Showing posts with label fiberglass boats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fiberglass boats. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

..the first MFG Boats

For the 1955 model year, MFG introduced three 15-foot models. They were named the Union, the Cambridge, and the Erie - after Union City, PA; Cambridge Springs, PA; and Erie, PA, the latter two close to Union City. The Union was the basic model with steering from the transom, and retailed for $295! The Cambridge had a split console amidships with cable steering, and retailed for $495. The Erie was the fancy model and sold for $695. All models had the same fiber glass reinforced plastic hull, initially made in Ashtabula, OH, and subsequently in Union City, PA.

This was a watershed event for the marine industry. The FRP boat was a big hit with boaters!

By the early '60's, most of the small boat manufacturers had switched to FRP. Those who chose not to, well - they missed "the boat"!