The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) announced it has withdrawn its proposed regulation imposing new speed limits on smaller vessels along the Atlantic coast.  The proposal would have expanded the 2008 North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule—commonly called the vessel speed rule. It would have required recreational boats more than 35 feet in length [...]

The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) held the 2025 Marine Fabricators Conference Jan. 9–11, 2025, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Despite unseasonably cold temperatures in the state and travel delays or cancellations due to nationwide snowstorms, the conference was full of high energy, friendly camaraderie and knowledge sharing. Attendees and exhibitors enjoyed a week of industry education. [...]

The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) held its annual meeting on Saturday, Jan. 11 in Corpus Christi, Texas. The association discussed current membership status and benefits, committees, 2024 highlights and more. MFA membership has increased 36.3 percent from fiscal year 2018 to fiscal year 2024. These members have access to benefits such as the Textile Career [...]

Two new Master Fabric Craftsman (MFC) were named at the annual Fabrication Excellence Awards dinner on Saturday, Jan. 11 in Corpus Christi, Texas. Jeff Newkirk, MFC, Precision Custom Canvas in St Catharines, Ont., and Derek Newcombe, MFC, Salty Buoy Marine Canvas Inc. in Vancouver, B.C., earned their certification. The MFC certification, awarded by the Marine [...]

Attendees of the 2025 Marine Fabricators Conference reviewed submissions for the Marine Fabricators Association’s (MFA) annual Fabrication Excellence Awards and voted for their favorite project by first-time attendees and their favorite project by veteran conference-goers. Attendees chose “Swimming Pool Slide Cover” from Whitewater Canvas in Dover, Minn. As the Rookie of the Year. “47-foot Freeman” from Charlton’s [...]

The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) held its annual Fabrication Excellence Awards dinner on Saturday, Jan. 11 in Corpus Christi, Texas. Honorees received awards in 11 different categories. Fabric Tattoo and IMAR sponsored the awards dinner. Most categories are awarded one Award of Excellence and one Outstanding Achievement. In some cases, MFA gave two awards for [...]

The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) held its annual Marine Fabricators Conference on Jan. 9-11, 2025, in Corpus Christi, Texas. After the first day of sessions, the association hosted its annual welcome party with a costume contest aboard the USS Lexington. Attendees were highly encouraged to dress up within the theme of “Cartoon Characters.” A variety [...]

The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) ran its annual Fabricator Olympics on Thursday, Jan. 9 at the Marine Fabricators Conference in Corpus Christi, Texas. Steven Wayne from Southern Stitch Canvas & Upholstery LLC, in Gulfport, Miss., won first place. Second through fourth place winners were: Mark Peterson, SugarHouse Industries in Salt Lake City, Utah Mike Boatman, Boatman [...]

The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) held its annual Tools, Tips and Tricks contest on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 during the Marine Fabricators Conference in Corpus Christi, Texas. This contest shares innovative tips, clever how-to ideas or DIY techniques. Simple solutions that save time and money or help with doing a job in a unique way make a big impact [...]

Correct Craft is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year. Correct Craft is a Florida-based company founded in 1925. Its global operations include the boat brands Nautique, Centurion, Supreme, Bass Cat, Yar-Craft, SeaArk, Parker and Ingenity; suppliers Pleasurecraft Engine Group, Indmar Marine Engines, Velvet Drive Transmissions, Mach Connections, Merritt Precision, Osmosis and Watershed Innovation; and watersports [...]