With their sleek looks, customizability, and relatively low maintenance, it’s no wonder fiberglass boats remain a top choice among recreational boaters. This guide will walk through fiberglass boat types, advantages, care tips, common issues, costs, and everything else required to be an informed fiberglass boat owner.
What is a Fiberglass Boat?
Fiberglass boats are constructed using fiberglass cloth and resin to create a hard, lightweight and weather-resistant hull and deck. Layers of woven fiberglass fabrics are saturated with liquid polyester or epoxy resin then molded into the desired shape.
Unlike metals, plastics or wood, parts made of fiberglass compound maintain their shape and strength while staying relatively lightweight. This makes fiberglass an ideal boat building material. It emerged in the 1950s as a superior alternative to the wooden powerboats of the day.
Now fiberglass remains one of the most popular recreational boat hull materials along with aluminum. It is used for boats of all sizes ranging from runabouts to yachts over 100 feet long.
Brief History of Fiberglass Boats
- 1937 – Fiberglass first used in construction of small boat deck
- 1940s – Entrepreneurs begin experimenting with all-fiberglass boats
- 1950s – Mass production of recreational fiberglass boats takes off
- 1960s – High-performance offshore race boats built with fiberglass
- 1970s – Improved fiberglass materials and resin types introduced
- Today – Continued innovations make fiberglass versatile and cost-effective
While wood boats pre-date it, fiberglass made recreational boating accessible and helped launch the modern boating industry. It remains a tested, trusted construction material.
Types of Fiberglass Boats
Fiberglass hulls and decks are used across nearly all powerboat and sailboat types, but here are some of the most common:
- Bass boats
- Runabouts
- Bowriders
- Cruisers
- Pontoons
- Sport yachts
- Motor yachts
- Sailboats (monohulls and multihulls)
- Jet boats
- Jon boats
- Inflatable RIBs
The diverse applications highlight the versatility of molded fiberglass for small tenders to mega yachts. It delivers the performance, durability, and customization boaters need.
Advantages of Fiberglass Boats
Reasons fiberglass remains ubiquitous after 70 years include:
- Strong and durable – Withstands impact while flexing to absorb shock. Maintains strength and integrity over decades.
- Lightweight – A major advantage over metal boats. Easier to tow and transport. Improves speed and fuel efficiency.
- Corrosion resistant – No rusting like aluminum or steel. Reduced maintenance needs over full lifespan.
- Customizable design – Fiberglass can be formed and molded into virtually any shape. Allows personalized styling.
- Ease of repair – Unlike steel or wood, even major fiberglass damage can be patched and gouges repaired relatively easily.
- Balanced cost – Fiberglass boats avoid the high cost of wood construction and have longevity benefit over metals.
For boaters, these favorable traits check all the boxes – performance, durability, strength, lifespan and maintenance.
Disadvantages of Fiberglass Boats
Fiberglass does have some downsides to weigh:
- Higher initial cost – Molding incurs high one-time startup costs. This gets passed to buyers unlike simple aluminum boats.
- Specialization for repair – While repairable, fixing fiberglass correctly requires training and experience.
- Finicky hull/deck joint – This crucial bonding joint needs careful sealing to prevent leaks.
- Paint wear – Fiberglass gelcoat and paint slowly deteriorate over time from oxidation and use.
- Weight with size – Although light for their size, large yachts still have considerable heft. Big boats require larger motors and burn more fuel.
But for most boaters, the pros of fiberglass far outweigh these limitations. Improvements in resin and gelcoat have also minimized the downsides over the decades.
How to Choose the Right Fiberglass Boat
With the versatility to be shaped into virtually any style and application, there is certainly a fiberglass model suited to your needs. Here are key factors to consider when choosing:
Hull Type
Deep vee? Moderate vee? Flat bottom? Boat use dictates optimal hull shape. High performance requires a deeper vee while flat bottoms plane quickly but ride rougher.
Construction Technique
Hand layup allows total customization but costs more. Mass-produced boats focus on efficiency but lack refinements.
Resin Type
Polyester resin is more affordable while epoxy resin offers superior bonding and longevity.
Weight Capacity
Ensure the boat’s limits match your cargo and passenger needs with a safety buffer.
Engine Size
Horsepower rating should align with the boat’s limits and match intended use. High performance requires larger, fuel-thirsty motors.
Once you’re clear on your boating purposes, prioritize the above criteria when selecting among the many fiberglass models on the market.
Popular Fiberglass Boat Brands & Models
With so many builders to consider, these well-known fiberglass boat brands are a great starting point:
Bass Boats: Ranger, Skeeter, Triton, Phoenix, Stratos
Pontoons: Avalon, Premier, Bennington, Godfrey, SunChaser
Runabouts & Bowriders: Bayliner, Chaparral, Cobalt, Crownline, Chris-Craft
Cruisers: Sea Ray, Four Winns, Regal, Carver, Formula
Yachts: Azimut, Viking, Hatteras, Westport, Marlow
Do your research to narrow down models within your budget that fit performance and feature needs. Take test drives of top contenders before deciding.
Maintaining a Fiberglass Boat
With simple regular care, fiberglass boats deliver lasting performance. Follow these maintenance best practices:
- Wash – Use boat soaps and chamois to remove grime and prevent surface oxidation. Avoid harsh cleaners.
- Wax – Apply wax 2-3 times per year to protect and buff the gelcoat shine.
- Inspect – Check for cracks or damage around deck hardware. Look for blisters or clouding in the gelcoat.
- Clean bilge – Use bilge cleaner to break down oily grime and keep moisture from lingering.
- Touch up – Fix any chips/gouges right away with gelcoat kits to avoid worsening.
- Engine care – Don’t neglect prescribed outboard or stern drive maintenance.
- Winterize – Store boat properly on stands with traps to prevent rainwater pooling.
Regular cleaning and close inspections go a long way to extend the life and appearance of your fiberglass beauty. Address issues promptly to avoid small problems mushrooming over time.
How to Repair Minor Fiberglass Damage
For small cracks, holes, and surface defects, fiberglass boats can be restored cosmetically with simple DIY repairs:
Gelcoat scratches/damage – Lightly sand the area, clean it, apply color-matched gelcoat, then buff to regain luster.
Small cracks – Sand the crack, fill with thickened resin, smooth when cured, and buff with wax.
Holes – Clean and sand the area, secure fiberglass behind the hole, then build up layers of thickened resin. Smooth once fully cured.
Blisters – Drain and dry blister, sand surface, fill with epoxy, then apply new fiberglass and resin.
Loose hardware – Dry area completely, rough up existing fiberglass, rebed hardware with sealant, and tighten firmly.
For more extensive repairs, the best bet is having a professional assess and restore the fiberglass to original structural integrity using the right materials. But for minor jobs, DIY kits make reviving small areas relatively straightforward.
How to Prevent Fiberglass Boat Problems
An ounce of prevention goes a long way to avoiding issues and prolonging your boat’s lifespan:
- Wax often – Regular waxing combats oxidation, fading, and surface degradation from UV rays.
- Touch up nicks/dings – Addressing small damage prevents enlargement or moisture intrusion.
- Rinse saltwater – Hose down hull with freshwater after ocean trips to prevent salt corrosion.
- Watch bilge water – Rapid rise or unusual smells can signal a leak needing immediate attention.
- Shelter when possible – Keep out of sun and extreme weather to minimize wear when not in use.
- Check seams/hardware – Ensure deck joints and fittings aren’t loosening or separating from the fiberglass.
- Maintain engines – A neglected drive can allow water intrusion and hull damage.
Keeping your boat’s fiberglass in top shape requires diligence and care across the years. But addressing problems promptly and preemptively avoids huge repair headaches down the road.
Common Fiberglass Boat Problems & Solutions
Even with meticulous care, issues inevitably crop up on older boats. Here are some common fiberglass problems and fixes:
Cracked/crazed gelcoat – Apply wax filler into cracks. Buff smooth. Replace badly crazed sections.
Leaking deck joints – Dry thoroughly, sand, refill with moisture-resistant sealant.
Loose hardware – Remove hardware, dry surrounding fiberglass, rebed hardware.
Discolored/oxidized gelcoat – Wetsand to restore gloss. Apply gelcoat restorer.
Holes/gouges – Fill with thickened resin. If large, glass over. Fair and finish.
Blisters – Drain, dry, sand smooth, fill with epoxy, fiberglass over.
Soft deck core – Cut out soaked core. Replace with new core material. Seal edges completely.
Outboard corrosion – Remove paint, sand and refinish lower unit. Replace severely corroded sections.
Addressing issues early makes repairs less time-consuming and costly. If the problem worsens, consider hiring a professional rather than DIY.
How Much Does a Fiberglass Boat Cost?
Fiberglass boat prices vary widely depending on:
- Size – Costs rise exponentially on larger boats due to increased materials, labor, motors, complexity.
- Type – Simple flat-bottom skiffs cost far less than high-performance offshore boats.
- Construction technique – Custom built costs more than mass-produced. Hand laid boats with premium resin and hardware are most expensive.
- Manufacturer – Well-known brands naturally boost prices over lesser-known makers.
- Options/electronics – Adding extensive accessories, sound systems, electronics etc. increases price.
As a ballpark, a small 17′ fiberglass runabout might start around $15,000. Move up to a decked out 50′ cruiser and prices can easily exceed $1 million. Assess your budget and how you plan to use the boat before shopping.
Conclusion
Fiberglass has earned its place as the preferred construction material for over 70% of recreational powerboats. Its winning mix of strength, customization, and reasonable maintenance costs make fiberglass ideal for all types of boats from bass boats to yachts. Careful selection of the hull, options and brand based on your needs and budget allows finding the perfect fiberglass boat to enjoy for years to come. Follow sound maintenance practices and address any problems promptly to keep your boat looking and performing its best season after season.
