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’s handmade custom wooden boats in Lake Geneva, WI have been providing unforgettable experiences for families across generations. Our dedication to craftsmanship ensures that Streblow Custom Boats are built to last, creating a lifetime of joy on the water. Our master craftsmen combine timeless designs with the finest materials, setting us apart from any other watercraft manufacturer. The impeccable mahogany exterior is guaranteed to catch attention, accompanied by the powerful yet melodious roar of the engine. Prepare to unwind and indulge in the splendor of superior craftsmanship as you effortlessly glide through the water.

The local industry as we know it today really all started with one namesake boat builder many years ago: Larry Streblow, founder of Streblow Custom Boats. Streblow is one of the oldest continuously operating wooden sport boat makers in the United States. In 1987, Larry Streblow moved their small boat building operation from Kenosha to the Lake Geneva area in order to be closer to their customer base. Streblow Custom Boats continues to honor Larry’s legacy, inspiring the local wooden boat building community to this day.

Today, more than 100 Streblows grace Geneva Lake’s waters, and there are more than 500 Streblows on waters nationwide.

The signature Streblow design had first emerged in the early 1960s and remains nearly unchanged today. It features a V-drive with a wraparound interior configuration, a straight drive with the engine in the center, double-plank hull construction and a trademark white stripe on the side. The popular runabout has become an icon of Lake Geneva.

The Streblow community continues to thrive, honoring the tradition of wooden boat craftsmanship that began with Larry Streblow. In 2020, Edward Cox took over ownership of the Lake Geneva business, ensuring the legacy of Streblow Custom Boats endures. Several longtime Streblow craftsmen remain dedicated to restoring vintage Streblow boats and building new ones. Cox emphasizes that every detail of a new or restored Streblow custom boat is an artisan-crafted labor of love, upholding the Streblow standard of perfection.\

Edward Cox and his son, Ryan Cox, are proud to call the Lake Geneva area home, where they live, work, and actively contribute to the community. Together, they carry on the Streblow tradition, focusing on building, repairing, restoring, and storing custom Streblow boats. Their deep connection to the area and passion for craftsmanship ensure that every boat they work on reflects the timeless quality and pride that Streblow Custom Boats is known for. It’s not just a business – it’s what they do and what they love.

STREBLOWS HISTORY BOAT NEWS PHOTO GALLERY

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!

2024 Wake The Lake

This is Streblow Country

This is Our 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!
1960’s
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.
1980’s
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.
2000’s
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.