The deadline to submit projects for the 2026 Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) Fabrication Excellence Awards is closing soon. Entries are due Friday, October 31. “The MFA Awards are an incredible opportunity to celebrate the craftsmanship, creativity and innovation within our industry,” says Charlene Clark, IFM, chair of the MFA advisory board. “As the submission window [...]

Julian Sponseller. Image: Herculite® Herculite® Products Inc. announced that Julian Sponseller has been hired as the western regional manager for the direct sales team. Sponseller will oversee the Midwest region of the direct sales team, engaging with clients in the automotive, custom-engineered solutions, health care, agriculture, and tent and structure industries. Sponseller graduated from the [...]

Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) staff are considering proposals to reconfigure the Berry Amendment, including establishing a final assembly only requirement, allowing the use of foreign textile components. However, it’s important to note that any change to Berry Amendment rules would require action by Congress as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The 2026 [...]

GORE® TENARA® is sold by the spool in 1/2-pound and 1-pound quantities. Photo: Trivantage GORE® TENARA® is a 3-ply, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) thread that is optimized for high-speed sewing. It was built to be an alternative to polyester or PTFE threads while requiring little to no machine adjustments. GORE TENARA is UV- and water-resistant and [...]

The National Women’s Sailing Association (NWSA) opened nominations for the 2026 BoatUS/NWSA Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award. This national award is sponsored by the Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS). Since 1999, the BoatUS/NWSA Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award has sought to recognize an individual from the United States with a record of [...]

Sunbrella® Erase Stain & Spot Remover is sold in two-packs. Photo: Sunbrella Sunbrella® Erase Stain & Spot Remover is an on-the-go stain removing pen designed to fight tough spots and stains immediately. It is a quick solution that uses bleach to penetrate deep into fabric fibers to lift stains. Sunbrella Erase is safe to use [...]

The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) announced the winners of the 2025 IBEX Innovation Awards Program. The program is managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and judged by Boating Writers International (BWI). The judges selected Innovation Award winners and honorable mentions from 112 entries submitted by exhibiting marine industry companies—a record number [...]

Snyder Manufacturing's coated mesh is printable, U.S.-made and custom colors available. Photo: Snyder Manufacturing This 72-inch 10-ounce coated mesh is UV-resistant and can be made flame-retardant upon request. The flame-retardant version passes California State Fire Marshall Title 19 NFPA-701-2019 Test Method A. ASTM E-84 Class A flame spreading rating. Printable, U.S.-made and custom colors available.snyderman.com

Image: Herculite® Products Inc. Herculite® Products Inc., a manufacturer of high-performance and custom fabrics, has announced the appointment of Austin Barshinger as the new quality supervisor in York, Pa. Barshinger joined Herculite in December 2021. During this time, he has advanced to a Level 7 Lam Operator, earned his Master Supervisor Certificate through the Manufacturers’ [...]

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) released its annual Total Industry Sales by Category and State Report, part of NMMA’s 2024 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract. The 2024 data reveals recreational marine spending remained healthy last year, with total retail expenditures hitting $55.6 billion, down slightly (2.6 percent) from 2023. In addition to healthy spending, the [...]