| 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.
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 competitions
(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.
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 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 1500
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
45 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. |