If selling a residence can be an angst-filled undertaking, how much more unsettling is the thought of selling a business, especially one you’ve poured heart, soul, money and reputation into? But as potentially nerve-wracking as the prospect may be, there are measures shop owners can take to lessen the stress and achieve their [...]

Made in the USA, Odor Buster is a unique eco-friendly formula that neutralizes and eliminates odors naturally. It has no harsh chemicals or any kind of fragrance and is safe for use around children, pets and people with chemical sensitivities. The biodegradable formula removes the dank, musty smells associated with mold and mildew from natural [...]

The owner of this custom-built 30-foot Thames River slipper launch asked Faith Roberts to fabricate an exacting and attractive custom cover to protect it (with matching pillows). Photos by Dani Werner Photography   Although Faith Roberts’ business has been mostly a one-woman show for almost 40 years, she has always been a firm believer [...]

  The Time Standards Manual was developed in 1996 by the Marine Fabricators Association (MFA), a division of the Advanced Textiles Association, to serve as a benchmark that shop owners can use to set fabrication times, with which they can generate competitive labor costs. The manual is an ongoing project that continues to grow [...]

Marine Fabrication Canvas Barn Marine TrimmingSwan Reach, Vic., Australiacanvasbarn.com The owner wanted to replace his screen cover with something that would maintain the internal environment of the vessel at a relatively constant temperature year-round. He also wanted the cabin to feel light, with privacy. This custom three-piece insulated screen cover is easy to attach, remove [...]

Our industry has many examples of successful marine fabricators closing their shops and becoming employees of larger companies. The specific lessons learned as a marine fabricator/business owner include time management, finances and accounting, and strategic sales and marketing—all critical skills that will help fabricators excel in the corporate world.   Ironically, when you examine the [...]

Small, unflashy and even invisible techniques can create “aha” moments that help you achieve your desired results, such as how to find the corners on a cushion. Sewing has always been a part of my life. It’s second nature to me, much like playing music or singing is for others. And as with playing music [...]

To detect wrinkles, look through the glass at objects in the background. Every fabricator seems to have issues fitting windshields, myself included. Over the past 20 years, I’ve developed some techniques to help make perfect windshields and I’d like to share them with you. Using one of our canvas training facility’s classroom models, we created [...]

The StaCool Vest™ Core Body Cooling System, now available in luminescent safety colors, helps workers beat the summer heat, allowing employees to stay safe, cool and productive despite elevated ambient temperatures inside or outside. Fully adjustable models are available in safety yellow, orange and green to wear over normal clothing, providing all-day comfort without impairing [...]

There is often confusion over the difference between change and transformation. They are closely related however change is typically smaller, well-defined and predictable, while transformation is something closer to reinvention. It involves greater risks, is far less predictable and results in more dramatic change. Both are critical for business success.  This issue of Marine Fabricator [...]