Silverback Marine & Richlite: Innovation in Custom Boat Design
- Ciana
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
Out of the Puget Sound: The History and Innovation of Silverback Marine
Silverback Marine is a respected force in the world of marine manufacturing, specializing in aluminum landing craft, workskiffs, truckable tugs, mini barges, and other workboats. They design and build ABYC and USCG-compliant aluminum vessels ranging from 22’ to 75’ LOA for federal, state, and local governments, as well as private clients.
Founded in 2016 and headquartered on Commencement Bay in Tacoma, WA, the company boasts the nation’s largest in-stock inventory of workboats.
At the heart of Silverback’s success is its unique “co-design with customer” approach. Their in-house team—experts in marine design, hydrostatics, and mechanical systems, works closely with clients to produce detailed renderings and multiple revisions before any physical build begins.
This gives customers a clear, visual understanding of their vessel well before RFQs are issued, helping them get more accurate bids and minimizing surprises during construction. In fact, many clients rely on Silverback purely for design and spec writing services to establish a solid foundation for their vessel projects.
Custom Marine Innovation: Silverback x Richlite
Silverback Marine regularly delivers vessels tailored to each customer, some purely functional, others packed with luxury features for high-performance and long-term use. In the search for materials that match both ruggedness and refinement, Richlite emerged as a natural fit.
The Original Innovation: Whalelite for Fiberglass Boats
Richlite’s legacy in marine applications began with Whalelite, a robust fiberglass backerboard. Made by layering FSC-certified paper with thermosetting resin and pressing it into a dense panel, Whalelite is crafted in the USA and known for:
1,400+ lbs. screw retention
Class A fire rating
High moisture, corrosion, and abrasion resistance
Excellent fiberglass adhesion
High compressive strength
Thermal and electrical insulation
For more information about Whalite tech specifications, click here.
A New Use Case: Richlite for Helm Station Paneling
Expanding beyond Whalelite, Silverback recently explored using standard Richlite panels in a new way, custom helm station surfaces.
In a recent custom build, the client requested a luxurious but practical material for their vessel's helm station. Silverback chose Richlite not just for its matte, non-glare finish, but also for its durability and machinability. The panel was milled with precise cutouts and backchanneling to accommodate LED backlighting and control instrumentation, resulting in a sleek, modern console built for adventure sailing.
Though Richlite has traditionally been used as architectural cladding, in its iconic Slate color, this project proved its value as a rugged, attractive, and customizable surface for marine interiors. Expanding beyond Whalelite, Silverback recently explored using standard Richlite panels in a new way – custom helm station coverings and countertops.
Why Richlite Works for Marine Design
Originally developed for industrial use, Richlite performs exceptionally well in high-pressure, outdoor environments. Its dense composition, resistance to the elements, and ease of fabrication make it ideal for boatbuilders and designers looking for performance and style.
Made in the USA since 1943, Richlite’s marine-friendly properties include:
Resistant to water, stains, corrosion, and abrasion
Non-conductive – perfect for electrical and helm use
High screw retention (1,400+ lbs at ½") and compressive strength
Through-color with no need for edge banding
Customizable edges and carvings
Naturally antimicrobial (JIS 2801) and easy to clean
Class A fire-rated with excellent span and cantilever performance
Boat Design That Delivers: Built by Silverback Marine
Whether you’re commissioning a commercial workboat or an adventure-ready vessel, Silverback Marine brings dependable craftsmanship, innovative design, and premium materials to every build. Their collaboration with Richlite shows how traditional marine construction can be reimagined – blending durability, sustainability, and style.
We’re excited to see what the future holds as more marine innovators discover the unique advantages of Richlite on the water.