Streblow Custom Boats Gears Up for the 2025 Season

As this is being written, the lake ice has disappeared, and the pier companies are prepping their barges for launch. Spring is in the air—and soon to be on the water. As our calendar turned to ’25, we have been going non-stop—winter projects, boat shows, and even a delivery down south. They say how you start off the year is hopefully how your year goes. If that’s true, Streblow Boats is busy delivering the dream!

A Quick Recap of Winter…

The first weekend of January, we headed south and took the Streblow show on the road. Indefatigable, a 23’ straight drive, had the full treatment and was being returned to her home waters of Smith Lake, Alabama. The exterior was refinished, the engine repowered, and the carpeting updated. Judging by the number of thumbs-up and car honks we received while transporting this boat down the road, we were pretty happy—but not as happy as her owners were when we pulled into their driveway safe and sound. The boat turned out wonderful, and the engine upgrade provided more power while still keeping the Streblow rumble we all know and love.

For you boating fanatics down south, if you ended up at the Miami Boat Show, you might have spotted us in an engine manufacturer’s promotional video. The team at Pleasurecraft Engine Group, which builds the Crusader line of marine motors (powering quite a few of our fleet), reached out. They said they wanted to showcase their engine in something beautiful and timeless. We were more than happy to oblige and supply some of our video footage for their booth. Anytime we can showcase our fleet to a knowledgeable boating public, we are delighted to do it.

Craftsmanship in Motion: Winter Upgrades and Restorations

Aside from January boat deliveries and the Miami Boat Show, the team has been focusing on other winter projects—ranging from simple stereo upgrades to a couple of full-on refinish treatments with new exteriors and interiors. The team has been up to the task of getting boats ready for their summer ’25 launches. A lot of sweat and sawdust go into bringing these projects to completion. Our upholstery partners have been stitching away, making these floating pieces of art not only beautiful but also oh-so-comfortable. Our varnish vendors have been keeping us stocked with the latest and greatest products—not only making the boats sparkle but also ensuring they last for decades to come. It takes a team to deliver the dream.

Expanding for the Future: Our New Storage Facility

Not only have we been busy inside with the boats, but our construction partners have been busy outside, building our newest storage facility. This new building will provide much-needed additional storage space on-site. Keeping boats safe from the elements and close to the shop makes launching and storing season that much more efficient for us.

Get Ready to Launch: Boating Season is Almost Here!

Speaking of launching season—it won’t be long now before we start splashing boats! As a reminder, please give us two weeks’ notice before scheduling your boat for the upcoming season. That way, we have enough time to adequately perform the needed work to get your summertime machine ready for its smile-inducing duties.

Leave a Review, Earn a Perk!

As a bonus this year, any customer whose boat is kept in Walworth County who leaves a 5-star Google Review of Streblow Boats will have their delivery fee waived. These Google reviews help promote our business and help those new to the boating world know what you already know: We make the best boats out there!

Leave us a google review here

We’ll see you on the water!

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Custom Purple Interior Shines in 1960s Streblow Rebel

Discover the incredible transformation of a 1960s Streblow Rebel! After decades in storage, this classic boat has been brought back to life with a bold, custom purple and white interior, a new bottom, and striking bleach-blonde wood accents. It’s a true labor of love, showcasing our ability to make your dream boat a reality.

Read more
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2024 Wake The Lake Event 08/18/24

The best Sunday Fundays start with Wake The Lake! Sorry, no snooze alarms (or rain)allowed.

Boating Family,

We have made some slight addendums that will make things more enjoyable for everyone.

  • Who: Any Streblow Boat Owner and their Crew
  • What: Enjoy a fun run from Fontana down to Big Foot Beach and Back
  • When: Sunday August 18th 7:30 am Assemble. Eastbound at 8:00am
  • Where: Meet on the west end of Geneva Lake in front of Chucks as we rumble from one end to the other WAKING THE LAKE!!!

To try and tackle the issue of multiple rows of boats, and boats getting stuck in prop wash, we are going to attempt a side by side/shoulder to shoulder single line modified V formation, stretching from south shore to north shore. We will need to be vigilant for any other boats we may come across and keep an eye on the squeeze at the narrows. We will also have some photographers on board to help commemorate the fun.

As a sign of gratitude, Streblow Boats will be hosting a post alarm clock reception at the Abbey Harbor House from 10am until 3 pm. All are welcome. Come and mingle with your fellow Streblow Boat Family members and enjoy some revelry. Some boat parking spots will be available along the Harbor wall. The photographers will also be at the reception so arrangements can be made to get digital copies or prints they might have of you, your boat, and your crew having fun Waking The Lake!

That’s all for now. See you all on the 18th!

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Celebrate Boating Heritage at the 2024 Geneva Lakes Antique and Classic Boat Show

Streblow Custom Boats, renowned for our handcrafted mahogany custom boats, is proud to be a platinum sponsor for this year’s 2024 Geneva Lakes Antique and Classic Boat Show. The event, presented by the Blackhawk Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society, will be held on September 28-29, 2024, at The Abbey Resort in the Abbey Resort’s harbor.

About The Show

The Geneva Lakes Boat Show is a celebrated annual event, inviting boat enthusiasts to experience the elegance and craftsmanship of classic and vintage boats from all over the country. Held in the picturesque harbor of The Abbey Marina, the show offers free admission and parking, making it an accessible event for everyone. This year’s show promises to be a spectacular gathering, with an array of activities and displays to captivate visitors of all ages.

Event Highlights

  • Boat Displays:
    • Saturday, September 28th: 10:00am – 4:00pm
    • Sunday, September 29th: 10:00am – 3:00pm
    • Enjoy free public viewing of classic and vintage boats, each with its unique history and design.
  • Boat Parade:
    • A highlight of our show every year is the boat parade Saturday at 4:00 PM.
    • Witness a stunning parade as boats proceed out of the harbor, pass under the bridge, and head north up the west shore.
  • Awards Ceremony:
    • Prestigious awards such as People’s Choice and Captain’s Choice will be presented on Sunday at 2:00pm
  • Special Events:
    • Estate Tour: Tour three estates by boat aboard historic Geneva Lake tour boats, followed by lunch at the Lake Geneva Yacht Club.
    • Reception & Dinner: Join us for the Friday evening reception at the magnificent estate of Dana & Patty Mecum, featuring landscaped terraces and stunning lake views.
  • Experience the Magic:
    • Get up close and personal with stunning vintage vessels.
    • Dive into their captivating history and intricate design.
    • Savor delectable food and beverages from Harbor House.
    • Shop for unique treasures from local vendors, all while basking in the scenic beauty of Lake Geneva.
    • Enjoy complimentary rides on a handcrafted custom wooden boat courtesy of Streblow Custom Boats!

Exciting Year for Fontana

This year is particularly special as the Village of Fontana on Geneva Lake celebrates its 100th anniversary. Incorporated in 1924, the village has been commemorating this centennial milestone throughout the year. The Geneva Lakes Boat Show is honored to have the support of the village, and we are excited to celebrate this significant event together.

Lodging: Stay and Enjoy

For those planning to stay overnight, The Abbey Resort offers special group rates for boat show participants. Make your reservations directly with The Abbey Resort at 800-709-1323 or online here using promo code “BOATSH”. Be sure to identify yourself as a participant to receive the special rate.

Join Us at the Show

Whether you’re a boat enthusiast or just looking for a fun and unique way to spend the weekend, the Geneva Lakes Antique and Classic Boat Show is the perfect destination. With beautiful boats, exciting events, and the charming backdrop of Lake Geneva, this event is not to be missed.

From Last Year’s Success

Reflecting on the success of last year’s show, Ed Cox, the owner of Streblow Custom Boats, shared, “We’re thrilled to have been part of the Geneva Lakes Boat Show. It was amazing to see so many people come together to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of these timeless vessels.” His son, Ryan Cox, added, “Watching people enjoy the thrill of riding in a Streblow boat was incredibly rewarding. We’re passionate about sharing the joy of boating, and the positive feedback from attendees was heartening.” Read more about last year’s successful event here.

Looking Ahead

The success of the Geneva Lakes Boat Show has sparked excitement for this year’s event, and Streblow Custom Boats is committed to making it even grander.

Ed Cox encourages everyone to mark their calendars, saying, “We’re looking forward to celebrating Fontana’s Centennial in style. It’s a significant milestone, and we want the community to join us for an even more spectacular event.”

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributes to the success of the Geneva Lakes Boat Show, including our dedicated employees, The Abbey Resort, The Abbey Yacht Club, Visit Lake Geneva and all other participants.

Join Streblow Custom Boats at the 2024 Geneva Lakes Antique and Classic Boat Show for a weekend of boating bliss, camaraderie, and the enduring charm of classic wooden boats. Let’s celebrate the art of craftsmanship and the love for boating together!

Interested in this 2024 Geneva Lake Antique & Classic Boat Show 18×24 Offset Print by Neal Aspinall? Purchase it here!

Neal has done every classic boat show poster since 1999.  All posters are signed and printed on cover weight recycled uncoated off white paper with tiny flecks in it. #nealaspinallstudio

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Experience Fun and Excitement at the Town of Delavan Lakefest June 29th, 2024

Experience Fun and Excitement at the Town of Delavan Lakefest

Get ready for a day filled with summer vibes, family fun, and community spirit at the annual Town of Delavan Lakefest! Streblow Custom Boats is thrilled to be a sponsor for this exciting event, taking place on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the Delavan Lake Community Park.

What to Expect:

1. Family-Friendly Activities: From 1:00 pm onwards, the Lakefest kicks off with a range of activities for everyone. Kids can participate in the fishing tournament, while adults can join in the cornhole tournament for a chance to showcase their skills.

2. Spectacular Boat Parade: Don’t miss the breathtaking boat parade at 3:00 pm, where the lake will come alive with decorated boats cruising along the shore.

3. Meet Lukas Van Ness: Sports enthusiasts won’t want to miss the opportunity to meet 2023 1st Rd Draft Pick Lukas Van Ness from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. He’ll be hanging out with us on a Streblow Custom Boat, adding star power to our festivities.

4. Live Music and Entertainment: Enjoy live music by Under Siege from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm as they rock the stage with their energetic performance, keeping the atmosphere lively until dusk.

5. Culminating with Fireworks: The day culminates with a spectacular fireworks show at dusk, lighting up the sky and providing a fitting end to an unforgettable day.

Join Us:

This event is not just about fun; it’s about community. Streblow Custom Boats invites you to join us at the Delavan Lake Community Park for a day of celebration, connection, and pure enjoyment. Bring your family and friends, soak in the summer sun, and create lasting memories at the Town of Delavan Lakefest.

For more details and to plan your visit, visit the official event page here.

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Hello March 2024! Essential Maintenance Tips for Your Streblow Custom Boat

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“If god had meant for their to be fiberglass boats, there would be fiberglass trees.”

There is a saying in the wood boat fandom, “If god had meant for their to be fiberglass boats, there would be fiberglass trees.” Here at Streblow Custom Boasts, we like wood boats (I know, we’re biased). A Streblow Custom Boat, if taken care of simply, will outshine and last longer than any fiberglass boat. The fallacy that wood boats are hard to take care of is just that. Keep it covered, keep it hydrated, and keep it clean. If you can do that, there’s no reason your boat’s finish won’t last as long as your skin.

How does one take care of a wood boat in season?

When you are out and about in the hot summer sun, we bet one of the go-to things to bring with you besides your swimsuit and towel is sunscreen. Likewise, a boat too needs its sunscreen. Like when your skin is over exposed and gets sunburnt, varnish can prematurely age if not taken care off. Just like you put some clothes on or apply sunscreen, when you aren’t using your boat, throw on its sunscreen: the cover! If one was to compare the cost of an annual buff and wax of a fiberglass boat versus the cost of a varnish job on a properly cared Streblow over the same amount of time, the annual buff and wax bill will exceed the cost of a varnish job.

Keep the boat hydrated.

Much like yourself, wood boats love the water. During the boating season, if a wood boat is kept in the water or on the water on a lift or hoist, your boat is constantly surrounded by humidity. This keeps the planks from drying out and causing the seams between planks to open up with unwanted gaps. For those that trailer their boats, keeping a boat on its trailer on an asphalt driveway may be convenient for you, but it can dry out the boat. Temps on the hot summer asphalt can routinely exceed 100 degrees. Keep it inside a covered space with a natural gravel floor. For off season storage, some owners think a heated garage is the best place for the boat. For some things the heat will be fine, but what happens for the wood is the heat will dry out the air and as such dry out the boat. We run humidifiers all the time and even sprinkle some water on the floor before we leave at the end of the day. Ideal humidity range is 55%-65% to keep a boat happy and humid.

Keep the boat clean.

If after a heavy day of enjoyment where people were jumping in and out of the water, tubes and skis were in use, and maybe the occasional beverage from an overstocked cooler was drank, a few wet spots may have appeared in the upholstery or floor. Be sure to wipe down your interior and it is dry before covering. This way you limit the chance for mold to grow.

When cleaning the boat, we recommend using distilled white vinegar. Yes, the same stuff that is used to help make salad dressing. The low acidic percentage, means it is safe on human hands, but strong enough to get those pesky water spots off. Plus, if you smell like vinegar, the aroma of cleaning the boat will mask the smell of donuts and cheeseburgers you had for lunch instead of a salad.

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Streblow Custom Boats Celebrates Success at the Geneva Lakes Antique & Classic Boat Show

Fontana, WI – 10/01/23 – Streblow Custom Boats, a premier name in custom wooden boat craftsmanship, proudly sponsored the two-day Geneva Lakes Antique & Classic Boat Show on September 23rd and 24th, 2023. The event, held at the scenic Abbey Resort’s harbor in Fontana, Wisconsin, showcased a spectacular display of antique and classic wooden boats, drawing enthusiasts from far and wide. The weather was perfect, and the turnout exceeded our expectations, with both days of the event packed with visitors.

Ed Cox, the owner of Streblow Custom Boats, expressed his delight, saying, “We’re thrilled to have been part of the Geneva Lakes Boat Show. It was amazing to see so many people come together to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of these timeless vessels.”


Streblow Custom Boats made a splash at the event by offering free boat rides on their handcrafted custom wooden boats throughout the weekend. The rides were a tremendous hit, providing attendees with a unique and memorable experience on Lake Geneva.

Ryan Cox, son of Ed Cox and a key participant in the event, shared, “Watching people enjoy the thrill of riding in a Streblow boat was incredibly rewarding. We’re passionate about sharing the joy of boating, and the positive feedback from attendees was heartening.”

The success of the Geneva Lakes Boat Show has ignited excitement for next year’s 100 Year Centennial Celebration of Fontana, WI. Streblow Custom Boats is committed to making the event even grander, commemorating the village’s incorporation in 1924. Plans are already underway to elevate the celebration and create an unforgettable experience for boating enthusiasts and the Fontana community.

Ed Cox encourages everyone to mark their calendars for next year’s event, saying, “We’re looking forward to celebrating Fontana’s Centennial in style. It’s a significant milestone, and we want the community to join us for an even more spectacular event.”

 

Streblow Custom Boats extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the Geneva Lakes Boat Show, including Streblow’s dedicated employees, The Abbey Resort, The Abbey Yacht Club, and all other participants who played a vital role in making the event a resounding success.

Check out this amazing poster put together by Neal Aspinall. It features every single one of the 20 classic boat posters Neal did from 1999-2019. The show was resurrected in 2023.  #nauticalartwork #nealaspinallstudio

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Streblow Custom Boats in Lake Geneva, WI

This is Streblow Country!

The Antique and Classic Boat Society | ACBS Blackhawk of the ACBS Geneva Lakes Antique and Classic Boat Show      Visit Lake Geneva      Geneva Lake West Chamber of Commerce  American Boat & Yacht Council | ABYCUnited States Coast Guard                                                                            

Streblow Custom Boats in Lake Geneva, WI

Streblow Custom Boats

251 Host Dr, Lake Geneva, WI 53147
Office: (262) 728-6898

Mon-Fri 8:30AM–4:30PM
Sat & Sun: 10 AM–2 PM

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