AMERITEX UNVEILS RETRACTABLE FABRIC ROOF SYSTEM AT IBEX 2014
Published: Wednesday, October 1, 2014
BRADENTON, Fla. – Sept. 30, 2014 – (Marine NewsWire) Ameritex Fabric Systems, a member of the Taylor Made Group, is introducing a new canvas power sunroof system for the boating industry at the 2014 International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX).
“Taking advantage of our patented SureSeal™ technology, Ameritex engineered the only fabric roof with a top fabric section and inner headliner that can be changed or replaced in minutes, without any fasteners,” said Don Zirkelbach, president of Ameritex Fabric Systems. “It’s a fact of the boating lifestyle that fabric, in the marine environment, takes a beating. So what does the owner of an expensive cruiser or yacht do when their fabric roof starts to show wear and, even worse, tear? Well, if they have the newly designed Ameritex retracting fabric roof, then it isn’t a problem.”
There are two fabric parts to this roof, an outer top section and an inner headliner. Both simply “snap in,” using a mechanism much like a resealable plastic bag operates. This means that not only can a consumer easily replace weathered outer fabric pieces, but they have the option to install different inner headliners to match their décor, completely changing the look of their boat’s interior to suit their taste or when redecorating a cabin.
In addition to this unique-to-the-market feature, the roof is engineered so that it works effortlessly in both power and manual modes. It uses tensioning mechanisms and seamless fabric to make sure it is drum tight with no leaks. The outer and inner fabric parts lift and fold in unison, for a neat appearance, and the motor has a pressure-sensitive safety sensor, for anti-pinch protection.
“I think one of the hesitancies toward fabric roofs on yachts in the past was: ‘Would they hold up over time?’” said Mike Oathout, vice president, sales and marketing for Taylor Made Systems, Ameritex’s parent company. “With this new system from Ameritex, that is no longer a concern. Boatbuilders now have a viable roof option that takes both weight and cost out, making it easier for them to add a power-actuated system to their design, really opening up the cabin to sunlight and fresh air. And the fun part, it adds the option for boat owners to customize and personalize their vessels at a relatively small expense.”
About Ameritex Fabric Systems
A member of Taylor Made Group, LLC, Ameritex Fabric Systems (www.ameritexfabrics.com) is based in Bradenton, Fla. and is the fabric engineering and manufacturing arm for Taylor Made Systems. Ameritex is a leading supplier of highly engineered fabric solutions for OEM boat manufacturers and the automotive industry.
About Taylor Made Systems
A member of Taylor Made Group, LLC, Taylor Made Systems (www.taylormadesystems.com) is based in Gloversville, N.Y. Together with its partner, Trend Marine Products Limited, Taylor Made Systems is the world’s largest manufacturer of marine glazing systems and the acknowledged leader in framed-glass windshield technology for powerboats. Other marine product lines include manual and power-actuated doors, roofs, window systems, skylights and hatches. The company also supplies glass products for a variety of agricultural, construction, mass transit and emergency vehicle applications.
About Taylor Made Group
Headquartered in Gloversville, N.Y., Taylor Made Group, LLC (www.taylormadegroup.com) has more than 100 years of experience as one of the recreational marine industry’s largest, most diversified suppliers to boatbuilders and the aftermarket. The Taylor Made Group includes Taylor Made Products, Taylor Made Systems, Taylor Made Glass Systems, Ameritex Fabric Systems, Trend Marine Products Limited, Taylor Made Glass & Systems Limited and Taylorbrite. The Group operates eight facilities in the United States, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom and Mexico. Employing more than 1,000 associates, its products are distributed through a worldwide distribution network.
