He said that a companion died after several months in the 24ft fibreglass boat.

Aluminium spars are usually associated with fibreglass boats, although one can still find a few early fibreglass hulled yachts that were equipped with wooden spars.

Fibreglass boats are strong, and do not rust (iron oxide), corrode, or rot.

In 1989 the average annual catch was estimated at 11,900 tonnes, caught by 10,300 people using 5305 dugout canoes, 114 plank and fibreglass boats, and only 54 outboard motors.