As a pioneering force in the nascent world of fiberglass boat construction, PlastiGlass Co. carved out a significant, albeit brief, legacy in the American marine industry. Founded in the early 1950s on the West Coast, this innovative company, under the vision of Barney Lehman, played a crucial role in introducing accessible fiberglass dinghies to the sailing community.
PlastiGlass Co. was established in 1950 by Barney Lehman, a designer and boat builder with a keen eye for innovation. Lehman's foresight positioned PlastiGlass Co. as one of the earliest American manufacturers to embrace fiberglass for boat construction, a material that would revolutionize the industry. His original motivation stemmed from a desire to produce small, durable, and easily managed sailing dinghies.
Among the company's notable early creations were the LEHMAN 10 (also known as the Lehman Interclub) and the LEHMAN 12 cat-rigged dinghies, both designed by Lehman himself. The LEHMAN 12, designed in 1953, quickly gained recognition as a responsive and popular one-design racing dinghy, especially in Southern California.
History and Evolution
PlastiGlass Co.'s independent journey was relatively short, spanning from 1950 to 1955. A pivotal moment in its history, and indeed for the future of small fiberglass sailboats, occurred in 1955 when W. D. Schock Co. acquired PlastiGlass and its designs. This acquisition proved to be a crucial transition, as it laid the groundwork for one of the most enduring and beloved dinghies in American sailing history.
While W.D. Schock Corp. was founded by William "Bill" D. Schock in 1958, the purchase of PlastiGlass in 1955 by W. D. Schock (the individual or his nascent company) meant that Lehman's designs and fiberglass expertise transitioned directly into the hands of a new, influential builder. This marked a significant shift from the initial, independent production efforts of PlastiGlass.
Design Philosophy and Identity
PlastiGlass Co.'s reputation was built on its embrace of fiberglass, a material that offered unprecedented durability and reduced maintenance compared to traditional wood construction. The company was known for producing sturdy and accessible dinghies, primarily focusing on designs that were simple to rig and sail, catering to both recreational users and burgeoning one-design racing fleets.
Barney Lehman served as the primary naval architect for PlastiGlass Co.'s early models. His designs emphasized practicality and performance within the realm of small sailing dinghies. After the acquisition, the legacy of PlastiGlass's designs was significantly shaped by W. D. Bill Schock, who would take Lehman's foundations and evolve them into highly successful models.
Iconic Models and Legacy
PlastiGlass Co. is best remembered for its "Lehman series" of dinghies. The LEHMAN 12, designed in 1953, was a standout, gaining popularity in Southern California for its responsiveness and planing capabilities. Approximately 400 LEHMAN 12s were produced, solidifying its place in early fiberglass boat history.
The most significant and enduring legacy of PlastiGlass Co. stems from the LEHMAN 14. This larger dinghy, originally conceived by Barney Lehman, became the foundational design for the immensely popular LIDO 14. Following W. D. Schock Co.'s acquisition of PlastiGlass's designs, Bill Schock undertook numerous modifications to the LEHMAN 14, eventually redesigning it into the LIDO 14 in 1958. The LIDO 14 went on to become one of the most successful and widespread one-design dinghies in the United States, a testament to the strong initial design work done by Barney Lehman and the subsequent refinement by Schock. Even today, the LIDO 14 continues to be exclusively manufactured by the W.D. Schock Corporation.
The Builder Today
PlastiGlass Co. as an independent builder ceased to exist after its acquisition in 1955. Its pioneering efforts in fiberglass boat building, however, laid a critical foundation for the W. D. Schock Co., which continued to develop and produce successful sailboat designs. The spirit of simple, durable, and high-performing dinghies, initiated by Barney Lehman, lives on through the continued production and active racing fleets of the Lido 14, which remains a testament to its Plastiglass heritage. The strong owner community surrounding the Lido 14 is a direct beneficiary of the innovative work done by Barney Lehman and PlastiGlass Co. in the early days of fiberglass boat manufacturing.