The story of the MFG Boat Company begins not with an avid sailor or a seasoned boat builder, but with an industrial visionary, Robert S. Morrison. Morrison founded the Molded Fiber Glass Corporation (MFG) in Ashtabula, Ohio, in 1948, with an ambitious vision to mass-produce commercial products using innovative glass fiber-reinforced plastics. MFG quickly became a pioneer in the field, most famously serving as the original contractor for the fiberglass body of the iconic Chevrolet Corvette.
The company's foray into boat building was, by some accounts, an indirect consequence of a business deal that didn't materialize. MFG had proposed building fiberglass hulls for the Lyman Boat Company, a well-established powerboat manufacturer. When this proposal fell through, MFG decided to utilize their fiberglass expertise and existing molds to produce their own boats, leading to the formation of the MFG Boat Company division in Union City, Pennsylvania. In 1956, the MFG Boat Company introduced what would become the first mass-produced fiberglass pleasure boats, marking a significant milestone in marine industry history. Early MFG boats, in fact, often resembled wooden boats, as their initial molds were derived from Lyman designs.
History and Evolution
The Molded Fiber Glass Boat Company's history is intertwined with its parent corporation's commitment to large-scale fiberglass production. From its start in 1956, MFG Boat Company quickly scaled its operations in Union City, PA. A significant partnership began in 1968 when MFG started producing boats for Sears, Roebuck and Company under the "Gamefisher" and "Adventurer" series, a venture that would see over 250,000 units manufactured. This collaboration solidified MFG's reputation for producing affordable, mass-market powerboats.
While primarily known for powerboats, MFG also ventured into the sailing market. In 1965, the company offered several sailboat models—the WHISTLER, PINTAIL, and TEAL—under its 'Anchor Sailboat Division'. Interestingly, some early sailboats from this era were also listed as being built by "Anchor Reinforced Plastics". The sailboat division saw further development in the early 1970s when MFG acquired the Gibbs Boat Company. Following this acquisition, the sailboat arm of the company was rebranded as 'SailMFG'.
MFG Boat Company's production continued into the early 1980s. By 1983, the boat-building operation in Union City, Pennsylvania, was sold to Quality Boats, Inc., and by December 1987, MFG had ceased boat manufacturing entirely, with the boat building part of the business considered a "sideline" for the larger Molded Fiber Glass Corporation.
Design Philosophy and Identity
MFG Boat Company carved out a distinct identity in the marine industry as a pioneer and leader in mass-produced fiberglass boats. Their reputation was built on creating functional, accessible, and affordable pleasure craft, primarily small powerboats. The boats were known for their fiberglass construction, which, at the time of their introduction, was revolutionary for widespread adoption in recreational boating. While specific naval architects are not widely publicized for most of their models, the Pintail sailboat is credited to designer F.S. Ford Jr.. Their early designs mirrored wooden boats due to their use of existing molds, but later models adopted more conventional fiberglass layup techniques. Despite their mass-produced nature, MFG boats generally held a good reputation for reliability and utility among owners.
Iconic Models and Legacy
MFG's legacy is largely defined by its high-volume production and the widespread accessibility of fiberglass boats. In the powerboat sector, the Sears Gamefisher and Adventurer series were arguably their most impactful, with over a quarter-million units produced, making boating accessible to countless families. Other notable powerboat models included the Challenger, Fishin Bass, Carefree, and Beachcomber.
On the sailing side, the Anchor Sailboat Division offered popular models like the 11-foot WHISTLER and the 14-foot PINTAIL. Following the transition to SailMFG, the company introduced models such as the Sidewinder, Bandit, and Copperhead. The Sidewinder proved to be MFG's most popular sailboat, with over 2,000 units manufactured between 1973 and 1979. These sailboats were often characterized by their simplicity and suitability for recreational sailing and learning.
At its peak, MFG Boat Company was a "powerhouse" in the industry, reportedly producing more power and sailboats than any other company globally at that time, a testament to their efficient mass-production capabilities.
The Builder Today
While the MFG Boat Company ceased its boat manufacturing operations by the mid-1980s, the parent company, Molded Fiber Glass Companies (MFG), continues to thrive. Founded by Robert S. Morrison, MFG remains a privately owned and managed corporation headquartered in Ashtabula, Ohio. Today, the larger MFG Corporation focuses on producing advanced composite fiberglass products for a diverse range of industries, including automotive, heavy truck, wind energy, and defense, continuing their legacy in fiberglass innovation beyond recreational boating.
Although new MFG boats are no longer produced, a vibrant community of owners and enthusiasts cherishes the classic MFG and SailMFG boats. These vessels, known for their durable fiberglass construction, continue to provide an accessible entry point to boating for many, with online forums and dedicated websites preserving their history and supporting the ongoing ownership experience. The enduring presence of these boats on lakes and waterways stands as a testament to the pioneering spirit and manufacturing prowess of the MFG Boat Company.
