The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) held its annual Tools, Tips and Tricks contest 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 in [...]

ID 105098069 © Peshkova | Dreamstime.com When we think of assets in an organization, our thoughts generally lean toward the accounting definitions. We have cash tied up in inventory and accounts receivable. We have cash tied up in equipment or other fixed assets. And, we have cash tied up in, well, cash. These are all [...]

Submitters to the annual Tools, Tips and Tricks competition at the 2024 Marine Fabricators Conference, Jan. 25–27, 2024, at Tradewinds Resort, St. Pete Beach, Fla., will have the option of presenting their submissions live and answering audience questions. They can also choose to have their submissions presented by the emcee or via video. As always, [...]

The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) annual Tools, Tips and Tricks contest is now open for submissions. Submissions can include anything fabricators do to save time, money or perform a job in a unique way. Even the simplest solutions are a great help to other shops. Submission ideas include using a tool or piece of equipment [...]

Seven steps every business can take, from organizing more to doing less.  by Laurie F. Junker No business owner wants to waste time and money, have frustrated employees, and risk customer relationships with mistakes and delays. But the truth is that all of these things happen when businesses operate less efficiently than they could be.  [...]

Award of Excellence/Award of Distinction (Upholstery) Marine Exterior Upholstery B's Kustom KreationsJefferson City, Mo. U.S.A. www.bkkllc.com This elegant project by B's Kustom Kreations won an Award of Excellence in the Marine Exterior Upholstery category and an Award of Distinction in the Upholstery category. The project included recovering the upper side panels, buckets seats and rear seats, [...]

Marine FabricationHawkes Bay Trim and CanvasHastings, Hawkes Bay, NZ hbtrimandcanvas@xtra.co.nz The project goal was to update an existing canopy and undertake a complete interior fit-out, which included all new linings and new seating on this live-a-board yacht. Project challenges included working on multiple platforms and at different times around many tradespeople. The patterning took place while [...]

Self-education comes in many forms. By Chris Ritsema  Education is a valuable asset when it comes to success in life and business. Going to college is the standard road map many people use to get an education that helps them succeed, but I never really enjoyed the classroom. I wanted to get out and get [...]

The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) is hosting a free webinar on Dec. 15, 2020, for IFAI members ($39 for non-members) discussing software specifically designed for marine fabricators. As the marine textile industry converts to mostly digital processes, this webinar will discuss software that can dramatically speed up the development of accurate 3D models and [...]

Whitney Carman chose WeatherMAX® 3D for this Viking 80’s 15-by-15-foot temporary shade structure. Panels were individually cut into triangles to create a symmetrical design aesthetic. Photo: Even Keel Canvas LLC. Whitney Carman relies on lateral thinking and relationship building to create innovative shade solutions. By Sigrid Tornquist “I think one of the reasons my projects [...]