Fibercraft was founded as a partnership in the fall of 1979, for the purpose of building commercial fishing boats specifically for Alaska waters. For the first few years, it was a wintertime only venture, to supplement incomes of the two principals, who were both commercial fishermen in Prince William Sound, Alaska. From the beginning, it was a goal to build a higher level of "finish" into the boats than was generally being offered in the commercial community. Fibercraft soon established a reputation for quality and reliability within the fishing industries of the Northwest and Alaska. As this became evident, inquiries started to come in from the Charter industry, as well as from individuals wanting pleasure craft that were built to hold up to the rigors of use in Alaska waters. Although very limited advertising was done, word of mouth references generated sales sufficient to afford a decision of either building boats year round, or continue status quo. The decision was made by one of the partners to sell to the other. Dick Johnson eventually went on to make boat building his sole career.With the partnership buy-out in 1987 the business became a year round operation.

The boat that started it all. The Fibercraft "Bowpicker"
became the standard in the industry in the 1980's.

Three Fibercraft "Bowpickers" in Cordova, Alaska.
A small, hand-picked crew of shipwrights was assembled, most of whom continue as part of the Fibercraft Family to this day. Their input and ideas are solicited in a continous, ongoing basis. Who better to know how to improve the product than the ones building it? Their attitude and abilities are reflected in the quality craftsmanship of the finished boats. Dick Johnson and his crew at Fibercraft understand that quality, detail and reliability, as well as the way customers feel that they have been treated, are the keys to the company’s future. The list of repeat customers as well as relationships developed with past clients attest to this fact. It is no accident that over the years Fibercraft customers have returned to have their next boat built by Dick and his crew. One customer has had six boats built in the Fibercraft yard! Such is the loyalty and confidence that Fibercraft's customers have in the boats that the yard produces.

As the commercial fishery withered, Fibercraft
switched gears to charter and pleasure vessels.