In the recent past, innovative fabricators have created more flexible shade structures to allow boaters to enjoy their time in the sun with less risk to the dangers of overexposure, yet still maintaining flexibility of open-air cruising. A decade ago, shading on boats was relegated to permanent or semi-permanent structures. Marine fabricators, however, [...]

Jeri Perillo, president of Custom Canvas of Charleston in Charleston, S.C. Photo: Betsy Hansen "The relationships we’ve built that have resulted in revenue streams weren’t something we went looking for; they came to us,” says Jeri Perillo, president of Custom Canvas of Charleston in Charleston, S.C. “If you do a good job on [...]

Updates to a boat’s interior design and upholstery provide boat owners the opportunity to easily express their individuality through their boat’s appearance. Options for creative expression have never been greater thanks to new colors, textures and patterns produced in high-performance fabrics. Fabric trends Traditional nautical colors are updated in this salon through the creative [...]

Information about clear window options can be overwhelming and challenging, but being able to educate your customers on what's available will help you make right decision for their needs. This can set your canvas shop apart from the competition. Setting your canvas shop apart from the competition can be challenging, especially in the [...]

Winning a government contract is not easy, but they offer tremendous revenue opportunities that should not be ignored. By Barb Ernster Despite all the focus on cutting government budgets, including across-the-board military cuts, Uncle Sam still needs good contractors. Winning a government contract is not easy, but once you learn how to navigate the system, [...]

In today’s challenging market, many in the marine fabrication industry are looking for ways to diversify their businesses and offer new services to clients. One service area that could be a logical fit is boat wrapping. As an almost 30-year veteran of the boat painting and wrapping industry, I have witnessed the development of the [...]

By Naseem Mauddi Developing and executing a well-planned marketing strategy for your fabrication and upholstery shop can help increase profits and propel it to new levels of success. With so many proven methods available, including fliers, commercials, sponsorships and special promotions, the possibilities are endless. However, none of these marketing tools will make a difference [...]

An arrangement of hair-on leather trunks makes a stunning centerpiece in a lounge area of the 147-foot motor yacht "Africa," made by Sunrise Yachts. Interior design by Franck Darnet. Hair-on leather can evoke an exotic setting or the American West, depending upon the overall "look" of an interior. Photo: M.Carlin, LuxMedia Group/Sunrise Yachts. [...]

An investment in new canvas above and below deck is a cost-effective way for boat owner to have the feeling of a new boat at a fraction of the cost. In today’s business climate, everyone is looking for growth opportunities, including marine fabricators who have felt the effects of consumers holding on to [...]

Marine, hot rod and aircraft upholstery accelerates profits by capitalizing on customers' custom needs. By Abbie Yarger In a world of mass production and one-size-fits-all, the factory-made box isn’t suitable for everyone. People are constantly transforming themselves or the things they own to stand out from the masses and make a lasting visual impact. Some [...]