Raymond P. Greene, the visionary founder of Ray Greene & Co., was far more than just a boat builder; he was a true pioneer and an active racer with a deep passion for the sea. His journey into the world of boat construction began early, with the establishment of his company in 1936, initially producing a two-man daysailer. Greene was inherently an innovator, constantly experimenting with plastics and meticulously documenting his findings in papers on boat construction. This relentless pursuit led him to a groundbreaking achievement in 1942, when he is widely credited with constructing the very first fiberglass boat hull, utilizing polyester resin reinforced with glass. This early, somewhat "odd looking" fiberglass yacht was a significant precursor to the revolution that would sweep the industry. In 1947, his operations were formalized as Ray Greene & Co., firmly laying the groundwork for his legendary contributions.
History and Evolution
Ray Greene's foresight in adopting fiberglass proved transformative for the marine industry. His early experiments culminated in the mass production of fiberglass boats, and by 1949, Greene boldly believed his company to be the largest fiberglass boat builder globally. This rapid expansion was fueled by the success of his early designs.
A significant milestone in the company's evolution was the introduction of the 16-foot REBEL in 1947 or 1948. This nimble and robust sailboat, which Ray Greene himself actively raced and won in, quickly became a cornerstone of the company, establishing a firm foundation for its future. The REBEL, known for its wide beam and a substantial 110-pound steel centerboard, exemplified Greene's commitment to practical and durable designs.
Another pivotal moment arrived in 1957, with the unveiling of the Sparkman & Stephens-designed NEW HORIZONS 26 (also known as the 25-foot New Horizons) Data, 2, 4. This auxiliary cruiser, notable as Sparkman & Stephens' first fiberglass design, was an immediate sensation, garnering nearly 30 orders at the New York Boat Show in its debut year Data, 2, 3.
Despite these successes, Ray Greene & Co. faced considerable challenges, including "a number of fires, and other setbacks," as noted in company records Data. Ultimately, Ray Greene retired from the business in 1975, bringing an end to the company's active operations Data, 8.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Ray Greene & Co. carved out a unique and lasting reputation in the sailing world, primarily as a pioneer and champion of fiberglass boat construction. The company was known for building sailboats designed for practicality and enjoyment, rather than venturing into the realm of speedboats. Their identity was rooted in the revolutionary use of fiberglass, a material that promised durability, lower maintenance, and consistent production.
Crucially, Ray Greene understood the importance of combining innovative materials with expert design. He collaborated with some of the most respected naval architects of his time. The iconic NEW HORIZONS was a testament to his partnership with the legendary Sparkman & Stephens, a firm that would go on to shape countless influential yachts. For the popular REBEL 16, Greene partnered with Alvin Youngquist. Additionally, earlier designs like the NATIONAL ONE-DESIGN saw collaboration with William F. Crosby. These collaborations underscore Greene's commitment to producing well-designed vessels that leveraged the strengths of fiberglass.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The legacy of Ray Greene & Co. is most vividly remembered through its iconic boat models, which left an indelible mark on sailing.
- The REBEL 16: This 16-foot sloop, first built in 1948, became a one-design racer that propelled Ray Greene & Co. into prominence. Its robust fiberglass construction and spirited performance ensured its popularity, and remarkably, the REBEL 16 remains actively raced in fleets across the United States to this day, a true testament to its enduring design and build quality.
- The NEW HORIZONS 26: Launched in 1957/1958, this Sparkman & Stephens-designed auxiliary cruiser was a landmark vessel Data, 2, 4, 5. It quickly established itself as a comfortable and capable cruising yacht, demonstrating the viability and appeal of larger fiberglass boats. The initial rush of orders at the New York Boat Show underscored its immediate success Data.
- The NIPPER: An earlier two-man daysailer, the 12-foot Nipper was also a notable design, with early versions even built from plywood before the transition to fiberglass. A variant, the SLIPPER, featured a sloop rig.
While specific overall production numbers are not readily available, Ray Greene's self-proclaimed status as the largest fiberglass boat builder by 1949 speaks volumes about his company's output and influence. His pioneering efforts significantly influenced subsequent generations of boat builders, demonstrating the immense potential of fiberglass as a primary material for marine construction. The success of models like the REBEL and NEW HORIZONS helped solidify fiberglass as the material of choice for recreational boating, forever altering the landscape of yacht manufacturing.
The Builder's Enduring Influence
Ray Greene retired in 1975, and with his departure, Ray Greene & Co. ceased its operations Data, 8. While the company no longer builds new vessels, its impact on the marine industry is profound and lasting. Ray Greene is unequivocally recognized as one of the true pioneers of fiberglass boat construction, a vision that revolutionized how boats are made and enjoyed worldwide.
Today, the legacy of Ray Greene & Co. lives on through the numerous classic fiberglass sailboats that continue to grace waterways around the globe. Models like the REBEL 16 maintain strong owner communities, with enthusiasts dedicated to preserving and sailing these historic vessels. The ownership experience of a Ray Greene boat is deeply rooted in appreciating a piece of yachting history – a durable, well-designed sailboat that represents the very genesis of modern composite boatbuilding. His work paved the way for the ubiquitous fiberglass yachts we see today, making Ray Greene & Co. an indelible chapter in the annals of marine history.
