Glasspar G3

Glasspar Fiberglass Transition 1955-1962 $8,000-$25,000

Why it matters

Glasspar was there at the beginning of fiberglass boatbuilding. The G3 showed what the new material could do — lighter, maintenance-free, and styled in ways wood couldn't match. This was the future arriving in marinas across America. Love it or hate it, fiberglass changed everything, and Glasspar led the charge.

Specifications

Hull Material Fiberglass (pioneering construction)
Length 15-17 ft
Beam 6 ft
Draft 1 ft 8 in
Weight 700-900 lbs
Engine Outboard or small inboard
Engine Type outboard
Horsepower 35-100 hp
Passengers 5
Production Several thousand across all models

Notable Features

  • Pioneering fiberglass construction
  • Lightweight for era
  • Distinctive styling
  • Outboard and I/O options

Patina notes

Early fiberglass boats age differently than wood. The gel coat yellows and crazes. The hardware corrodes. But the hulls don't rot. A G3 might look rough while being structurally sound. The patina is cosmetic, not terminal — that's the fiberglass proposition.

Preservation reality

G3s are the affordable classic boat. Low prices reflect the material more than the history. Restoration means gel coat work and hardware, not planking and frames. The Glasspar community is small but dedicated. Finding parts requires networking, but the simplicity of the boats helps.

Clubs

  • Antique and Classic Boat Society (ACBS)
  • Fiberglass Classics

Events

  • Lake Havasu Boat Show
  • Glasspar Rendezvous gatherings

Sources