WOODEN BOAT
Fishing Boats
A fishing boat is not just a way to hit the water—it is a trusted partner. It hauls your gear. It breaks through chop. It rides out weather you probably should not have tested. But what happens when the years start winning? At Tahoe Runabout Co. in Lake Tahoe, CA, we believe restoring a fishing boat is not just fixing damage—it is about giving your boat a second shot at glory. If you are thinking about bringing your fishing boat back to life, here are the questions we get asked most—and the answers that could save your next season.
CONTACT US
OUR SERVICES
We can take on projects of any scale, and our restorations help boats which have been damaged or neglected get a second chance to shine.
Whether your entire boat is painted or just has accent colors, we can make it look its best and apply protective coatings to protect the paint and the boat.
Varnish is key for a wooden boat to stand the test of time, and when it’s applied by an expert it can greatly enhance the aesthetics of the vessel as well.
You want to turn heads every time you take the water, and our detailing services can ensure your boat always looks best and is comfortable to ride in.
No boat owner wants to replace part of their vessel, but our team has the expertise and equipment to replace bottom effectively and efficiently.
Annual Inspection
Having experts look over the condition of your boat regularly, correct any issues and apply the right varnish can keep it performing well for years to come.
FAQs
How Do I Know If My Fishing Boat Needs Restoration?
Fishing boats hide their worst damage where you cannot see it—below the waterline, inside the structure, or deep beneath layers of worn paint and varnish. If you notice soft spots underfoot, hairline cracks in the sides, unusual flexing, water pooling inside after runs, or a general loss of performance, it is time to stop guessing. At Tahoe Runabout Co., we perform full wooden boat inspections to uncover hidden rot, frame damage, and bottom weaknesses before you gamble another season. Early restoration means affordable, targeted repairs. Waiting too long often means full replacement and higher costs you could have easily avoided.
What Parts of a Fishing Boat Are Usually Restored?
Every fishing boat tells a different story when it rolls into our shop. Sometimes it is the bottom that needs replacement because water intrusion has eaten away the strength. Other times, it is the sides, the deck, or critical frames that have weakened under load after years of pounding chop and dragging gear. Our fishing boat restoration services often include full hull restoration, deck replacement, side repairs, structural reinforcement, detailing, and complete varnish refinishing. We match restoration to the boat’s needs, preserving as much original material as possible without compromising strength or ride.
Will Restoration Change How My Fishing Boat Rides?
Done right, restoration should make your fishing boat ride exactly like you remember—or better. Bad restorations add weight unevenly, shift balance, and destroy hull flex, making boats sluggish or unstable. At Tahoe Runabout Co., we restore with surgical precision. We rebalance weight distribution, reinforce structural integrity, and preserve the hull lines that give the boat its original handling. You will feel the difference the moment you hit throttle—sharp, clean, responsive rides that make you fall in love with the water all over again.
How Long Does a Fishing Boat Restoration Take?
True restoration is not fast food. Every fishing boat requires careful disassembly, moisture testing, material sourcing, structural repair, sanding, finishing, and final reassembly. Rushing these steps only guarantees short-lived results. Most full fishing boat restorations at Tahoe Runabout Co. take several months from start to launch. Small repairs may move faster, but major bottom replacements or hull reconstructions demand patience if you want a boat that does not just float—it fights waves again the way it was meant to.
Is Restoring My Fishing Boat Really Worth It?
Restoration is almost always cheaper than buying a new wooden fishing boat—especially if you already trust and know your vessel. Beyond cost, a restored boat carries memories you cannot buy: the fish hauled over the gunwales, the storms survived, the mornings spent watching the lake wake up around you. When you restore with Tahoe Runabout Co., you do not just get a rebuilt fishing boat. You get your boat back—the one that earned its scars, the one that already knows how you drive, the one that is waiting for another twenty summers under a sharper sky.
Bringing the Catch Back Home
Restoring your fishing boat is not about nostalgia—it is about survival, pride, and knowing you will still be out there chasing the next trophy when others have moved to dry land. In Lake Tahoe, CA, Tahoe Runabout Co. is ready to rebuild your boat’s fight, strength, and soul. If you are wondering whether your boat has one more great chapter in it, stop guessing. Call Tahoe Runabout Co. today at (775) 315-0309 and schedule a full restoration inspection before the next season leaves you tied to the dock.