Submitters to the annual Tools, Tips and Tricks competition at the 2024 Marine Fabricators Conference, Jan. 25–27, 2024, at Tradewinds Resort, St. Pete Beach, Fla., will have the option of presenting their submissions live and answering audience questions. They can also choose to have their submissions presented by the emcee or via video. As always, the audience will vote for their favorites, and the top three winners will win these prizes:

• 1st place–Four sheets Marine Mat Kit ($1,700 value–Sponsored by Marine Mat) and one full registration to the 2025 Marine Fabricator Conference and the Dan Racine Award
• 2nd place–30-yard roll of Neptune Marine Vinyl ($600 value–Sponsored by Keyston Bros.)
• 3rd place–$250 gift card (Visa or similar–Sponsored by Robeco)

Tools, Tips and Tricks are things fabricators do in their shops to save time, money or do a job in a unique way. Even the simplest solutions are a great help to other shops. One year’s winner submitted a zipper storage tip that was a plastic bin with a hole cut out of the lid to easily pull out a zipper and cut it to size. Simple yet brilliant.

Submissions can include a tool or piece of equipment used for something completely outside of what the packaging says, a custom tool, a tip or a trick that gets the job done better. Submissions can be made online either in text with photos or a short video (under a minute please). The rules on anonymity have been lifted in 2024, so submissions can include names and company logos.

To submit, click here.