How digital templating is transforming marine workflows

In the marine industry, precision and efficiency are everything. But how do professionals keep up with increasingly complex projects while maintaining quality and speed?

We spoke with John Richerts, a Proliner marine expert, about his experience with the Proliner and how this technology is reshaping the way marine projects are measured and produced. After spending a decade templating and operating a canvas & decking operation, John recently returned to Prodim

 

Why is the Proliner such a game changer for marine professionals?

The Proliner is a key factor not just in measurement but in the overall workflow of a company. I believe it comes down to three main components.

First, the speed at which relatively large projects can be tackled. Some larger covers would take not only several hours to pattern by hand, but also multiple trips back and forth to achieve the final fit. This also impacts time spent in the canvas shop on sewing and cutting. What used to take days is now reduced to hours, resulting in significant labor savings.

Second, the accuracy and fit of the final product often surpass what can be achieved by hand. This ties directly into the design process, where adjustments and modifications can be made digitally before any cutting takes place. CAD plays an important role here. The Proliner provides the foundation for solid modelling, making collaboration with teams or customers much more efficient. Instead of working with tape measures and fabric on-site, a few screenshots can clearly communicate the design.

Third, the overall workflow of the canvas shop is streamlined significantly. There is no longer a need for large plastic patterns or cutting blanks onsite. Sewing maps provide clear instructions for the sewing department, and cutting is done on a CNC machine, eliminating common manual errors. Most importantly, installations are often completed in a single trip. There’s nothing more satisfying than completing a job in one clean cycle, from measurement to installation.

 

Where is the Proliner most commonly used in the marine sector?

That depends on the focus of the business. In Florida, for example, there is a strong emphasis on marine decking, followed by canvas work. However, the opportunities for using the Proliner in the marine industry are vast.

 

What common mistakes do you see when measuring on-site?

If we’re talking about using the Proliner, one of the biggest mistakes is not taking enough time during the initial measurement. It’s essential to capture all the details you need. Developing a method or checklist that works for you makes a big difference. Once that foundation is solid, the rest of the process becomes much smoother.

 

Which Proliner features are underused?

In the marine industry, the use of layers is often underestimated. Layers are a powerful way to label and organize information for the CAD department. This is especially useful when measurements are complex. If someone else needs to work with your data without having been on-site, layers provide a clear understanding of what was measured and why.

 

Any tips for working faster and more accurately?

Taking your time during measurement is key. Before even turning on the Proliner, you should have a clear plan for the final result.

Think about how the project will be attached, how it should look when finished, and whether there are important reference planes that define where the fabric should end or how water runoff should be handled. Spending some extra time planning can make the entire measuring process much clearer and more efficient. You’ll focus only on what truly needs to be measured and avoid unnecessary work.

 

What challenges are unique to measuring in a marine environment?

The environment itself can be challenging, especially sun and heavy wind. However, the Proliner performs much better under these conditions than traditional hand patterning and lasers. Measuring windy situations with plastic templates simply cannot compete with the Proliner. Lasers are also far more susceptible to exterior influences than people realize, sunlight baffles the light of the laser, but also wind can create laser scatter.

Another challenge is people. It’s important to stay focused and avoid distractions while measuring. Having people walking around or interrupting can impact accuracy.

 

How does the Proliner reduce material waste and production time?

The ability to nest materials very tightly within CAD software before cutting leads to major material savings. It also allows for more precise ordering of materials if you choose to wait until patterns are ready.

Additionally, smaller elements like reinforcement pieces or pocket strips can be placed within unused material areas, minimizing waste even further.

 

Can you share an example where the Proliner made a big impact?

There are hundreds of examples, but the most impressive ones are large-scale covers, sometimes exceeding 100 yards of material. These projects really highlight the efficiency and precision gains.

 

Is digital templating the future of the marine sector?

It’s not the future, it’s already a necessity. Skilled hand patterning is becoming less common, and the industry is evolving. If you’re not adapting to new technology, it becomes very difficult to grow your business.

“The Proliner is essentially like adding two or three skilled pattern makers to your team.” 

However, you will need strong sewing capabilities to keep up with the increased production speed.

 

How important is preparation before measuring?

Preparation is a huge factor. While unexpected design elements can still come up during the process, having a clear plan is essential.

A methodical approach works best. Personally, I always used a top-down method measuring from the highest point to the lowest, to ensure nothing was missed. Leaving reference points on the boat can also serve as a backup in case something needs to be checked later.

 

What advice would you give new Proliner users?

Practice is key. Instead of seeing a project as one large task, break it down into smaller, manageable sections.

The Proliner has a learning curve, but it ultimately mirrors what you already know. Think of it as a digital pen. You approach it the same way you would when marking fabric by hand. Take your time and remember that every point matters.

 

What’s one golden tip every user should know?

The Quick IPT attachment is your friend. It allows you to achieve highly accurate results around obstacles, for example, measurements around the corner.

(Note: Prodim recently came out with an even improved QIPT version for it’s V-series!)

Most importantly, don’t rush. Working on boats is something to enjoy. The satisfaction comes not only from impressing your customers, but also from seeing the quality of your own work.

 

Ready to transform your workflow?

Curious how the Proliner can improve your efficiency, accuracy, and overall workflow? Get in touch with our team or request a demo to experience it for yourself.