While the Viscount will be unveiled in upcoming months, already consumers are seeing new features developed during that design and construction process introduced to most other hulls including Warrior, Lightning and Dominator.
Fi-Glass has a close connection to many New Zealand boaties, started by Frank Simpson in Christchurch way back in 1958, and these days owned and managed by son Griff. Like his pioneering father, Griff too is always looking to grow the business and create new opportunities for boaties, both in New Zealand and in the company’s overseas markets. In recent years new models such as the Ski-Angler have been introduced, while others such as the Fireball have been re-introduced. And, while Griff and the Fi-Glass team undertook the construction process of their yet to be released flagship, it became apparent that many design and aesthetic features developed for it could also be adapted to other, existing models.
Visitors to the Hutchwilco Boat Show in Auckland earlier this year got a glimpse of some of the new features – such as bucket seats to enhance comfort, style and increased storage space – but that is just the start, Griff says.
“As we designed the new Viscount, we were trying to ‘push the envelope’ and ensure it was a step up from the other models.
“When we made the moulds and took off some of the articles, we thought we’d try and fit them in our existing lineup and, as it turned out, with only some very minor modifications, we were able to build moulds to fit the Lightning and Warrior. That allowed us to offer the new seating on those two models. Furthermore, the seating arrangement will also be able to be retrofitted to existing models.”
Other upgrades include a new dash, decals and the development of an internal laminated fibreglass skin which effectively thickens the hull and allows for the new seating configuration.
“If you’ve got a laminated outer skin and you’re bonding in a laminated inner skin it has to make the boat stronger and more rigid,” Griff says matter-of-factly.
It’s a move away from the traditional carpeted boat sides that most New Zealand boatbuilders have been using for a long time and also allows for upgraded flooring choices, including custom U-Dek options.
“Will we still build boats with carpeted hull sides? Yes, we will,” Griff says. “Fi-Glass has always been based around building good value boats and to move away from that would be a mistake. Our boats are not complicated – they do exactly what they’re supposed to do and that means the consumer can use them with absolute confidence.”
More than 10,000 trailer boats and 65 years’ worth of expertise are testament to the fact that they’re safe, reliable and practical boats, but there’s no question the upgrades mark a subtle change as Fi-Glass moves to produce more highly detailed models.
Griff says the updates are already being added to boats as they roll off the factory floor and make their way to retailers, here and overseas. It’s clear he and the team are proud of this new chapter of Fi-Glass history.
“Everyone at Fi-Glass has had input into this process and what it’s shown is the absolute class, commitment and skill of the team who really showed what they can tool, craft and deliver.“
Boating New Zealand will feature the upcoming Viscount – which boasts cutting-edge design, advanced features, and unparalleled craftsmanship – in an upcoming issue.
Find out more about Fi-Glass at: https://figlass.co.nz/
