It was late in the day, rain was threatening, and Edward Skrzynski needed to cover a boat that was on an elevator lift before the storm hit. All the available workers were out, so telling no one he was leaving, he headed out to handle the task alone. Just as he arrived, it started drizzling. [...]

The owner of this 2003 Chaparral 232 Sunesta had a simple request of Southern Stitch Canvas & Upholstery—make it new. Shown here is part of the one-of-a-kind interior. Photo: Southern Stitch Canvas & Upholstery LLC There’s a saying that chance favors the prepared. Sometimes that preparation can take some surprising forms. Just ask Steven Wayne, [...]

Running a successful business means being on the same team as your customers and employees. During the busy season, this can be challenging. I was reminded of this by my son who works at a restaurant that’s open seven days a week. The food is wonderful and the place is always packed, but the restaurant [...]

Registration is open, and the full conference schedule is available for the annual Marine Fabricators Conference being held Jan. 25-27, 2024, at the Tradewinds Island Resorts in St. Pete Beach, Fla. This year’s conference takes place at the lovely Tradewinds Island Grand Resort. All conference activities, except shop tours, will be held on hotel property, [...]

The 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 Advanced Textiles Association, formerly known as IFAI. Join the only trade association today that represents the entire specialty fabrics and advanced textiles industry in the [...]

All calendar events are subject to change. Please check websites for updated information. Sept. 22–23, 2023MFA Pacific Northwest Regional WorkshopOyster Creek CanvasBellingham, Wash.textiles.org/marineworkshops Nov. 1–3, 2023Advanced Textiles Expo 2023Orange County Convention CenterOrlando, Fla.advancedtextilesexpo.com Nov. 17–18, 2023MFA Great Lakes WorkshopChicago Marine CanvasChicago, Ill.textiles.org/marineworkshops Jan. 25–27, 2024MFA Conference 2024Tradewinds ResortSt. Pete Beach, Fla.textiles.org/marineconference

Whether fabric is stretched from wind or body movement, seams bear the brunt of the stress. Needle holes enlarge and sewn material pulls away to leave paths for water to seep through. Seam Sealer coats these areas with an invisible non-silicone waterproof barrier that doesn’t change the fabric’s feel, flexibility or color. Works equally well [...]

Invented to make taping zippers easier, the Seamstick Taper is designed to apply seamstick tape to one side of a zipper, webbing or facing. The tape block on top is interchangeable to accommodate whatever the fabricator is taping. With the removal of a single bolt, the tape block is easily changed to other block types. [...]

Stimpson’s new spring-loaded hole punch set allows fabricators to single-source everything needed to set grommets and washers confidently, accurately and securely. The industrial-grade hole punch is made from high-quality W1 steel. It features a hardened guide pin for precise hole placement every time and a hardened cutting edge for superior cutting performance. For enhanced safety, [...]

AquaTop fabrics are built for strength and durability in extreme marine conditions. AquaTop Air is a 7.5- ounce solution-dyed fabric that is up to 1.5 times stronger and built for extreme UV resistance in sunbaked climates. AquaTop is an 8.75-ounce coated fabric that is up to 1.7 times stronger for added strength, puncture and water [...]