Fi Glass

Fi-Glass Products Ltd is a long-established New Zealand boat manufacturer with roots dating back to 1958. The company was originally formed to take advantage of emerging fibreglass technology in the manufacture of domestic products such as washtubs and shower trays. The expertise developed in working with fibreglass soon led to the creation of its first boat, the Fisherman, designed by Brian Wall.

From this early beginning, Fi-Glass quickly became a recognised name on New Zealand waterways. Early models such as the Regent and Firecrest (also known as the Sabre-Jet and the Hamilton Jet 42) were initially sold with wooden decks or as hulls for customers to finish themselves. By 1964, the company had progressed to producing complete fibreglass boats with moulded decks. Following a successful showing at the Auckland Boat Show, Fi-Glass scaled up production to around six boats per week, building hundreds of Firecrests by the time production ended in 1968.

An important milestone came in 1968 with the launch of the Fireball, a highly successful model that drove rapid expansion of the company’s manufacturing facilities. More than 2,000 Fireballs were produced in various forms, including a jet boat version. Over subsequent years, Fi-Glass developed a broad range of models, including the Firestar (widely used as a ski boat in national competitions), the Lightning (for racing and water-skiing), a Mark II Regent, and the Sidewinder, another popular ski and race boat.

In the early days, Fi-Glass cabin boats were essentially runabouts with hard-top units and windows bolted on, a labour-intensive approach. This changed in 1972 with the introduction of the Viscount, the first fully moulded cabin boat in New Zealand. The Viscount helped set the modern hull shapes and styling for local pleasure craft, and more than 1,000 Viscount models have been produced, many still in use and giving their owners enjoyment today.

Through the mid-1970s the company continued to broaden its line-up with models such as the Scamp (over 1,000 produced) and the Baron (around 350 produced), alongside another major success, the Dominator. Initially accepted slowly, the Dominator went on to gain a strong following, with over 3,000 units sold in New Zealand. In 1977 Fi-Glass released the Warrior, which became one of the most successful cabin boats on the New Zealand market, known as a robust, dry and safe family boat with strong performance. More than 1,200 Warriors have been sold, and its design and resale value are presented by the company as benchmarks in the segment.

Today Fi-Glass positions itself strongly around family-oriented boating. The brand emphasises creating unforgettable family adventures on the water and highlights that the most memorable experiences come from time spent with loved ones on the water. The company focuses on three core attributes in its designs: performance, safety, and comfort. Fi-Glass states that it builds boats to meet a wide variety of family needs, from relaxed fishing trips and cruising through to water-sports and more adventurous outings, with layouts that can accommodate everyone from younger children to older family members.

Fi-Glass communicates a commitment to quality craftsmanship and modern manufacturing. The company notes that its skilled team uses up-to-date technology and high-quality fibreglass and resins, allowing it to offer structural hull warranties (for example, a six-year structural hull warranty is associated with its Senator range). This focus on durable construction, stable handling and capable power-to-weight ratios is presented as central to ensuring both enjoyment and peace of mind for owners.

Across its range, Fi-Glass highlights attributes such as:

• Safety and dryness – hulls and layouts designed for secure, dry operation in varied New Zealand conditions.
• Family versatility – boats set up for mixed use including fishing, cruising, skiing, diving and general family outings.
• Comfort – roomy layouts, well-upholstered interiors, and practical seating configurations for day trips and longer time on the water.
• Performance – agile handling and strong performance for activities such as water-skiing and racing, backed by decades of design refinement.

Over more than half a century of operation, the company has continued to evolve its product line, now offering models such as the Ski Angler, Fireball, Dominator, Firestar, Senator, Cavalier, Lightning, Warrior, Warrior Hardtop, Viscount and Invincible RIB. Fi-Glass encourages new owners to “join the Fi-Glass family,” underlining a brand identity built on shared experiences, reliability on the water, and a long-standing New Zealand boatbuilding heritage.

Summarising its own positioning, Fi-Glass states that its boats offer “Excellence in Performance, Safety & Design”, and that buyers are joining thousands of other New Zealanders who have made the same choice over several generations.