In 1947, the first reinforced plastic fiberglass boats in the southeastern United States were conceived and built at this location, where Troy Wollard worked with Arthur H. Siegel and Dudley Whitman to create durable, high-performing craft and launch Challenger Marine Corporation's first boats. Wollard, an outstanding shipwright, was instrumental in this small manufacturing venture, which marked the beginning of a boating revolution and changed the yachting world forever. The 18-foot runabout speedboats built here had inboard engines capable of reaching up to 50 miles per hour and featured monocoque egg-shape construction with full-length stringers supporting the hull and engine. The enterprise was one of the first in the nation to use fiberglass successfully and became the forerunner of an important industry that eventually led to the development of large luxury yachts and commercial vessels.