Keep calm and do your best work
Published On: May 1, 2020Categories: EditorialI am writing this in mid-April amid the swirl of anxiety over health concerns and financial worries. It might seem impossible to do your best work under these circumstances, but keeping your focus on work—no matter what it is—can help you find stillness during the daily rush of doubts and distractions. Your work might include [...]
Simple, leak-free U-zip
Published On: May 1, 2020Categories: Exterior, Shop TechniquesBy Keith Purves, MFC One of the most useful, purposeful and absolutely frustrating features on a clear vinyl enclosure is the simple U-zip. A properly built U-zip looks good, opens and closes easily, and allows boaters the freedom of having the wind in their hair or the full protection of an enclosure when Mother Nature [...]
Succession planning 101
Published On: May 1, 2020Categories: FeaturesA seamless transfer of leadership in a family business requires hard conversations and a detailed road map to avoid the worst potholes and ensure a successful journey. By Jeff Moravec A family business can offer great rewards—personally and professionally—for its founders and their descendants. But a family business also presents unique challenges and requires careful [...]
Members OnlyMarine industry copes with coronavirus
Published On: May 1, 2020Categories: NewsMany marine fabricators have pivoted to making personal protective equipment (PPE). These photos show some of the PPE products made by Jeff Newkirk, MFC, Precision Custom Canvas Inc. Along with disinfecting, employee social distancing and observing shelter-in-place orders, many marine companies are responding to the coronavirus pandemic by shifting production from boat covers to face [...]
Tools, tips and tricks
Published On: May 1, 2020Categories: News, Shop TechniquesThese are submissions to the 2020 Marine Fabricators Conference Tools, Tips and Tricks contest and Marine Fabricator magazine. Tip 1 Mini fabric table saw Here’s a slightly dangerous, but effective little tip. Hammer a nice, sharp razor blade at a 45-degree angle into your cutting table. Keep the fabric flat and push or pull it [...]
Morbern named best managed company
Published On: May 1, 2020Categories: NewsVinyl upholstery manufacturer Morbern was named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies of 2020. From left: Steven Kim, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce; Dennis Wait, Deloitte; Mark Bloomfield, Morbern CEO; Eric Lamontagne, Morbern president. Morbern, manufacturer of vinyl upholstery for the marine, automotive, RV and commercial interiors markets, has been named one of Canada’s Best [...]
New members join MFA
Published On: May 1, 2020Categories: NewsThe Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) provides resources and programs for marine fabricators and establishes standards of excellence for business practices, products and craftsmanship. The MFA is a division of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI). Join the only trade association today that represents the entire specialty fabrics and advanced textiles industry in the world. To [...]
2020 Premier Product Showcase
Published On: May 1, 2020Categories: FeaturesHigh-quality products to help you create durable, attractive and successful projects. For this feature, we asked our contributors to send us information about their high-performing products. The product information was submitted by the participating manufacturers and suppliers by the established deadline. The products are organized into three categories: Fabric, Film, and Flooring; Equipment, Tools & [...]
2020 boat show highlights
Published On: May 1, 2020Categories: Interior, Shop TechniquesNew trends in marine upholstery. By Terri Madden Marine fabricators can find the latest design innovations for marine canvas and upholstery by attending any of the top U.S. boat shows sponsored annually by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). It is an ideal way for fabricators to glimpse the newest innovations in design, construction, equipment [...]
Pricing and estimating
Published On: May 1, 2020Categories: BusinessThe most important, yet ignored, step in the canvas trade. By Russ Griffin Log onto any canvas or upholstery forum and you’ll quickly see that pricing and estimating is the most asked question by people in the marine canvas trade. Yet, it is the most debated and unresolved question, leaving the inquirer no more knowledgeable [...]