I love going to boat shows, especially to investigate how all of the new boats keep their cushions attached. Traditionally cushions were snapped or screwed through boat rails and/or secured via T-nuts or spider bolts to wood bases. Now there are such options as ridged plastic Velcro found in industrial-supplies stores. Meanwhile, top-of-the-line vessels push [...]

Faithful restoration brings back the style of the roaring '20s. Back in the 1920s and ’30s, large, luxurious cruising yachts were status symbols—often produced for the wealthy who sought to entertain and delight their guests in these elaborate vessels. When built, they earned accolades aplenty—even The New York Times published articles touting the ordering and [...]

This article is a preview of our hands-on presentation at the Marine Fabricators Conference this coming Jan. 14-16 in Clearwater, Fla. I want to talk about manipulation of pattern angles for both better quality and less time spent patterning. I will attempt to simplify and not talk about one-step patterns here. Most really large jobs [...]

Marine fabricators emphasize durability, health and safety when designing kid-friendly boat interiors. Designing boat interiors with families in mind requires special attention. Marine fabricators first must understand how customers intend to use their boat before making suggestions on fabric choice, lodging and storage solutions that will meet all of their needs for having children onboard. [...]

How the vessel was brought back to glory. The “Roaring ’20s” and early 1930s were a time in U.S. history when some of the country’s wealthiest citizens reveled in the beauty and majesty of elaborate architecture and design of homes, office buildings, resorts and yachts. One such individual was Arthur E. Wheeler, a prominent Wall [...]

Restoration of a sofa on a 1996 50-foot Bertram features reshaped arms to match the larger sofa frame. Photo by Alayna Wood. By Terri Madden The waters of San Juan, Puerto Rico, have been home to many Bertram yacht enthusiasts ever since Richard Bertram opened a 25-acre plant in 1962. I have had [...]

Editor's note: Don Racine, a longtime Marine Fabricators Association member and supporter, died on April 18 as the result of a heart attack. He was 61. View Don Racine's full obituary. This article is about canvas repairs: We will discuss bimini tops, cockpit covers and full-boat travel covers. 1) Torn and dirty canvas is [...]

Multiple door panels require extra attention to measuring and hardware placement for a smooth appearance and proper operation. By Terri Madden Most likely, you will be reading this article as warmer weather streams across your state and your customers delight in contacting your marine-fabrication business with new challenges. If you have never had [...]

Total boat restorations can be a lucrative, if laborious, project in the wake of fires, storms and water-borne debris.

Your new, ‘ideal’ shop should not fit your needs like a glove. Two things you should know about the ideal canvas shop: 1. It’s a myth. 2. Shop owners are into mythology.