Fibreglass Boats

Fibreglass Boats. The term FRP is generally accepted to mean fibre reinforced plastic. The names fibreglass reinforced polyester, resinglass, and glass reinforced plastic (GRP) are also used. This material is a plastic and is unique in that it is made by the user in situ. It is composed of a series of reinforcements and liquid chemicals which when brought together in specific proportions can be formed into strong, solid but flexible shapes. By varying the quantities of the main components, the finished product can achieve different properties to suit the desired application. 

Advantages over wooden boats
 1. Reduction of maintenance No caulking, no leaks. Hulls are one continuous piece of FRP with no joints or gaps to allow water into the hull. No plank shrinkage when laid up. Wooden hulls suffer from plank shrinkage when brought out of the water and laid up in the sun. FRP does not shrink or swell so leakage and re-caulking are avoided. Rot proof and resistant to borers. FRP is non-organic and will not rot. As a plastic it cannot be eaten by marine borers. Corrosion and electrolysis reduced. FRP is inert. As a plastic it will not corrode. 

2. Simpler construction. Once a mould is made, identical copies of a hull can be made many times over and in a shorter time. 

3. Reduction of skill levels required once a basic training is received.