Uniflite Inc., a name synonymous with robust fiberglass construction and a significant chapter in American yacht building, left an indelible mark on the marine industry during its active years from 1957 to 1984. Based at the Bellingham Shipyard in Washington, USA, the company was a pioneer in fiberglass boat production, serving both recreational boaters and the demanding requirements of the U.S. Navy.
Uniflite Inc., originally known as United Boat Builders, was founded in October 1957 by Art Nordtvedt in Bellingham, Washington. Nordtvedt's background in the marine industry was substantial, having previously worked for Bellingham Shipyards, where he was involved in building Navy Mine Sweepers and Bell Boy Boats. The name "Uniflite" itself was a testament to Nordtvedt's vision, stemming from the concept of a "united crew."
Uniflite quickly established itself in the burgeoning fiberglass market. Its very first vessel, introduced in 1958, was an all-fiberglass 17-foot outboard runabout. This initial offering paved the way for a diverse range of powerboats and eventually sailboats. In January 1959, the company moved into a former plywood plant in Fairhaven, Bellingham, which became its permanent home.
History and Evolution
Uniflite's history is characterized by rapid growth, innovation, and, unfortunately, a significant challenge. A pivotal moment occurred in 1962 when Uniflite became a public company, trading on the New York Stock Exchange. This move was instrumental, as it made the company eligible for lucrative U.S. Navy contracts that would define much of its production over the next two decades.
The company was a proponent of fire-retardant resins in the construction of its pleasure boats, a practice it exclusively adopted. While initially using "Hetron" from Dupont Chemical, which posed no issues, a change in resin supplier after 1975 led to widespread hull blistering. This unfortunate development resulted in a class-action lawsuit, casting a shadow over later models, particularly those in the Valiant sailboat line.
In 1977, Uniflite expanded its manufacturing footprint by acquiring boat molds from the East Coast-based Pacemaker Boat Co. and establishing a second production plant in Swansboro, North Carolina. This expansion proved crucial when, in 1980, a fire nearly destroyed the original Bellingham plant. Thanks to the Swansboro facility and its molds, Uniflite was able to continue production.
Despite its resilience, Uniflite Inc. ultimately ceased operations as an independent entity in 1984, when it was acquired by Chris-Craft for $10 per share. Chris-Craft continued to build many of the Uniflite models under its own brand until 1989, when production ceased entirely.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Uniflite earned a robust reputation for building strong, capable vessels, particularly fiberglass powerboats. It was recognized for its pioneering and exclusive use of fire-retardant resins in pleasure craft, a testament to its commitment to safety and material innovation. This distinction, however, later became a point of contention due to the blistering issues with post-1975 resin formulations.
Beyond its recreational offerings, Uniflite was a prolific supplier to the U.S. Navy for two decades, earning it a reputation for durable and dependable military craft. The company's design and construction techniques were clearly geared towards practicality and robustness, appealing to a market that valued reliability.
Uniflite collaborated with notable naval architects, most notably Alfred E. Luders, for the design of the 44-foot yawls. These vessels, also known as the Naval Academy Yawl or NA 44, were built for the U.S. Naval Academy and represented Uniflite's foray into larger fiberglass sailing yachts. Robert Henry Jr. is also credited as a designer for some iterations, like the Annapolis 44.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Uniflite's product line was diverse, encompassing small runabouts, express cruisers, fishing boats, and even commercial and military vessels. Following its initial 17-foot runabout, Uniflite quickly introduced a range of other sizes, including 14-foot, 15-foot, 18-foot, and 20-foot outboard and inboard/outboard models, before expanding to larger 25-foot, 31-foot, and 34-foot express cruisers.
Perhaps Uniflite's most iconic contribution was its extensive work for the U.S. Navy. Between 1965 and 1972, the company built approximately 418 of the over 750 31-foot River Patrol Boats (PBRs) used during the Vietnam War. At the peak of this production, Uniflite was reportedly rolling two PBRs and one 36-foot landing craft off the assembly line daily. The company also fulfilled numerous other military contracts for 14-foot and 50-foot patrol craft, landing craft, and personnel boats throughout the 1960s and early 1970s.
In the sailing realm, the Luders-designed 44-foot yawls stand out as significant models, serving as training vessels for the Naval Academy. The Valiant sailboat line also garnered attention, though it became infamous for the blistering issues related to the changed fire-retardant resin.
Among its popular powerboat models, the Double Cabin, 42 Double Cabin, Sport Fisherman, 36 AFT CABIN, 36 Double Cabin, 48 Sportfisher, and 53-foot yachts remain well-known and sought after in the brokerage market today.
The Builder Today
While Uniflite Inc. as an independent boat builder ceased operations in 1984, and the Chris-Craft production of Uniflite designs ended in 1989, the legacy of Uniflite boats endures. The brand's reputation for robust construction means that many Uniflite vessels from its era are still actively used and traded in the secondhand market. There are also dedicated suppliers providing parts for these classic fiberglass boats, supporting a community of loyal owners.
The spirit of Uniflite also lived on through its founders and key personnel. Art Nordtvedt's son, Gary Nordtvedt, went on to establish Norstar Boats, continuing a family tradition in boat building. Furthermore, some of Uniflite's original crew members, including Bob Moors and Paul Jansen, later formed Unicraft Marine, carrying forward the expertise gained at Uniflite. The enduring presence of these vessels on the water is a testament to Uniflite's impact on marine engineering and its lasting contribution to the world of yachting.
