The hard facts on marine hardware and components
September 1st, 2010
While it may seem like a proportionally small detail for an overall marine fabrication project, finding the best hardware can significantly prolong the lifespan of an end product and tailor it to a specific customer’s needs. The technology for marine hardware is always changing, and it can be hard to keep up with the new […]
Trusted tips for creating custom covers
March 1st, 2010
“Travel covers are notoriously good and bad,” says Steve Griffith, owner of Marine Tops Unlimited in Madison, Wis. “The good part is they will keep your boat clean and dry.” The downside is that the wind created by driving down the highway can cause the cover to billow out, blow around and damage both the […]
Specialized fabrics present opportunities for marine industry
January 1st, 2009
In today’s challenging economic environment, marine fabricators must be tuned into trends within the industry and within the larger sales and marketing landscape. This level of awareness is essential if fabricators are to weather the current economic downturn and position themselves for future growth. One of the most promising of industry trends is the development […]
Up your profits during your downtime
September 1st, 2008
The offseason is a good time to catch up with any marine fabrication projects unapproachable during the hectic boating season. But, as companies scramble to remain competitive, the current changing business climate may alter the way craftsmen find clients, no matter what the season. Fabricators from around the country talk about how they’re handling those […]
Adding a retail component to your marine fabrication business
September 1st, 2008
Whether you are just starting out in the marine fabrication industry or are a longtime shop owner, there comes a time when the inevitable questions arise: How can I grow my business, and is there more I could be doing for my customers? Some owners respond by offering discount programs for loyal customers, relocating to […]
Custom pilot house allows customer to see clearly
July 1st, 2008
This 1994 Monterey 265 SEL came from the factory with a substantial stock pilot house of traditional clear plastic panels secured to heavy fabric by hefty zippers. After four years of living with the stock version, the second owner of the boat, an avid yachtswoman in Southern California, decided to replace the worn and tired […]
Creating a virtual bimini
May 1st, 2008
Last summer we created a “virtual” three-bow bimini frame and top from measurements taken using CAD. A 3-D bimini is modeled in CAD software using measurements taken in the field. The frame is dimensioned for specs necessary to bend the tubing. The top, created by “flattening” its 3-D surfaces to a 2-D plane, is cut […]
Strategies for choosing marine fabrics wisely
May 1st, 2008
When it comes to fabric, the marine environment is unique. Moisture and dirt don’t like most fabrics, and those elements accelerate the growth of mildew, deteriorating fabrics further. Unfortunately, your customers don’t always choose the best fabric, and that’s where you, your suppliers and manufacturers come in. “A boat owner is going to be driven […]
Custom Covers utilizes technology to stay on top
March 1st, 2008
Top. The dictionary has numerous definitions for the word. For Custom Covers, a marine fabrication business based in Salt Lake City, the word takes on its own meanings. Top, as in boat top, is what the company manufactures. Top, as in top of the market, is where the company has been since creating the first […]
Semi-rigid windows offer profitable opportunities
January 1st, 2008
It didn’t take long for Jeri Perillo to get hooked on working with semi-rigid windows and enclosures. Perillo’s company, Custom Canvas of Charleston in North Charleston, S.C., installed its first semi-rigid enclosure four years ago on a boat at the request of Rainier Windows. Custom Canvas started fabricating the windows for Tiara yachts, and other […]