When securing one thing to another thing, the project often dictates the method, which is why in most shops you’ll find an array of attachment tools and hardware. Still, some are relied on more than others, inspiring us to wonder—what fasteners and attachment tools can’t marine fabricators do without? Here’s what they told us.  Stayput [...]

Since 2018, Chicago Marine Canvas has outgrown three locations and expanded its staff. Owner Vince Innocenzi’s pride in his company’s projects extends to aesthetics. “You want to protect the boat and its occupants, but…you want to make it look beautiful.” The enclosure shown won an Outstanding Achievement Award in the 2023 MFA Fabrication Excellence Awards. [...]

A Costa Marine fabric design on a Viking ship. Fabricator Donna Costa says there’s a trend these days toward gray fabrics, both light and dark. Photo: Costa Marine Canvas and Enclosures Most people that have a boat have fabulous homes and have worked with designers,” says John Kelly, interior designer and president of WBC Design [...]

This project was fabricated by Canvas Girl, a canvas shop in Key West, Fla., that involved a helm enclosure with snaps, DOT fasteners and straps. Shop owner Jen Jarland says, “It takes a lot of different body actions to accomplish this kind of install.” Photo: Canvas Girl Sewing techniques and fabric expertise are obvious critical [...]

©Boyarkinamarina Dreamstime.com While some organizations are still grappling with quiet quitting or the aftereffects of the “Great Resignation,” fabricators and textile and fabric manufacturers are facing a somewhat different situation—bringing new employees into the industry, which is a predicament that is becoming increasingly important to address. “Many of our textiles manufacturers have workforces comprised of [...]

According to Gloria Mei, regional manager for Sileather® North American Division, a growing trend since COVID-19 is in van conversions, such as this Sprinter van. Its popularity provides a booming market for automotive upholsterers. Photo: Outside Van The textiles on floors, walls and windows in homes and commercial buildings often catch people’s attention. Now, automotive [...]

Autometrix, which makes automatic cutting machines in Grass Valley, Calif., says its equipment is capable of enabling the highest production efficiencies. The key? “You need to set yourself up for success,” says product manager Gary Unitt. Photo: Autometrix Inc. Perhaps someday, thanks to artificial intelligence and who knows what else, marine fabricators will just need [...]

This Yachtsman’s Canvas project, which included a full canvas redesign and installation of a dodger, with frame, bimini and connector for a classic 1988 36-foot Sabre sailboat, won a 2023 MFA Fabrication Excellence Outstanding Achievement Award in the Sailboat Dodgers & Biminis category. When Keri Ames discusses her unlikely career path in the marine fabric [...]

In today’s workforce, and particularly in the specialty fabrics industry, it’s difficult to bring in new, younger workers and make them feel engaged and productive. And with older workers delaying retirement, companies now must grapple with adapting to multigenerational workforces.  Engaging a new generation of workers For the younger generation, being aware of their expectations [...]

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 [...]