Mike Boatman wins 2025 Tools, Tips and Tricks contest

Published On: January 13, 2025Categories: ATA News, Company News, Industry News, MFA Conference, News, Tools, Tips and Tricks

The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) held its annual Tools, Tips and Tricks contest Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 during the Marine Fabricators Conference in Corpus Christi, Texas.

This contest shares innovative tips, clever how-to ideas or DIY techniques. Simple solutions that save time and money or help with doing a job in a unique way make a big impact in the marine fabrication industry.

Alonso Mercarder was the general sponsor for this contest. First, second and third place prizes were sponsored by Keyston Bros., Serge Ferrari Group and Robeco, respectively.

The MFA received 17 tools, 7 tips and 7 tricks to showcase at the 2025 conference. The presentation detailed each submission with explanatory photos and video demonstrations, to give attendees insight over each tool, tip or trick’s impact. Everyone voted via paper ballot for their three overall favorites.

Mike Boatman, Boatman Marine Canvas in Oklahoma City, Okla., won first place with his “Daytona Wheeled Dolly” tool. In his submission, he said the dolly is perfect for “when you need to get that car or boat in your shop in just the right spot to provide you with extra space. This is a perfect solution. Each dolly holds up to 1300 pounds.”

Boatman also won second place for his “Lil Weggie” tool. Kyle Van Damme, Marine Tops Unlimited in Omro, Wis., won third place for his “Multi-Purpose Table.”

The MFA encourages fabricators to keep track of all unique tools, helpful tips and handy tricks they use in 2025, so they can submit them with photos and videos for the 2026 conference. What may seem simplistic or of low importance to one fabricator may be a shop-changing lightbulb moment to another.

Mike Boatman holds a trophy and certificate and poses with MFA Chair Charlene Clark, IFM.
Mike Boatman, Boatman Marine Canvas in Oklahoma City, Okla., receives his Tools, Tips and Tricks award from MFA Chair Charlene Clark, IFM, Signature Canvasmakers LLC in Hampton, Va.