Archives

Fighting pink stain

November 1st, 2017

The work “pink” brings to mind a little girl dressed as a princess, cotton candy at the county fair and plastic lawn flamingos. But for those in the marine industry, the word takes on a sinister connotation as a stain caused by streptoverticillium reticulum. It’s a far greater menace than a never-washed red garment laundered […]

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Choosing the right foam for your seating project

August 1st, 2017

From cockpit cushions with hull angles to bosun’s chairs and boat mattresses, choosing the best solution for cushion foam is a bit of a science. The task can feel daunting given the complexity of choices in foam types, materials, densities and compression factors, but choosing correctly is crucial to a project’s success. Factor in comfort […]

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Part 1: State of the Industry 2017

February 1st, 2017

Despite some slowing of global GDP in 2016, growth of the U.S. and Canadian specialty fabrics industry is slow but steady, and markets like fabric structures, tent rental and manufacturing, fabric graphics and marine fabrication are outpacing national averages. The pace is expected to continue, but can also be somewhat constrained by changes in unemployment […]

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Dowco acquires plastics and seating manufacturer

May 11th, 2016

Dowco®, a Manitowoc, Wis.-based manufacturer that focuses on cut and sew products for the marine and powersports markets, has acquired Premier Plastics and Leisure Designs of Hoyt Lakes, Minn. Premier Plastics is a manufacturer of rotational molded and vacuum formed plastic components for the marine, powersports and construction industries. Leisure Designs, a subsidiary of Premier […]

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Full coverage

April 1st, 2016

Tips and trends in travel and mooring covers. Every boat owner wants to be on the water as much as possible. Even on shore, however, protection from the elements is crucial. Good mooring and travel covers protect the finish, upholstery and interior/exterior environments of boats. A custom cover ensures a good fit, proper ventilation and […]

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Sunbrella® introduces first knit shade fabric

September 8th, 2015

Sunbrella Fabrics, Glen Raven, N.C., has announced its first shade fabric engineered for shade sail applications. Sunbrella Contour is the first knit Sunbrella shade fabric, featuring a rich texture with the unique ability to fit to any shape and angle, making it usable for a variety of applications such as shade sails, fixed awnings, shade […]

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Sunbrella® documentary follows U.S. Olympic hopefuls

September 3rd, 2015

Offering an inside view of the journey to the Olympic Games, upcoming documentary “Uncharted Waters” follows the personal stories of 11 US Sailing Team Sperry athletes working toward a spot on the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams that will compete in the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Made possible by Glen Raven, N.C.-based Sunbrella® […]

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Durable marine fabric

September 1st, 2015

WeatherGuard™ is a tough and cost-effective marine fabric made of solution-dyed polyester that’s resistant to water, tearing, abrasion, UV and mildew. It remains soft and pliable with use, and is lightweight enough to be easily folded and stored. Introduced by Ameritex Fabric Systems, a supplier of engineered canvas enclosures, tops and covers for OEM boatbuilders, […]

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Towels extend lives of canvas tops and enclosures

August 1st, 2008

With proper care, boat owners can extend the useful lives of their canvas boat tops and enclosures. Shurhold’s microfiber towels come in a variety three-pack: The extra-strong orange towel serves for effective washing and cleaning; the super-soft dark blue towel is recommended for polishing and shining; and the lint-free light blue towel is best for […]

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Hydrostatic resistance provides breathability

July 1st, 2008

Problem: Marine covers develop mildew because urethane-coated, solution-dyed polyester lacks breathability. Solution: WeatherMax 80 has a hydrostatic resistance twice that of acrylics and remains naturally breathable. It provides a balance of water resistance, breathability and color retention equal to acrylics. SOURCE Safety Components Fabric Technologies Inc.

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