Hourston Glascraft

The oldest continuous builder of fibreglass boats in the world is North Vancouver’s Hourston Glascraft. That company started production in 1950 and is still going strong (see Py, May 2004). The oldest glass boat builder in the U.S. is Bellingham’s Seasport Boats. Started by a Canadian, its production began in 1955. In 1958, Richmond’s Double Eagle began production, and a year later Canoe Cove began building in glass. Both companies are still in production. In heart of glass, Daniel Spurr notes that Hatteras began fibreglass production in 1960, followed a year later by Bertram. Both well-known U.S. builders have continued production to this day.
Who is the oldest?

Hauling in the mighty Halibut - Photo courtesy of Valdez Fish Derbies.
Update: No this is not a photo shopped picture. Yes this is a real Halibut. No they are not pulling it on board, but pulling it off the boat onto the Valdez Boat Harbor Dock. Weight of Halibut 325.4 pounds. Photo taken in 2005.

Funny story...

My husband grew up fishing on the West Coast in a 1981 17.2' Hourston with his Dad and Grandpa. A few years ago, my husband and I decided to buy a boat as we wanted to start fishing for salmon. We live in Victoria, BC. My husband was absolutely adamant that we find a Hourston to purchase. He told me many fishing stories and how much his Grandpa (a commercial fisherman) loved and admired Hourstons. Since I am quite naive about boats, I didn't really understand why we needed to purchase a Hourston specifically. But let me tell you, this would change.

Last year we had a very successful fishing season; our freezer was full of spring, coho and pink salmon. However, near the end of the season, we had ventured out into a rainy day but this wasn't anything unusual; most of the time the clouds would part and the sun would shine. As I steered our 1988 15.5' Hourston to our favorite spot in East Sooke, I wasn't paying much attention to the many boats in front who kept turning around. As my husband worked on getting the fishing gear down in the water, I suddenly realized I had steered us into some very large waves. Before I knew it, we were in trouble.

My husband pulled the gear and took the wheel. He warned me it was going to get rough, really rough. As he turned the boat around, we both saw what was coming. With no exaggeration, half a dozen 8-10 foot waves were coming towards us. There was no avoiding these waves; we had to go through them. We hit the first wave and it was silent as we dropped until our bow dove under the water. We listened to our motor scream loudly as the propeller came out of the water. Without hesitation, our Hourston popped right back out of the water, just in time to take on the next wave. Over and over again we hit these huge waves. I honestly thought we were going to die. As the boat crashed into the waves, my ears hurt as the crashing of our boat was as loud as thunder. I was terrified but my husband was confident.

We made it up and over the last big wave... I looked over at my husband and told him I understood exactly why he insisted on buying a Hourston. In all honestly, we should have capsized or at least damaged our boat. However, our Hourston handled my mistake like a boss.

I am so impressed with our Hourston. I have learned my lesson but have come to appreciate the quality and safety of a Hourston. My husband and I plan to invest in a brand new 20' Hourston within the next few years. We advise anyone and everyone to purchase a Hourston.

Your loyal and happy customers,
Kate and Jon Kidson

Wisdom from the Wall.

The best fishing boat on the Coast. Why ? Stable fishing Platform in all conditions. This boat has seen weather you only want to watch on TV.
Twenty years of running Hourston's in Port Renfrew and this 2005 will be around another twenty easy.

Thanks to my sponsors for their tremendous support.
Gibbs Delta Tackle, Silver Horde, Zac's, Yamash*ta, Rhys Davis,
If you have any questions on the boat or gear I run please contact me.