Shop Talk Inspiration To recognize and celebrate 2024 MFA Excellence Award winners, we will feature winning projects on this page throughout the year. AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Tops & Sunflys Mike's Marine Custom Canvas Virginia Beach, Va. mikesmarinecanvas.com T he customer's wakeboard boat came with a very small sun top due to the towrope being attached to the pylon on top of the arch. The goal of the project was to fabricate a simple shade kit that could be used on the bow or the stern of the boat. A flap with zippers was added to the front and rear of the original small top. A single frame that breaks into four pieces using tube joints with push buttons was constructed. The bow mounts to the boat using low-profile deck hinges with push buttons, which means no tools are needed to put up the 6½44 Marine Fabricator | Sept/Oct 2024 foot shade. The webbing straps and quick-release buckles pull the shade tight to the existing cleats. The whole kit breaks down into a small mesh bag that can be easily stored inside the console. PROJECT NAME: Wakeboard Shade Kit MATERIALS: Sunbrella® by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC, YKK Zippers by YKK®http://www.mikesmarinecanvas.com