The purpose of this thesis is to describe and analyse the properties of composite materials as well as the technology and technique of applying them in the case of the RITEH Waterbike's Team vessel. The mentioned example is a general approach to the application of composite materials in the shipbuilding industry, to which this thesis is directed. The materials that have received special attention are carbon, armaid and glass fiber reinforcers as they are the most prevalent in the shipbuilding industry. Three methods of manufacturing composite materials used in the shipbuilding industry are described: laminating, vacuum bagging and vacuum infusion. The methodology for the selection of matrix materials, reinforcers and resins and their range of applications in the shipbuilding industry are described in detail. Information is provided on the use of composite materials for the manufacture of certain parts of a ship. The process of selecting materials, designing and manufacturing a RITEH Team Waterbike is described. The parts of the production where composite materials were used are described, as well as how they improved the production technology, shortened the production time and increased the quality of the waterbike. The main problems of composite materials that manufacturers and users are facing today are outlined, as well as the direction of their development towards environmentally friendly recyclable materials.