Weatherproof screen frowns are attractive while keeping out the elements. There are so many marine canvas-related products, like the weatherproof frown, which have almost faded into the past. This is primarily due to mass producers taking shortcuts by creating cheap imitations of the original. The weatherproof frown protects the zipper from any exposure to rain, [...]

A newly installed three-piece custom AquaMat® set that was made from Teak II Slate AquaWeave™ on a 2008 Formula 27PC. In our second year of business at River Custom Canvas LLC, we were looking for an add-on product to offer customers and recognized a demand for marine flooring. We met with vendors at the Miami [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]