Fiberglass Transition

Wood gave way to glass. Chris Craft and other manufacturers shifted to fiberglass production. Wooden boat building became a specialty craft. The era of mass-produced boats began.

Historical context

Fiberglass was cheaper, faster to build, and required less maintenance. Wooden boat manufacturers converted or closed. The skills required to build and maintain wooden boats began to disappear. By 1975, a new wooden runabout was a rarity. The classic era was over.

Defining characteristics

• • Fiberglass replacing wood
• • Wooden boat builders closing or converting
• • Outboards becoming dominant for small boats
• • Bass boats and fishing focus
• • Lost craftsmanship and skills