The latest sales trends report for the pre-owned boat market, part of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) 2022 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, is now available for download. Pre-owned boat sales returned to pre-pandemic levels, down nearly 13% to just below one million units in 2022 following two years of growth. The market [...]

Cedarville, Mich.-based Great Lakes Boat Building School (GLBBS) has secured a $354,600 Rural Business Development Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The school applied for the support as part of its “Enhancing Education with Equipment” campaign, which provides equipment and technology for skilled trades training. According to an article in Soundings Trade Only, [...]

It was late in the day, rain was threatening, and Edward Skrzynski needed to cover a boat that was on an elevator lift before the storm hit. All the available workers were out, so telling no one he was leaving, he headed out to handle the task alone. Just as he arrived, it started [...]

The owner of this 2003 Chaparral 232 Sunesta had a simple request of Southern Stitch Canvas & Upholstery—make it new. Shown here is part of the one-of-a-kind interior. Photo: Southern Stitch Canvas & Upholstery LLC There’s a saying that chance favors the prepared. Sometimes that preparation can take some surprising forms. Just ask Steven Wayne, [...]

This stunning project from Vorei Frost Reeves’ In Stitches Customs won an Outstanding Achievement Award in the 2023 MFA Fabrication Excellence Awards Transformations category. As anybody who’s tried it knows, marine upholstery is not for the faint of heart. Doing it well requires serious skill, creativity and experience. Marine Fabricator asked four sewing pros with [...]