Beyond the initial investment, acquiring a large machine can dramatically enhance the efficiency, precision, and profitability of boat and related component manufacturing. Photo: Zünd America Inc.® Marine fabricators invest in big machines to improve efficiency, increase production and maintain competitiveness. Of course, these large investments are not simple decisions due to the high upfront costs, [...]

One of several methods Canvas Craft Inc. uses to digitize objects or structures is the Proliner digital measuring tool, shown above. Such digital systems have enabled the company to quickly train people on specialized work. Photo: Canvas Craft Adam Penner, founder and principal consultant of Denver-based AP Consulting and Technical Services, offers this broad outline [...]

Tom Stephan’s daughter, Savannah, sewing fabric. “This would become part of a pirate costume, used for the family to attend Never Say Never Foundation’s Pirate Camp, for families with upper or lower limb differences,” Stephan says. Photo: Shoo In LLC Employers in the trade industries are searching for ways to attract top talent, particularly those [...]

Plotting/cutting table technology has made significant strides over the past several years. Some key advancements mentioned by Chris Gilmartin, sales manager, North America, for Pathfinder Cutting Technology LLC in Indianapolis, include: Improvements in cutting-head design and motion-control systems. These advancements have increased the range of materials that can be cut on a single table and [...]

Photo: Autometrix Digital plotting/cutting technology stands to offer solid benefits to marine fabricators, many of whom may be struggling to address labor shortages and other production challenges. Even so, some of these machines come with hefty price tags. As such, whether buying a table for the first time or adding another one to your floor, [...]

The soft enclosure work, done here by Ki-Raphael Sulkowski at K1 Marine Trimming, reflects the climate where the boat will be used. In Australia, where he is located, sea breezes mean a lot of water spray. Photo: K1 Marine Trimming If you want to keep customers happy, it pays to know in advance what they [...]

The biggest challenge fabricating this custom, mounted 6-foot bimini and snap-on cockpit cover and bow cover was lining the stripes up between the three covers. Read more about the project in the sidebar Photo: Paul’s Custom Canvas For nearly 50 years, Paul’s Custom Canvas has made a name for itself in Denver, Colo., through steady [...]

© Mrtwister| Dreamstime.com The Tools, Tips and Tricks contest, sponsored by the Marine Fabricators Association (MFA), is an annual feature at the Marine Fabricators Conference. Attendees submit ideas that have improved their shop life and fellow conference-goers vote for their top three to win prizes. At the 2026 conference, submitters shared additional details about their [...]

Polyester fabrics, such as the HarborTime® Edge Marine Fabric from Trivantage®, are often made into full covers because of their easier handling and smaller storage requirements. Photo: Trivantage Today’s plethora of textile options may seem like a godsend. However, having such abundance may be confusing or worrisome, given how important finding the right solution for [...]

© Andrii Yalanskyi | Dreamstime.com People often use digital devices to work, communicate, entertain themselves, get directions, and shop for goods and services. While there are always exceptions to the rule, a business’s success and growth are now connected to reaching potential or existing clients on their smartphones, tablets, laptops or smartwatches. “Ten years ago, [...]