I first became fascinated with wood fishing boats on trips with my family to Northern Wisconsin in the late 1950's. We would stay at an old fishing resort and every morning after breakfast we would go out behind the lodge to meet our guides for the days fishing.

Back then all the guides fished out of beautiful wood "Guide Boats" made by firms like Rhinelander Boat Company®, Thompson Bros. Boat Co., Sunflower Boat Works, Larson Boat Works, Sheboygan Falls, Shell Lake and many other, mostly long gone wood boat manufacturers.

Dave Schnell Boat Works specializes in vintage Wooden Boat restorations, repairs and refinishing on Boats, Canoes, Sailboats and Runabouts up to 20 feet in length.

We also offer a range of specialty items for vintage wood row boats: Reproductions of Rhinelander Boat Co.® Bronze hardware, Rhinelander Rowing and Canoe seats, decals and Brass builder's plates. Wood parts, Knees, Decks, transoms, and Oar Lock riser blocks are also offered. These items look great and are appropriate for any vintage wood row boat.

Reproductions of the Rhinelander "Guide Special 16" guide boat can be specially ordered.

Rhinelander Boat Company® Trademark is solely owned by David Schnell Boat Works.

1940's Thompson Guide 15'

Strip Built Cedar Hull

1940's Rhinelander Guide 16'

Strip Built Cedar Hull

1950's Thompson Zephy 16'

Strip Built Cedar Hull

Another Thompson Guide 15'

Strip Built Cedar Hull

1962 Mayes-Craft 28' Cabin Cruiser

Converted to a custom Runabout

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