When I think about why our customers keep coming back boat after boat, year after year, I find peace knowing they have been very pleased with their canvas. We have seen customers return for new canvas after we did their original project 15 or more years ago. They say, “We came back to you because [...]

A picture of the finished product. Making a choice can be hard when there are endless options, and that’s exactly how it can feel for customers trying to select fabrics and materials for an upholstery project, including proper colors, textures and materials. It’s best for a marine shop to have an established plan for helping [...]

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 perfectly acceptable definitions of organizational assets. [...]

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 [...]

Shade sails have become increasingly popular, but customers may not understand what they need to accomplish their shade goals. Clear communication with the customer is key to a successful project. When fabricating shade sails, the first thing to consider is, What are you trying to accomplish? This is where communication with the customer is key. [...]

This dash and helm pod cover was a 2021 MFA Award of Excellence winner. Helm pod covers are padded with a very thin layer of foam, if any. This one has foam with 1.5 density and a 70 ILD. Foam is everywhere. It is in engines, rugs, mattresses, boat seats and most things we interact [...]

CNC and manual quilt stitching allow you to create an additional internal profit center while providing additional design elements for your customer. By Mike and John Erickson In the last few years, quilt stitching on cushions has become very popular in the marine upholstery industry. The trend started with high-end car interiors and has made [...]

Padded bumper side wall panels create a cozy setting, and the large horizontal vinyl wall panels in the main salon of this Bertram 50 give it a modern touch. Photo: Bertram Yachts. By Terri Madden and Alayna Wool Wall panels and headliners make a statement when entering the saloon of a yacht. Much like the [...]

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.  [...]