Robert "Bob" McGilvray, Jr., of Hull, passed away at the age of 68 on Christmas Day 2023, after a long illness. He was the beloved husband of Marie-Pierre (Renard) McGilvray for 37 years, devoted father to Charlie Driggs of Hingham, Jim Driggs of Jamaica Plain, and Caroline (McGilvray) Fetigan of North Yarmouth, ME, best father-in-law [...]

The United States and European Union (EU) have reached an agreement to not reimpose Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the EU and Europe’s retaliatory tariffs on American exports into the EU, including American-made boats. Section 232 tariffs caused several key international markets, including the EU, to impose retaliatory tariffs on uniquely [...]

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released the final version of its Auto Rule, renamed the Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) Rule, exempting marine retailers and other non-automotive dealers. The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) and its coalition partners requested that recreational boat dealers be exempted from the requirements of the rule. In its [...]

The Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) Workforce Development Council (WDC) has the goal of developing solutions to the biggest problem facing the textiles industry today—how to find and keep skilled employees. This group will work to build and train the sewing, fabricating and manufacturing workforce across all segments of the industry along with working with the [...]

As shown in these photos from the 2023 MFA Conference, attendees can participate in a wide range of education sessions with plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning and networking with fellow fabricators and suppliers. Don’t wait to register for the annual Marine Fabricators Conference being held Jan. 25-27, 2024, at the Tradewinds Island Resorts in [...]

The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) provides resources and programs for marine fabricators and establishes standards of excellence for business practices, products and craftsmanship. The MFA is a division of the Advanced Textiles Association, formerly known as IFAI. Join the only trade association today that represents the entire specialty fabrics and advanced textiles industry in the [...]

Sunbrella has introduced three new fabric cleaning products designed to take the guesswork out of caring for Sunbrella fabrics. Sunbrella® Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner removes everyday water-based spills and wipes away spills and stains without leaving a sticky or cloudy residue behind. Sunbrella® Extract™ Oil Based Stain Remover draws out tough set-in grease- and oil-based [...]

The owner of this custom-built 30-foot Thames River slipper launch asked Faith Roberts to fabricate an exacting and attractive custom cover to protect it (with matching pillows). Photos by Dani Werner Photography   Although Faith Roberts’ business has been mostly a one-woman show for almost 40 years, she has always been a firm believer [...]

California’s marine and boating industries are set to meet in Sacramento on March 12-13, 2024, to impact state legislators and regulators on issues facing marinas, boating, waterways and recreation. The 8th annual event brings together industry groups to hear from statewide leaders, policymakers, legislators, and more to gain a keen understanding on legislation and regulatory [...]

More than 1,500 marine industry professionals attended the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) 2023 Dealer Week Conference and Expo, held Dec. 4-7, in Tampa, Fla., establishing records for total registration, dealership attendance, number of exhibitors and expo hall floor space coverage. Dealership attendance set a new high-water mark at 721 dealership personnel, while [...]