Filter search

Island Plastics for sale

£6,950 GBP
1979 | 8.03m | Diesel | Sail
United Kingdom
£5,250 GBP
Tax paid / included
1980 | 7.32m | Diesel | Sail
United Kingdom
£5,950 GBP
1995 | 7.01m | Diesel | Power

History of Island Plastics

Introduction

Renowned for their robust and seaworthy fibreglass boats, Island Plastics has carved a unique niche in the British boat building landscape. Best known for their range of displacement motor cruisers and fishing boats, Island Plastics combines traditional maritime values with durable design, making their vessels a firm favourite among discerning cruising enthusiasts and anglers alike.

History of Island Plastics

Island Plastics was founded on the Isle of Wight in the early 1960s, an era when boat manufacturers were embracing the potential of glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) for recreational and working boats. The company's pioneering approach set the standard for small cruiser construction using GRP—a material then revolutionary for its light weight, resilience, and ease of maintenance compared to timber.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Island Plastics became synonymous with reliability and practical design, appealing to both private owners and commercial operators in coastal waters across the United Kingdom. Their versatile and seaworthy models provided a much-needed balance between functionality and affordability, establishing a loyal customer base and a long-lasting presence on British waterways.

Key Models and Range

Island Plastics produced a number of notable models, with the Island Plastics 23 and 24 standing out as some of the most popular. These models were widely appreciated for their stability and ease of handling, making them ideal as family cruisers or inshore fishing boats. Typically featuring roomy cockpits, dependable diesel engines, and robust hull design, Island Plastics boats earned a reputation for straightforward maintenance and long service life.

The Island Plastics 16, often deployed as both a fishing boat and pleasure craft, is well-regarded for its manageable size and versatility. Larger models, such as the IP 30, offered increased accommodation and comfort for longer cruising, further broadening the manufacturer’s appeal.

Innovations and Unique Selling Points

A key innovation from Island Plastics was the consistent use of high-quality GRP at a time when many builders still relied on timber or inferior composites. Their thick, hand-laid hulls provided not only durability but also exceptional sea-keeping qualities. The hulls were designed to enable economical cruising speeds with modest engines, ensuring reliability and excellent fuel efficiency—an attractive proposition for serious cruisers.

Island Plastics differentiated itself from competitors through simplicity, practicality, and an emphasis on safe, trustworthy performance. Interiors, though basic by today's luxury standards, were laid out with careful attention to functionality, allowing for comfortable overnighting and practical use in all weather conditions.

Legacy and Appeal

Though production by Island Plastics has ceased, their boats remain in demand on the pre-owned market. Search terms like Island Plastics boats for sale or Island Plastics 23 for sale are popular among boat buyers seeking affordable, long-lasting GRP cruisers. The enduring presence of their models in UK waters speaks to their enduring quality and reputation.

Island Plastics built a legacy of affordable, honest, and well-constructed boats that continue to satisfy a broad range of boating enthusiasts. Their models are sought after for river, estuary, and coastal cruising, recognised for their practical layouts and robust construction. For those in search of a classic GRP motor cruiser, Island Plastics continues to offer significant value and enduring performance, ensuring the brand’s legacy endures with every voyage.

Which models do Island Plastics produce?

Island Plastics produce a range of boats including the Island Plastics 24, Island Plastics Frigate 27, Island Plastics Tusker 27 and Island Plastics 23. For the full list of Island Plastics models currently listed on TheYachtMarket.com, see the model list in the search options on this page.

What types of boats do Island Plastics build?

Island Plastics manufactures a range of different types of boats. The ones listed on TheYachtMarket include Sloop, Double-ender, Keelboat, Motorsailer and Cruiser.

How much does a boat from Island Plastics cost?

Used boats from Island Plastics on TheYachtMarket.com range in price from £5,250 GBP to £55,000 GBP with an average price of £15,800 GBP. A wide range of factors can affect the price of used boats from Island Plastics, for example the model, age and condition.

Change units of measure

This feature requires cookies to be enabled on your browser.

Show price in:

Show lengths, beam and draft in:

Show displacement or weight in:

Show capacity or volume in:

Show speed in:

Show distance in: