The Aluma Hawk™ boat paint line is available in several new colors. The chromate-free paints’ quick-dry coating is designed for use on aluminum with no need for additional primers. It is ideal for a wide variety of vessels, and the complete color palette can be mixed and matched, allowing for a fully coordinated look. Additionally, [...]

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the U.S. boating industry is expected to have its seventh consecutive year of growth in 2017, surpassing the pre-recession peak set in 2006. The article, which included an interview with National Marine Manufacturer Association (NMMA) president Thom Dammrich, attributes part of that growth to boaters upgrading to bigger, automated, [...]

Valdese Weavers, Valdese, N.C., designers and producers of fabrics for specialty markets including RV, marine, luggage, apparel, pillows, drapery and bedding, has purchased the Circa 1801 facility in Connelly Springs, N.C. The 156,000-square-foot structure houses the Circa 1801 Design studio, administrative offices and manufacturing plant. The building was constructed in 1997, and is located five [...]

The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) has named William V. McCrary Jr. NCTO chair at its annual meeting in March. McCrary is chair and CEO of William Barnet and Son LLC, a synthetic/fiber/yarn/polymer firm located in Spartanburg, S.C. Marty Moran, CEO of Buhler Quality Yarns Corp., a Jefferson, Georgia-based fine-count yarn supplier, has been [...]

Serge Ferrari One is durable but exceptionally soft upholstery fabric designed for demanding indoor and outdoor environments in hospitality, yachting and contract seating. Oil-resistant and easy to clean, the fabric is phthalate-free and fire-retardant. Now available in 25 colors, with a choice of smooth or grain finish. Seven-year warranty offered. www.sergeferrari.com

Spun-dried polyester for marine applications is engineered for the toughest climates; the fabric is PVC-free but virtually waterproof—it will not leak even after a week of standing water. High-tech 37+ fabric will not permanently stretch or shrink, and returns to its original shape after being distorted by heavy wind and water. It also does not [...]

"For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned.” That sage advice from American founding father Benjamin Franklin holds true for any marine fabrication business, because an organized shop can improve employee efficiency and affect the bottom line all while keeping customers coming back for more. Streamlined Processes Marine fabricators are always looking for ways [...]

Given the changes in consumer shopping and online behavior, the Grow Boating Board of Directors commissioned a study to better understand today’s first-time boat buyer. Study findings include definitions of six different types of first-time boat buyers including their interests and psychographic traits, what motivates them to explore boat ownership, how they move from “boating” [...]

More than 2,100 attendees and 193 exhibitors gathered at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Orlando, Fla., in March for Geotechnical Frontiers 2017, the biggest geosynthetics show in the industry. Geotechnical Frontiers combined the annual Geo-Congress and the biennial Geosynthetics Conference into a super-event held once every six years. “We had a great show and we’re [...]

Spradling International Marine, Maryville, Tenn., has confirmed that its marine performance products comply with the European Biocide Product Regulation. Spradling products do not contain OBPA (Oxybisphonoxyarsine), a biocide banned by the European Union that is processed in marine vinyl material to prevent pink staining. Spradling marine-grade products have been manufactured without OBPA since 2013. They [...]