Hands-on training for current and new employees is invaluable. Shown here is Brian Bennett (MFC) from Custom Marine Canvas in Groton, Conn., mentoring our employees in creating forward and aft biminis on this 42-foot 990 Sea Ray. Most marine fabricators have specialized skills honed over decades. Some were privileged to grow up in [...]

The MFA Southeast Regional Workshop is being held Sept. 28-29 at Lakeside Marine Canvas Inc. in Buford, Ga. The two-day workshop features marine education on pontoon boat patterning and fabrication, efficient cushion patterning techniques and sewing machine maintenance. It also offers opportunities to discuss technology and other concerns with fellow fabricators, which is something Lakeside [...]

Here is an example of a good photo. You can see the whole boat. The background is pleasing and not busy. Only have a smartphone? That’ll work fine. An estimated 1.2 trillion pictures were taken across the globe in 2017. The smartphone, of course, is what’s behind the huge number. According to InfoTrends, [...]

These latest products are changing the marine fabricator industry. Want to see your products here? Email: erbernick@ifai.com. Temperature resistant Designed to resist the harshest environments, Stamskin One handles extreme temperatures (-58°F to 302°F) and is insensitive to UV radiation and water. Formulated by Serge Ferrari, the elastomer gives it an ultra-soft touch and “peach skin” [...]

Boat owners favor quality materials over ostentatious improvements. Style considerations do play a role, particularly LED lighting and pops of color against neutral backgrounds. However, basic concerns, such as comfort and durability, are driving many interior upgrades. Driven by comfort, durability and a splash of color Henry Ford is famous for promising back [...]

Keri Ames is the sole owner and fabricator of Yachtsman’s Canvas in North Wales, Pa. She’s been a marine fabricator for eight years and works with powerboats and sailboats on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay (Md.), southeastern areas of Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. She began sailing the waters of the Chesapeake Bay [...]

Last December’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) not only slashed tax rates, it also enacted rules that allow businesses to treat as an expense and immediately write off more—including 100 percent temporary expensing for certain assets. This means adding needed equipment, vehicles or even a new shop building is now a lot more affordable. [...]

If you think this issue looks different, you’re not imagining things. We’re kicking off a fresh design to give you even more of what you love about the magazine: more how-to information, more photos, more products and more actionable ideas for success. With streamlined fonts and page designs, and more emphasis on visual storytelling, our [...]

Dark, warm wood tones complement the clean neutral colors that consumers are seeking in the Carver Yachts Collection by Marquis-Larson Boat Group. Photo: Marquis-Larson Boat Group. OEMs and fabricators—partners in progress As the marine vessel market becomes ever more competitive, the winners in the industry will be fabricators who stay on top of [...]

Chris Ritsema, owner of Canvas Innovations in Holland, Mich., says the company relies heavily on its Carlson Design Plotter/Cutter. “Everything we manufacture is patterned, digitized with photogrammetry, plotted and cut on our Carlson table.” Photo: Canvas Innovations. It’s always important to measure the return on investment (ROI) of any purchase—especially in the areas [...]