A Brief Modern History of Fiberglass

Why are so many boats made out of fiberglass, also called glass-reinforced plastic (GRP)? Learn the history about the material and the pros and cons of using it in marine applications.

Angie Richard

November 11, 2024

Examples of glass filler (microspheres) and glass material (cut fibers and two fabrics) for plastics reinforcement: glass microspheres (or glass beads); diameter: about 300 µm, specific gravity: 2.5. Mineral filler mainly used to increase the stiffness of a thermoset resin and to make road safety markings; 5 mm length chopped strands of fiberglass used to reinforce thermoset resins; fibrous reinforcements for thermoset resins: two glass fabrics with different area density; fiber orientation: 0 and 90° (most common): weave pattern: taffeta (down left, area density: 550 g/m2), and 2x2 twill (down right, area density: 280 g/m2). Credit: WikiCommons/CC BY-SA 3.0

Fiberglass, also known as glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), has been an integral material in modern engineering and design, especially within the marine industry. Its lightweight, durable, corrosion, and marine organism-resistant properties have made it a favored choice for boatbuilders since the mid-20th century. But what of its origins?
In my own search to understand how fiberglass swept the world by storm, I set out to trace the material’s historical development, technical composition, and ‘revolutionizing’ impact on the marine industry, particularly in recreational and competitive sailing.