• Quality details make a brand, not just a business

    Published On: July 1, 2019Categories: Exterior, Shop Techniques

    Details and quality make the difference.  By Dave Elliott, MFC As a founding member of the Australian Marine Fabricators Association (MFA), I’ve spent many years talking to and mentoring other fabricators, as well as doing presentations in the U.S. and Australia for our industry. My general observation is that trimmers and upholsterers lack business knowledge [...]

  • Installing headboards and wall panels

    Published On: May 1, 2019Categories: Interior, Shop Techniques

    By Terri Madden A headboard or wall panel is the focal point of a cabin. It can be configured in any shape or size and can be easily made by selecting a material and stretching and stapling it over foam and PVC.  A headboard or wall panel is the focal point of a cabin. Selecting [...]

  • PVC Tracks: bending and installation

    Published On: May 1, 2019Categories: Exterior, Shop Techniques

    by Kyle Van Damme, MFC This photo shows a camper back aft enclosure on a Formula® 40PC that is secured to the hardtop using a track and keder welt system. Using a track and keder welt combo to fasten an enclosure to a boat gives your project a sleek and seamless look. It sets your [...]

  • Tools, tips and tricks

    Published On: May 1, 2019Categories: Shop Techniques

    These are submissions to the 2018 and 2019 Marine Fabricators Conference Tools, Tips and Tricks contest. Tip 1  Use color coding to track job progress I purchase multicolor job folders from our local office supply company and coordinate my Outlook calendar using category colors that correspond with the folders. —Joni Johnstone, Lakeside Marine Canvas Inc. [...]

  • Seam finishing for cushions and covers

    Published On: March 1, 2019Categories: Interior, Shop Techniques

    This MFA Outstanding Achievement Award-winner has “Chestnut” Silvertex™ Vinyl enhanced by the double-stitching accent stitched on a single needle machine. Unique patterning and stitching were required for the seat sides and face, as the frame components are a continuous unit of three sections assembled into one continuous unit. When you plan your projects, [...]

  • Better workforce strategies

    Published On: March 1, 2019Categories: Shop Techniques

    Picture this: It’s bedtime and children peer into the dark asking the perennial question: Is the boogeyman here? And if so, what are they going to do about it? The boogeyman comes from the 15th-century Middle English word “bogeyman,” which means “frightening specter.” Legend has this ubiquitous creature prowling around at night, snatching up misbehaving [...]

  • Upholstery: draping vs. digital

    Published On: March 1, 2019Categories: Exterior, Shop Techniques

    Digital design processes can be used to create this curved backrest, but traditional draping pattern and design methods create fast, beautiful results. At Chicago Marine Canvas, our MFA- and IFAI-award-winning canvas and upholstery shop, we have fully integrated digital methods into our canvas work. There are many benefits to implementing a digital measurement [...]

  • Clever tips from marine fabricators

    Published On: March 1, 2019Categories: Shop Techniques

    These are submissions to the 2018 and 2019 Marine Fabricators Conference Tools, Tips and Tricks contest. Tip 1 Document your projects with a drone Photo documentation is the most important tool we use to show our work to potential customers on our websites and in promotional documents. But in a tight marina with full slips [...]

  • Tips for new employees

    Published On: January 1, 2019Categories: Shop Techniques

    One of the trickiest things facing the sewing industry is finding qualified workers. Many new employees may be unfamiliar with the basics of sewing machine operation, says Faith Roberts, owner of Banner Canvas in Ham Lake, Minn. During a presentation at IFAI Expo this past October, Roberts pointed out that many young people neither grow [...]

  • Outside patterning techniques

    Published On: January 1, 2019Categories: Exterior, Shop Techniques

    Photo 1: This upholstery was completed by taking the patterns directly from the outside of the furniture before tearing down the cushions. When you’re re-covering built-in boat furniture, you can never have too many techniques tucked into your upholstery toolbox. Many fabricators use the same techniques every time, while others enjoy adapting and [...]