By Terri Madden Recently, Sand Sea and Air welcomed a 134-foot luxury motor yacht built in 1988 to San Juan, Puerto Rico. It was designed to cruise in lavish comfort and classic elegance. The large exterior deck cushions below the bridge were located in an ideal space for lounging while cruising, yet over time, some [...]

These are submissions to the 2018 and 2019 Marine Fabricators Conference Tools, Tips and Tricks contest. Tip 1  Redesigned button die (2019 First-Place Don Racine Award winner) This tool is a redesigned version of the button die for the Hoover Pres-N-Snap Tool. The problem with the original is that the outside rubber ring gets in [...]

Improvements in solar panels give boaters more power and choices. By Jeff Moravec There may or may not be any truth to the notion that solar power wouldn’t exist on boats were it not for the desire to find an energy-efficient way to keep adult beverages cold.   But if in fact that’s a motivation, [...]

It’s time for metalwork and framing to move from being bit players to getting top billing. By Jeff Moravec Fabric is typically the star of the show in any fabrication project. What often gets overlooked, however, is the role supporting metal frameworks play—often behind the scenes—in fabric structures. The metal framework may frequently be an [...]

These latest products are changing the marine fabricator industry.  Want to see your products here? Email: erbernick@ifai.com. Colorful faux suede  The KnollTextiles Contour Collection includes new colors of Ultrasuede®, its premier high-performance, multi-use faux suede. The durable fabric is inherently stain resistant and versatile with a soft hand. It is appropriate for upholstery, wrapped panels [...]

There’s more than one way to build a boat cover—but the best fabricators ask clients these critical questions before they settle on a design. by Sigrid Tornquist Fabricators agree—custom boat cover fabrication starts with a conversation with the boat owners. What canvas professionals do with the information they get, coupled with experience and innovation, can [...]

By Kathryn J. Maisto, MFC Whether your business is merchandising, servicing or manufacturing in the marine canvas industry, owners of small businesses often share the same primary concerns: how to keep busy in the off-season and how to effectively hire, train and retain quality employees without breaking the bank. But knowing the warning signs of [...]

by Elisa Bernick Perspective is defined as “a way of looking at or thinking about something.” It’s not an accident that we talk about “losing” and “gaining” perspective. It’s a valuable currency that we sometimes have more of and sometimes less.  At this time of year, it’s not unusual to feel like you’re losing perspective. [...]

Bluebird Canvas Sophie Candille www.bluebirdcanvas.comLa Honda, Calif.    Clearview Canvas Company Frank Beck www.clearviewcanvasco.comScottsdale, Ariz.    Cooper’s Canvas Justin Cooper www.coopersmarinecanvas.comSaint Augustine, Fla.   Marvin’s Marine Canvas Marvin Zimmerman www.marvinsmarinecustom.comWilson, N.Y.    PhotoModeler Technologies Alan Walford www.photomodeler.comVancouver, BC, Canada   Sea To Sky Canvas & Upholstery Shanna Bloom www.propertiesbyshanna.comChugiak, Ark.    Top Stitch Marine Canvas [...]

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 [...]