The CertiPUR-US initiative sponsored by the Polyurethane Foam Association (PFA) establishes voluntary performance, environmental, health and safety standards for qualified foams. The initiative is based on Europe’s CertiPUR program, but includes physical performance standards that quantify durability, consistency and comfort. Visit www.pfa.org.

Marinas, in an effort to control rising insurance costs, are inserting language in slip contracts that shift liability to the slip holder. Boaters could have to pay for injuries, lawyers and damages out of pocket—even if the marina is to blame—if the boat insurance policy doesn’t include contractual liability. Boaters should check their marina slip [...]

A report from the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Capital Markets suggests 2008 may be a transition year for the boating industry, and 2009 will bring more stability. The RBC reported that sales of mid- to high-end boats are down nearly 20 percent. According to the RBC, numbers are down due to a higher level [...]

The Canadian Marine Manufacturers Association (CMMA) and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Canada will combine their efforts and resources to address the growing needs of the Canadian recreational marine industry. The CMMA Board of Directors approved the plan to consolidate the CMMA’s work in government relations, statistics, membership and communications with NMMA Canada, which [...]

C.F. Stinson’s AgION upholstery collection earned the Nightingale Award at the Health Care Design ‘07 Conference in Dallas, Texas. The juried health care design award acknowledges products that contribute to health care quality improvements. C.F. Stinson’s upholstery contains products that resist germs without the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

The National Marine Manufacturers Association and Boating Writers International honored 10 marine manufacturers for innovative achievement at the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX). The 79 new products entered in the Innovation Awards program were judged based on distinction, benefit, practicality, cost-effectiveness and consumer availability. Boatbuilding Methods & Materials category G/flex Epoxies from West System: [...]

O’Sullivan Films, producer of flexible vinyl and olefin films and sheeting, started a new pressed polished sheet manufacturing site in Winchester, Va. The facility will more than double O’Sullivan’s current sheet capacity. While new business is being targeted in North America, O’Sullivan also emphasizes Europe, Asia and Australia. New products are also being developed for [...]

Sattler North America Corp. appointed Richard Morelle as regional sales manager for their Suntex Division of solution-dyed acrylic fabrics. Morelle is responsible for the marine and awning market sectors throughout the Northeastern United States. Morelle has more than 20 years of industrial textile sales experience and serves on the board of the North East Canvas [...]

The Taylor Made Group, supplier of OEM glazing systems and marine aftermarket accessories, celebrates 100 years of business this year. Taylor Made began as a canvas business in 1908. Today it has grown to be one of the recreational marine industry’s largest, most diversified suppliers to boatbuilders and the aftermarket.

Marine Accessories Corporation (MAC), leading manufacturer of marine canvas and wakeboard towers and accessories, recently filled two leadership positions in its canvas solutions and tower solutions divisions. Jim Wilson, former president and general manager of Great Lakes Boat Top, will take on responsibility as president of MAC Canvas Solutions. Tony Williams, former vice president and [...]