Outstanding Achievement

Boatman Marine Canvas
Mission Possible
Materials:
Aqualon® Edge Soft by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC
Project Description: The project was a custom travel boat cover with a stripe down the middle for a 1987 20-foot Condor jet boat that the client was restoring to honor his brother’s memory. The team decided to go with the paint design of the boat and ended up with 53 individual pieces of Aqualon Edge Soft. To keep the stripes smooth and flat, there could not be any pleats running through them, so the steering wheel was booted and the pleats were strategically run around the motor area. The black vent cap was painted white, and 1-inch webbing straps were used to create a hidden pouch on the side of the cover that holds the rope ratchet. Since the client was a military man, two patriotic embroidered patches were added on the exhausts. The client loved the project and, most importantly, he said his brother Mark would have loved the cover too. All the small details made the biggest impact. It was a very rewarding project.

Boatman Marine Canvas
Oklahoma City, Okla.
boatmanmarinecanvas.com

Outstanding Achievement

Bootssattlerei Hallier
Sea Ray SPX® 210
Materials:
WeatherMAX® 80 by Safety Components Fabric Technologies Inc., Gore® Tenara® thread by W.L. Gore & Associates Inc.
Project Description: The clients wanted a breathable full cover for their Sea Ray SPX 210 for towing and covering their boat on the water. All clamps and the tank filler needed to be accessible. For covering the boat in the harbor, the clients needed to be able to stand on the bathing platform. Therefore, webbing and one ratchet on each side was used (fastened to the towing hooks below the platform) with Stayputs for fastening. For protecting the platform, the clients zip on the separate cover and just pull it over. Due to its snug fit, no snaps or bungee cord is needed. Because it is difficult to reach the ratchet below the platform on the water, the design makes it possible for the customers just to use bungee cords to tension the full cover backward.

Bootssattlerei Hallier
Bad Abbach, Germany
bootssattlerei-hallier.de


Uniquely Different

Award of Excellence

Canvas Designers
Say “No Way” to Spray
Installation:
Corey Degroff, Robert Erickson
Materials: Stamoid Top by Serge Ferrari North America Inc., Regalite® Firma O’Sea® polished 60-gauge vinyl by O’Sullivan Films Inc., EZ2CY® impact-modified acrylic, YKK Zippers by YKK®
Project Description: The client wanted his side wing panels to open and close like a door so that he could use them in the out position as a door and swing them into a magnet system to latch when running. This design element was critical and required extreme customization. A custom hinge system was developed that allows the doors to be easily removed with one socket screw when not in use and yet also clears all the objects to be able to swing in and out. A connecting panel was developed using 60 mil Regalite to transit the forward edge out, providing a clear plane to swing the door. The frames of the doors are made with aluminum extrusions that were machined, bent, welded and powder coated in-house. This was an extremely challenging project given the 3D aspects of swinging out to latch at the rod holder while providing adequate protection, clearing armrests and latching to magnets. It was also a challenge to create a functioning hinge system that also allowed the door panels to be easily removed. 

Canvas Designers Inc.
Riviera Beach, Fla.
canvasdesigners.com

Outstanding Achievement

In Stitches Customs
Unicorn
Materials:
Sunbrella® Printable by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC
Project Description: The customer wanted a new high-speed bimini and replacement carpet kit. He didn’t want what everyone else had; he wanted to stand out. The bimini was built in-house using U.S.-made 1-inch stainless tubing and stabilized with solid stands and a cross brace. The print was designed to emulate the design on the exterior of the boat and was coated with a special UV coating. A custom inlaid carpet kit with meandering tribal flames was added that also matched the gelcoat. The size and bulk of the carpet complicated the inlay process, which made the project extremely challenging. The success of these projects required some unique ideas and skills, providing an opportunity to think and create outside the box on not one project, but two.

In Stitches Customs
Lake Havasu City, Ariz.
institchescustoms.com

Outstanding Achievement

Mike’s Marine Custom Canvas
Christmas in July
Installation:
Dan Johnson
Materials: Sunbrella® by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC
Project Description: ’Twas the night before canvas and all through the shop, Santa stopped by before I locked up. I ran outside to see what’s the matter… his sleigh cover had been shredded and tattered. I sharpened my shears and loaded my bobbin, while Mr. and Mrs. Claus were egg nogging. I seamed and I bound as fast as I could, then replaced the old worn-out snaps in the wood. We then shared milk and cookies before they took flight. Merry CANVAS to All! And to All a Good Night!

Mike’s Marine
Custom Canvas
Virginia Beach, Va.
mikesmarinecanvas.com