Other Marine & Structural
Stitching Projects
Custom Design - Manufacturing - Project Management
I have done all sorts of different marine projects from fabricating marina awnings to building floating boat houses and enclosures and aquaculture spawning and farming nets even enclosures for yacht clubs and restaurants.
Aquaculture net design & Manufacture
The first net I built was a project I inherited after buying up a net manufacturing business for their walking foot sewing machines in Seattle.
This was back in 2003 and since then I have made one or two nets a year and repaired others where ever I have been in the world.
The designs and systems vary according to the farm and their systems in place.
Most of the systems are protected under IP rights.
I share where I can.
Trampolines
I have only made probably 25 sets of trampolines.
Every one has been different and each one has been virtually from different fabric or netting.
I take the fabrication of trampolines pretty seriously as I used to fly trapeze whilst at university.
The stretching and lacing is an art in itself.
Anyhow, if there is anything you need to know about making, designing or fabric choice get in touch with me
flying trapeze
A long time ago.
Probably where I developed a feel for what fabrics, nets and cables can do.
Tension Structures
Starting out with Mark and Paul Du Plessis in Cape town and "Cape Shade" 20 + years ago we did some interesting projects. This included a 500 car port structure for Cape Town INTl Airport.
Some years later during a winter in Seattle I went to Dubai to design some shade awnings and carports for a housing estate.
From time to time in the sail and canvas business you get orders and inquiries. They break the monotony of making covers for boats.
One project stands out. This was for a restaurant in New York I did with Mark Plough from Doyle Sails.
Tents & Awnings
Having owned and run my own sail canvas shop I have been asked to make a myriad of different things. This had led to some really amazing projects.
My employment with Tentickle Tents as their production- factory manager involved my managing 120 staff in 4 different facilities - including a structural department – welding shop – 2 sail lofts – design department, sewing halls etc.
Residential & Commercial Awnings
As a commercial canvas and sail shop with over heads and staff to maintain one can hardly afford to turn down work.
As painful as this work might be it pays the bills.
Sometimes you even get a cup of tea.
I have actually done some enclosures for some of the finest hotels and restaurants on the east coast of the USA.
Keeping close to home is always a good idea.
Commercial awnings are a pain in the ass in the USA. You have to deal with building regulations, fire departments and municipal authorities. When you are working in a hurricane belt area the paper work is mountainous.
The last project I did kept my secretary busy for two months just on the certifications and licences. The job was only around 40 k and I should have made a profit but buy the time the project was finally approved with all the materials and construction certs we lost terribly.
Knowing the local municipality and local politics can play a large roll in deciding which job to take and which to walk away from.
