For wooden boat enthusiasts on Lake Tahoe, preserving these vessels is a tribute to the area’s longstanding maritime heritage. Since the early 1900s, Tahoe has been home to a thriving culture centered around these floating works of art. Today, Tahoe Runabout Co. carries on the tradition with an unwavering commitment to protecting the splendor of vintage wooden boats.
As seasoned wooden boat specialists with decades of combined expertise, we understand the intricacies of restoring and maintaining these complex structures. Our team shares a profound appreciation for the craftsmanship and history infused into each boat. When you entrust your vessel’s care to us, we treat it with the utmost diligence, professionalism and respect.
Comprehensive Services Tailored to Your Boat’s Unique Needs
From routine maintenance to major restorations, Tahoe Runabout Co. offers a wide range of services customized to each wooden boat’s distinct requirements. We begin every project by thoroughly examining the vessel to identify areas needing repair, refinishing or preventative care.
Structural Reinforcement and Damage Repair
Our team has specialized expertise in structural issues common with wooden boats. We reinforce weakened frameworks and repair damage using marine-grade woods and epoxies that retain the boat’s authentic appearance. Areas we frequently reinforce include gunwales, decking, transoms, keels and ribs. For damage from impacts, water saturation or dry rot, we replace deteriorated sections while preserving original components that remain sound.
Bottom Replacement
Over time, the constant friction of hulls moving through water can erode bottom planking. We completely replace worn bottoms with durable marine plywood or planked cedar, sealed to prevent future decay. Our crew also repairs damaged frames and installs new fasteners for optimal integrity.
Side Replacement
Wooden side planking can warp, crack or sustain other weathering damage from years of sun and wave exposure. We have perfected the complex process of dismantling and replacing boat sides using traditional carvel and clinker plank fastening techniques. This maintains aesthetic continuity with the era the boat was built.
Refinishing Surfaces
To restore faded, cracked or peeling exterior finish, we fully strip worn surfaces down to bare wood. After proper sanding and cleaning, we apply fresh coats of varnish, paints or other protective finishes. We stock marine-grade stains and urethanes well-suited for Lake Tahoe’s climate extremes. Refinishing restores the elegant visual appeal these boats deserve.
With every job we undertake, preserving your boat’s authentic charm while enhancing its functionality guides our work. We utilize time-honored techniques whenever feasible to protect each vessel’s heritage and pedigree. Please ask about any specialty services not listed here!
Why are Preventative Inspections So Vital?
To catch issues before they escalate into costly repairs, we highly recommend annual inspections for all wooden boats. During these appointments, our specialists thoroughly examine every structural component, finish and mechanical feature. We may test operation of systems like bilge pumps, electronics and propulsion while assessing wood surfaces for signs of deterioration.
Based on inspection findings, we provide boat owners with a detailed maintenance checklist outlining our recommendations. Allow us to safeguard your boat’s flawless form and function while saving you money over the long run.
Serving Clients Across the Lake Tahoe Area
Centrally located in South Lake Tahoe, CA, Tahoe Runabout Co. provides top-tier restoration services to wooden boat owners across surrounding communities. From Incline Village and Tahoe City to Carson City and Reno, NV, we cater to clients across the greater Lake Tahoe region. Our crew gladly travels to examine vessels in need of care, whether stored on private docks or housed in off-site warehouses.
To discuss your wooden boat’s unique needs, contact Tahoe Runabout Co. today to schedule a consultation. We eagerly await furthering Lake Tahoe’s enduring tradition of wooden boat appreciation!