Center Console Enclosures

May 1st, 2023

Center console boats are a popular style of boat in Yorktown, Va. The author believes that center console enclosures are some of the most complicated enclosures to design, and also among the most rewarding. Center console boats are a popular style of boat in my area, Yorktown, Va., along with sportfish, cruisers, trawlers and sailboats. […]

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International Achievement Award winners announced at IFAI Expo 2021

November 12th, 2021

The winner in the Geosynthetics category is from ACE Geosynthetics Inc.: Segmental block reinforced structure applied for the highway interchange project. Photograph courtesy of ACE Geosynthetics Inc. The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) announced the winners of the 2021 International Achievement Awards (IAA) at the Awards and Networking Breakfast at IFAI Expo 2021 on Nov. […]

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Tools of the Trade: Marine fabricators share their favorites

May 1st, 2021

We asked marine fabricators to tell us about the “must-have” tools in their shop. The variety and creativity of submissions we received told us what we already knew—fabricators are a resourceful and innovative lot! By Cathy Broberg Hercules 1575 foam cutter with Bosch blade “A good quality foam cutter makes shop life so much easier,” […]

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Elevate your canvas skills

May 1st, 2021

Michael and Rachel Charlton in their Yorktown, Va.-based shop, Charlton’s Marine Canvas. Having been in business for four years, their projects have won Awards of Excellence, Awards of Achievement and Awards of Distinction in both the 2020 and 2021 MFA Fabrication Excellence Awards contest. Think outside the box. By Mike Charlton At Charlton’s Marine Canvas […]

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Shade Solution Evolution

September 1st, 2020

Design tips for removable shade structures that bring value to clients and profit to fabricators. by Sigrid Tornquist Boat enthusiasts have always sought shade solutions. It’s a matter of survival and comfort. And it’s also a matter of aesthetics. It’s been 30 years since Mike Erickson, CEO and owner of Canvas Designers® Inc. in Riviera […]

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Recommended fabric cleaning products

July 1st, 2018

Fabricators play an important role in teaching customers to keep their boats in shape. It’s pretty simple. People buy boats because they want to have fun. The reality, however, is that work—the opposite of fun—is required to keep any watercraft in tip-top condition. Therein lies the rub. “A lot of boaters don’t want to do […]

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Problem-solving fasteners

September 1st, 2017

Using the right fastener is critical for solving problems rather than creating them. As any marine fabricator will attest, carefully constructed cushions, windshield covers, enclosures, window treatments and so on have to withstand sun, salt, wind and water as well as normal (and occasionally rough) handling by their clients. These items also need to be […]

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