ShopTalk Inspiration The 2020 Awards for Excellence competition hosted by the Outdoor Fabric Products Association of New Zealand (OFPANZ) showcases design excellence, technical skill and innovation to other members and the entire industry. PROJECT NAME: Captain One Arm MATERIALS: Boatmaster® acrylic canvas by Recasens, O'Sea clear vinyl by O'Sullivan Films OFPANZ 2020 AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE Marine Fabrication Hawkes Bay Trim and Canvas Hastings, Hawkes Bay, NZ hbtrimandcanvas@xtra.co.nz T he project goal was to update an existing canopy and undertake a complete interior fit-out, which included all new linings and new seating on this live-a-board yacht. Project challenges included working on multiple platforms and at different times around many tradespeople. The patterning took place while the boat was in dry dock on blocks with scaffold and wrap all around it, which made for a tight working area. The existing frame was modified and transformed into a ridged welded frame, and the top was repatterned to make it all one piece. Patterning was a challenge as the patterns laid out to almost 7m [23 feet] long. Another challenge was the size of the canopy at over 3m [10 feet] wide and 4m [13 feet] long with a fixed frame. The finished project included 15 clear sheet windows along with 13 zip pockets for the bars. To make installation easier, all fittings were installed at the workshop and completed onsite once the boat went back into the water. The customer was ecstatic with the result. 44 Marine Fabricator | Jan/Feb 2021 0121MF_p32-CV4.indd 44 12/14/20 11:47 AM