The quality of your estimates has an impact on your bottom line.
The Ultra Lifestyle Collection of durable, luxurious simulated leather fabrics is designed for marine and outdoor use, engineered to meet the growing demands for strength and environmental responsibility.
Clay Gaillard, public relations manager for Cummins MerCruiser Diesel, wondered how to attract attention at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show to the QuadZeus, a 60-foot convertible power sportfishing boat.
I’m applying for a loan, and the lender wants me to submit a business plan for my marine shop.
New boat sales dropped 34.2 percent and average total dealership sales declined by 23 percent during the first nine months of 2009.
New 303 Products Aerospace Protectant Wipes are available for 2010 in a new retail size containing 40 towlettes.
Acqua waterproof leather from Spinneybeck is made using a unique process that ensures its waterproof formula penetrates fully into the hide, as opposed to topical applications.
Sunbrella View, a light-filtering version of Sunbrella fabrics excellent for privacy screening onboard ship, is now available in Pacific Blue and Captain Navy colorways.
Shop owners share their secrets for selling, upselling, expanding, and finding and retaining customers.
Marine fabricators stay afloat following new fabric trends.
Industry experts tell their procedures for keeping fabric and equipment clean and functioning properly.
Katie Bradford uses computer imaging to master hard-to-design projects.
A recently announced $15 billion, multi-pronged plan is designed to help ease the credit crunch affecting so many marine fabrication businesses.
Efficient and proficient shop layout and workflow optimize production, inventory, safety and the customer experience.
The products are designed for use in the awning, marine, tent and graphics markets.
Fabric suppliers see the marine market in a severe downturn because of the weakening U.S. and world economy, as well as cautious customer purchasing for the remainder of 2009. Until the economy does rebound, the OEM market segment will be sluggish. Price-conscious marine fabricators will continue to seek less expensive imported fabrics. This continued influx of imports (not just from Asia) will erode market shares for the market leaders. If the weather is warmer and sunnier in 2009, the marine fabric market may still face decreases, but not as much as in 2008.
Marine fabricators see the market slowly coming back if the economy begins to improve in 2009. The current slump in boat sales will change how they market their products and services. There will be more use of the Internet, discounting of prices, increasing advertising budgets, and increasing product features as they relate to sustainability trends. Technology will continue to improve, particularly in stitching and hot and dielectric welding. Fabricators see raw material prices remaining high compared to the past (before 2007). Like fabric manufacturers, they see more fabric being sourced outside of the U.S. They also feel that their industry will continue to have a hard time finding skilled craftspeople for custom work.
From the 2009 State of the Industry Report. Purchase a complete report at the IFAI Bookstore.