Streblow Builds Custom Fixes & Repairs Sells Custom Securely Stores Boats

in Lake Geneva, WI

About Streblow Custom Boats

Building Memories Since 1950

Since 1950, Streblow Custom Boats has been a cornerstone of the Lake Geneva community, crafting handmade wooden boats that create unforgettable family memories. Our master craftsmen blend timeless design with the finest materials, including our signature mahogany exteriors and powerful, melodious engines. Each Streblow boat is a testament to superior craftsmanship, offering a unique and luxurious experience on the water.

Our Legacy

The story of our local industry begins with Larry Streblow, who founded Streblow Custom Boats. As one of the oldest continuously operating wooden sport boat makers in the United States, we have a rich history of quality and dedication. In 1987, Larry moved the operation from Kenosha to Lake Geneva to be closer to our valued customers, and his legacy continues to inspire the wooden boat-building community to this day.

Timeless Design

The iconic Streblow design, first introduced in the early 1960s, remains a hallmark of our brand. Key features include a V-drive with a wraparound interior, a straight drive with a centered engine, and double-plank hull construction. The trademark white stripe on the side makes our runabouts instantly recognizable and a true icon of Lake Geneva. Today, over 100 Streblows grace these waters, with more than 500 nationwide.

A Thriving Community

In 2020, Edward Cox took ownership, ensuring the Streblow legacy endures for future generations. Our dedicated craftsmen continue to restore vintage boats and build new ones with an artisan’s touch, upholding the Streblow standard of perfection. Edward and his son, Ryan, are proud to live and work in the Lake Geneva area, where they are active members of the community. They are committed to building, repairing, restoring, and storing custom Streblow boats, driven by a deep passion for their craft. For the Cox family, this isn’t just a business—it’s what they love.

OUR HISTORY NEWS MEDIA EVENTS ONLINE STORE

“Owning a Streblow boat for over 25 yrs, my family has experienced and enjoyed that delicate balance boat owners strive for: power and comfort. Once you feel it in a Streblow wood boat, regardless of age, you’ll never want to give it up. Streblow owners haven’t just purchased a boat; you become a member of the Streblow family; I like to refer to us as the Fortunate Few.”

Joseph H.Proud Streblow Boat Owner–Google Review

“The Streblow legacy is well and alive. My 1977 ‘Baron’ Streblow is in beautiful shape,. all because of the Streblow INC. I have been well taken care of and they have even offered to come and uncover and recover my boat when I need it. Pretty extraordinary customer service.”

Linda A.Proud Streblow Boat Owner–Google Review

“Best custom boat builder. Randy Streblow R.I.P. We will always miss you. Buy a Streblow building quality is the best in industry for semi-custom and custom work to your specks. Unbelievable save your self money Streblow far better then any Riva I’ve surveyed.”

Mike S.Proud Streblow Boat Owner–Google Review

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An Experience Like No Other

From the moment you purchase a beautiful, custom-built, mahogany Streblow boat, our team is with you every step of the way. Whether you’re dropping your boat off for maintenance, thinking about changing up the design, dropping her off for yearly seasonal services, or even simply stopping in to say, “hello”…We’re here to make your entire experience the most enjoyable it can be.

Wake the Lake

Each year, Streblow boat owners come together for a special event to celebrate the beauty and craftsmanship of Streblow Custom Boats. The “Wake the Lake” event is a chance for owners to enjoy each other’s company, admire these stunning boats, and cruise together on the waters of Lake Geneva. The parade from Fontana Beach to Big Foot Beach and back has become a cherished tradition. It’s a highlight of the year for the Streblow community, celebrating the legacy and spirit of these iconic boats. Take a look at some breathtaking photos captured by Kelly Olmstead during past events – from a helicopter!

2025 Wake the Lake Gallery 2024 Wake the Lake Gallery 2023 Wake the Lake Gallery

Visit Our Lake Geneva Showroom

We invite you to stop by our showroom in beautiful Lake Geneva to experience the world of Streblow Custom Boats firsthand. Our doors are open for you to tour the workshop where our master craftsmen bring these stunning boats to life.

Whether you are looking to design your next dream boat, explore our inventory of pre-owned vessels, or discuss our professional boat storage solutions, our expert team is here to guide you. Come and visit with our sales team and let us help you begin your journey on the water.

For those inspired to own a Streblow masterpiece, we are now accepting orders for our next custom build, slated for completion in 2027! For inquiries, to schedule a tour, or to place an order, please contact Streblow Custom Boats at (262) 728-6898 or schedule a test drive online.

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This is our Streblow History

Streblow Custom Boats is the oldest, most premier wooden boat maker in the United States.

1950’s
A Legacy is Born

Larry Streblow began building boats as a hobby in his small garage. His friends at the Kenosha Yacht Club encouraged him to start a boat company and Streblow Boat Builders was born. In 1950, Larry turned out his very first hull and from there, his popularity grew rapidly. He moved from his garage to 75th Street in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he rented a 3-stall garage to continue his growing business. Still, this was not enough room! In 1954, he moved to the south side of Kenosha and formally incorporated his business into Streblow Custom Boats, Inc. In 1958, he designed 18’, 19’ and 20’ Rebel inboards, along with a 26’ Empress. Larry was great at marketing and had trade names for every model. Philippine mahogany – the wood of choice for custom boat builders – was scarce following World War II, so Larry scavenged for mahogany shipping crates for the essential raw materials for his hulls!
Multi-Generational
Eventually, Larry’s son joined him in boat-building. Larry continued to serve as “the designer” and was responsible for creating all of the Streblow designs, from small outboards to outboard cruisers, to inboards. The prototype for the modern Streblow emerged in 1968. Streblow lore has it that the design came to Larry in a dream.

1960’s
1970’s
The Innovation Continues

By 1973, Larry Streblow was offering customers the option of either the standard inboard with mid-ship engine or a V-drive with engine aft (see right). The V-drive, with its horseshoe interior configuration, drew rapid favor. Design improvements have always helped set the Streblow runabouts apart from any other wooden watercraft. Larry Streblow’s innovative bottom, for instance, eliminated the need to swell the hull at the start of the season.
The Big Move

In 1980, there was a reawakening, a nostalgic re-emergence. People who grew up with wooden boats remembered the old, childhood feel of them. They wanted that piece of their youth back. In 1987, Larry, along with his sons, moved their operation to Walworth, Wisconsin. Here, Larry continued his passion for wooden boat-building until age 82 when he retired. Streblow stands as one of the only manufacturers from the ’50s who continues making boats with wood throughout. Once their location was closer to Geneva Lake, it popularized even more.

1980’s
1990’s
The Mystique

The awe for Streblow boats continued during this prosperous time. Fully established in Walworth, Wisconsin, a team of 15 produced more Streblows than ever before and restored/maintained the 150 vessels already launched for our beloved customers.
Following in Their Footsteps

By 2010, Streblow was producing one or two boats per year, each a masterpiece of craftsmanship and uniquely tailored to its owner.

2000’s
2020’s
70 Years of Drive & Commitment
In 2020, in our new state-of-the-art facility in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Streblow has continues to make waves in the boating industry. Whether we’re restoring 70 year old wooden masterpieces or continuing work on our brand new Streblow boats, our passion and commitment to what we do remains constant. We are the oldest, most premier wooden boat maker in the United States and that won’t change any time soon.

Let’s Connect…

We love to update our social media platforms so that you can follow progress on a restoration, see what’s for sale, or simply check out our awesome lake life posts! Send us some of your own Streblow pictures to be featured on Facebook or Instagram.