Fi-Glass Products Ltd was formed in 1958 to take advantage of new fibreglass technology in the manufacture of washtubs and shower trays.
With the expertise gained from these humble beginnings came the first Fi-Glass Boat, the FISHERMAN, designed by Brian Wall.
It created a great deal of interest from the start, and sales have lead to Fi-Glass Boats being found all over New Zealand waterways - from jet boats on the braided Canterbury Rivers - to Finn Class Yachts on the Waitemata Harbour.
Early Fi-Glass models such as the REGENT, and FIRECREST (also known as the SABRE-JET and the HAMILTON JET 42) were sold with wooden decks, or as hulls only for the purchaser to finish.
Hull with floor being fitted after being lifted out of mould
By 1964 these hulls had developed to a complete boat with fibreglass deck. After exhibition at the Auckland boat show, orders quickly came and production was stepped up to 6 boats per week. When production ceased in 1968, 364 FIRECRESTS had been built.
Next in the Fi-Glass story came the FIREBALL (1968), the boat that was so successful that the company rapidly expanded its manufacturing facilities to try and meet the demand. Over 2000 were built in various forms including a jet boat version.
With better design and production facilities in place a string of additional Fi-Glass models were produced. The FIRESTAR - a good ski boat used for national compet tions (30 per year - over 7 years). The LIGHTNING - for racing and water skiing, a Mark II version of the ever popular REGENT, and the SIDEWINDER - another popular ski and race boat.
Early 11.6 Fi-Glass “Fisherman” with Juilette Lawence & Penny Zeno
Sterndrive Fi-Glass “Viscount”
All early Fi-Glass cabin boats were basically a runabout with the hard top unit, and windows, bolted on. This was an extremely labour intensive and slow method of construction.
In 1972 the VISCOUNT was introduced as the first fully moulded cabin boat in New Zealand. This was to set the hull shape and style of pleasure craft used today.
Well over 1000 of the VISCOUNT model have been produced and are still giving their owners immense pleasure today.
The first Fi-Glass “Fisherman”
The SCAMP (over 1000 produced) and BARON (350 produced) appeared in 1975 along with the next successful production model the DOMINATOR. It was accepted slowly at first, however by the end of it’s second year of production it had gained a following that remains today - over 3000 DOMINATORS have been sold in New Zealand.
In 1977 the WARRIOR was released and this has proved to be one of the most successful cabin boats on the New Zealand market. A robust, dry and safe boat that gives sparkling performance to the family boatie.
Well over 1200 units have been sold. It’s design and resale value sets the standard expected today.
Our new 3 model SENATOR range gives you versatility in layout and design to purchase a boat suited to your needs.
It comes to you with the pedigree of almost 50 years of Frank Simpson’s design expertise, and is constructed from the finest fibreglass and resins that enable us to confidently give it a 6 year structural hull warranty.
You can purchase a Fi-Glass boat knowing you are making the same choice as thousands of other New Zealanders.
Fi-Glass boats offer you Excellence in Performance, Safety & Design.
Mr Fi-Glass” racing a Lightning that campaigned for 3-4 years. Powered by two 135 Mercurys, racing in a 6 hour marathon on Lyttelton Harbour. The boat placed 2nd twice, in the 6 hour marathon in Auckland. And when sold and campaigning under the name of “Miss Contec” the boat won in Auckland