• MFA Tools, Tips and Tricks competition changes

    Published On: May 9, 2023Categories: ATA News, Events, MFA Conference, News, Tools, Tips and Tricks

    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, [...]

  • MFA Tools, Tips and Tricks contest open

    Published On: June 27, 2022Categories: ATA News, Events, MFA Conference, News, Tools, Tips and Tricks

    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 sail savvy

    Published On: January 1, 2022Categories: Exterior, Shop Techniques

    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. [...]

  • Foam with a flourish

    Published On: January 1, 2022Categories: Interior, Shop Techniques

    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 [...]

  • Quilt stitching and CNC sewing

    Published On: July 1, 2021Categories: Exterior, Shop Techniques

    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 [...]

  • Wallcoverings for vessel interiors

    Published On: July 1, 2021Categories: Interior, Shop Techniques

    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 [...]

  • Increase your efficiency

    Published On: July 1, 2021Categories: Business, Shop Techniques

    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.  [...]

  • Elevate your canvas skills

    Published On: May 1, 2021Categories: Exterior, Shop Techniques

    Michael and Rachel Charlton in their Yorktown, Va.-based shop, Charlton’s Marine Canvas. Having been in business for four years, their projects have won Awards of Excellence, Awards of Achievement and Awards of Distinction in both the 2020 and 2021 MFA Fabrication Excellence Awards contest. Think outside the box. By Mike Charlton At Charlton’s Marine Canvas [...]

  • Advanced cushion fabrication

    Published On: May 1, 2021Categories: Interior, Shop Techniques

    By Mark Hood, MFC This photo shows the shell pattern salon cushions on an old Jarvis Newman powerboat. This Downeast classic style boat was owned by the author’s brother for many years. Compartment cushions can be challenging to fabricate. In this article, we will go step-by-step to fabricate a sample compartment cushion with a knee [...]

  • Technology is no longer the future—it’s now

    Published On: March 1, 2021Categories: Exterior

    Darren Arthur in his New Jersey-based shop, Nautilux Custom Canvas. Arthur says his focus is on incorporating and developing technology standards for the industry while maintaining the craft. By Darren Arthur So, what is all this buzz about technology within the marine canvas industry? Some use it, some don’t, but within the next few years [...]