Geneva Lakes Boat Show
1924 Consolidated Speedway - 'Cherokee'
Owner: Patrick Maher
Home Port: Delavan, Wi
1937 Chris Chraft 735 - 'Sanibel'
Owner: Christopher MILLARD
Home Port: CARLINVILLE, IL
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1929 Chris Chraft Model 5 - 'Michelle II'
Owner: Christopher MILLARD
Home Port: CARLINVILLE, IL
1941 1941 chriscraft Runabout-barrelback - 'LAMBCHOP'
Owner: Larry Amsbaugh
Home Port: Sterling, IL
1947 Century Sea Maid - 'Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah'
Owner: Gary Conger
Home Port: Onieda, Wi
1965 Colcock Hydroplain
Owner: Howard Granat
Home Port: Kildeer, IL
Jack Colcock - Seattle, WA Classic shovel nose design- Stewart Warner Instrumentation- 5-year restoration-
1947 greavette custom runabout - 'NO GOLF TODAY'
Owner: MOSS Cartwright
Home Port: White Pigeon, MI
1 OF 3 built triple cockpit 19' (most were 22-29') completely restored by Ramsey Bros Toledo, Ohio. all original x engine complete with no soak bottom There was a hole behind the driver, seat hence the HOLE IN ONE writing on top of right hull. Built in Gravenhurst Ontario Canada on Lake Muskoka. No trailer queen we use the boat about 50-60 hours a season. lots of fun
1955 Chris Craft Cobra
Owner: Gary Lang
Home Port: Burlington , WI
Restored 21 foot Cobra with original Cadillac dual quad v8
1949 Chris Craft Utility - 'Effie'
Owner: Tom W Whowell Sr
Home Port: Fontana-On-Geneva Lake, WI
In 1955, Gordon “Gordy” Whowell started Gordy’s with “Effie” in Fontana, WI by giving speed boat rides on the west shore of Lake Geneva. He captained “Effie” himself, charging $1 a ride for his visitors to enjoy a beautiful cruise around the Lake while being entertained by his wonderful stories, love for boats and, most of all, the pursuit of having a good time. Families came from all over to experience Gordy’s famous speedboat rides- “A millionaire’s thrill for 1 thin bill.”
In front of you is the family’s original boat. She holds special meaning to the family as a reminder of our history over the past 65 years. We hope you enjoy seeing this boat here as you reflect back and look forward to building more great boating memories with your family on Lake Geneva.
Facts on Effie
* 1948 Chris Craft 25ft Sportsman
* Hull #s-25-158
* Engine: Scripts 208 (200 Hp); 6 cylinders with 2 spark plugs per cylinder; 678 cu in.
* 1 of only 250 made from 1946 to 1950 (the only one of this series remaining)
* “Effie” -named for the wife of the owner of the boat from 1948 to 1955, Effie White
In 1948
* New house $7,300
* New car $1,690
* Gallons of gas 0.16
* Loaf of Bread 0.14
* Ounce of gold $35
* 25 Chris Craft Sportsman $8,300
1952 Shepherd Custom 22
Owner: Tom Taubensee
Home Port: Mettawa, IL
Original Canadian Shepherd, 3rd owner.
1937 Chris Craft Sportsman - 'Leading Lady'
Owner: Charles Wegner
Home Port: Williams Bay, Wi
Chris Craft only built 12 twin engine Prewar Sportsman Utilities from 1936-1941. Production by year was: 1936 - 1, 1937 - 5, 1938 - 4, 1939 - 2. Of these 12, one was delivered to London in the summer of 1938 and may have been destroyed during WWII. Leading Lady is boat number 2 of the remaining 11 and was the first one out the factory door on March 7, 1937. At this time, we are only aware of 3 surviving prewar twins. Like many restorations, this boat was found in a barn in Peoria, Illinois in November 1998 after a 4 year search. After almost 40 years of drydock, Leading Lady won "Best in Class" in the prestigious "Keels & Wheels" boat show in Texas in May 2023.
1957 Chris-Craft Sportsman Runabout - 'Miss Adventure'
Owner: Donald Benthal
Home Port: Rockford, IL
1956 Chirs Continential - 'La Mia Gumad'
Owner: David & Heather Riff
Home Port: Barrington Hills, IL
This stunning 1956 Chris Craft Continental Twin is a true rarity of the water. Built at the original Cadillac plant, it is one of just 80 manufactured from 1956 to 1959, and one of only six remaining on the registry today. It represents the pinnacle of mid-century luxury, equipped with the upgraded Twin M series engines and an exceedingly rare optional hardtop. After complete restoration it was resting in a private collection for more than three decades, this exceptional vessel is ready to be admired once again.
1940 Chris Craft Deluxe Utility - 'Wooden Nickols'
Owner: Tom Nickols
Home Port: Lake Geneva, WI
Wooden Nickols, a 22-foot Deluxe Utility was shipped from Algonac to Hessel, Michigan in June 1940. The owner of the Hessel grocery store purchased the boat to deliver groceries to summer residents on the surrounding islands, naming her Calli Sue after his granddaughter. The boat was acquired by an Ohio family and moved to Indian Lake, Ohio and renamed Smoove. We originally understood this was because of how, Smoove the boat went through the water. It was actually how Jackie Gleason's character in the Homeymooner's described how his cocktails went down, 'Smoove". The boat was moved to Iowa and received a new 5200 bottom and fresh varnish. Renamed Traveler it hit the road visiting a number of boat shows. The boat was relocated to Geneva Lake in 2007 and renamed Wooden Nickols. In frontier day's paper money was moved by stage coach, coins however were too unwieldy to ship. Local merchants banded together and "issued" nickels. dimes and quarters in wood. A merchant's life was short, so every few years the current crop of businesses would issue new coins and stop honoring the old ones. Hence the saying, "don't take any wooden nickels."
1930 Chris Craft Model 99 - 'Minnow'
Owner: Mark Svoboda
Home Port: Geneva, IL
The 1930 Chris-Craft Model 99 is a 17-foot, double-cockpit, raised deck runabout, historically significant as the first Chris-Craft model under 20 feet. Introduced to provide a more affordable, luxury option, these boats featured mahogany planking, leather seating, and originally sold for $1,295. Key Specifications & Details: • Length: 17 Feet. • Beam: Approximately 6 Feet. • Configuration: Double Cockpit (17' Split Cockpit). • Powerplant: Commonly equipped with the Gray Marine or Chris-Craft Model B engines. • Construction: Wood plank on frame (mahogany). • Production: Produced in 1930–1931, with only 226 units built. • Distinguishing Features: Top vents were used instead of side port vents. The Chris Craft Model 99 is highly sought after by collectors for its compact design, representing a pivotal shift toward smaller, personal leisure boats in the early 1930s.
1947 Chris Craft U22 Sportsman - 'Nostalgia'
Owner: Jeff Heeren
Home Port: Lac Du Flambeau, WI
1949 Chris Craft Utility Sportsman - 'Sweetie'
Owner: Christopher Fox
Home Port: Naples, FL
Restored 18 years ago. Used every year since !
1955 Chris-Craft Continental - 'Dad’s Promise'
Owner: David Mackey
Home Port: Palatine, Il
1958 Wharton Lobster Boat - 'CAHOOTS'
Owner: Jim Wilkin
Home Port: Chicago, IL
1957 Chris Craft Continental - 'Miss Kimmy'
Owner: Barbara Shultz
Home Port: Glen Ellyn, IL
This boat was originally built at the Michigan Cadillac Plant and shipped to the Inland Marine Boat Company in Williams Bay, Wisconsin (Geneva Lake) in July, 1957. It was named VEVA at that time and spent time on various lakes in Wisconsin. It ended up in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, where the current owners, Barb and Bill Shultz, found it on a Craig’s List Ad in 2010. Ironically, the boat was being sold by Mr. Roger Stieglitz, who happened to be Bill’s high school wood shop teacher in Lombard, IL in 1972.
After Barb and Bill purchased the boat, it was renamed MISS KIMMY, after their daughter. The boat has now returned to Geneva Lake, where it continues to be appreciated every summer.
2004 Van Dam Trunk Cabin Launch - 'Dragonfly'
Owner: Peter Mueller
Home Port: Lake Forest, IL
Formerly known as Iris , this rugged and seaworthy trunk cabin launch was designed by Van Dam for day trips around the open waters of the Straits of Mackinac on Lake Michigan for actor Edward Hermann. (most of you may know Edward as Goldie Hawn's husband in the film "Overboard". Light and airy cabin accommodations offer a galley, V-berth, head, slide out table, and comfortable seating for enjoying a good book and a warm drink on a foggy day. An Awlgripped hull and deck provide low maintenance; however, there is just enough bright finished mahogany to let the passersby know that this is a wood boat. In 2013 the boat underwent extensive upgrades including a new hard top, new paint, electric refrigeration, a new stereo and new microwave, new mahogany cockpit grates, and more.
2008 Porsche Fearless - 'Fearless'
Owner: Daniel Nack
Home Port: Sheboygan, WI
2026 Windsong-built by owner Sailboat - 'Edgewood'
Owner: Stephen Geldermann
Home Port: Lake Geneva, WI
The Windsong is a 14’ lug-rigged dinghy, designed in 2020 by Englishman John Owles. I started construction 9/2025 and anticipate completion by 9/1/2026. I am the first person in the world to build this boat off of John Owles’ plans. He has built 7. It is a beautiful design with an old-timey feel due to the lug-rig. It is made from Western Red Cedar, Sapele, Meranti, Sitka Spruce, and Sapele and Meranti plywood. The design is ingenious, and will be a thrill to sail. Please call with questions.
1984 Century Coronado - 'Your Grace'
Owner: Greg Sammons
Home Port: Palatine, IL
1974 Glastron GT-150 - 'N/A'
Owner: Stephen Rondestvedt
Home Port: Minneapolis, MN
1965 Span America Pirate - 'Sarah J'
Owner: Robert Hartley
Home Port: Midlothian, IL
A beautiful, fiberglass runabout from 1965 that I personally restored in honor of my late sister Sarah.
1957 Cadillac/Chrysler Seafury - 'Laura Jane'
Owner: Kurt Gudenkauf
Home Port: Peosta, IA
1959 hot pink Cadillac custom pulling a 1957 hot pink Seafury. A one of a kind combo set.
1977 Chris Craft Lancer Inboard
Owner: Douglas Payne
Home Port: Mesa, AZ
The Lancer Story Few boats capture the blend of rugged performance and timeless design quite like the Chris-Craft Lancer. Produced during the 1970s, the Lancer series reflected Chris-Craft’s efforts to remain a leader in the transitional era from wood to fiberglass while retaining the reputation for seaworthiness that had made the company a household name since the early 1900s The Lancer was Chris-Craft’s answer to the changing boating world of the 1960s–70s, when fiberglass replaced wood and the deep-V hulls revolutionized ride quality. Introduced in the mid-1960s as part of Chris-Craft’s Corsair Division (Cortland, NY), the Lancer line ran through 1978 in sizes from 17 to 25 feet. By the mid-1970s, Chris-Craft offered the Lancer in several configurations, including stern drive and inboard models, ranging generally from 19 to 23 feet in length. The 1977 Lancer inboard represented a classic marriage of the deep-V hull with the dependability of a centrally mounted gasoline engine. Our boat — a 23' Inboard — is among the rarer versions, with a direct inboard drive train instead of the more common stern drive which became more popular during this era. Design Heritage - Hull: Offshore-racing pioneer Jim Wynne and collaborator Walt Walters, both veterans of ocean racing designs and Formula and Donzi models, provided the deep-V running surface that gave the Lancer its soft ride in rough water. - Deck & Styling: Dick Avery, Chris-Craft’s Chief Stylist (and ex-Ford designer), crafted the clean lines, wraparound windshields, and practical layouts that still look modern today. - Wisconsin Connection: The Corsair factory had been Thompson Boat Co. of New York (opened in 1924 by Wisconsin’s Thompson family). Chris-Craft bought it in 1962 to launch its fiberglass transition away from wood. Built to Last - Construction: Heavy solid-glass hulls, stout stringers, and overbuilt hardware made the Lancer famous as a “small boat that feels like a big one.” “The boat has offshore racing design heritage”. - Power: This boat carries the original Marine Power 350 V-8 (235 hp) with straight inboard drive — a rarer setup that offered excellent handling and avoids the complexity of stern drive hardware.
1959 Larson All American - 'BLUE HEAVEN'
Owner: James Cichowski
Home Port: Park Ridge, IL
17 foot Blue with white Hull 1959 Larson All American fiberglass runabout with a 1964 64hp Mercury Outboard Motor named 'Blue Heaven' My father bought this boat from his friend in 1962 and it has remained in my family ever since. Blue heaven is essentially the same as when it was built with the exception of the newer 1964 outboard installed in 1971 and re-upolestered seat cushions in 2018.
1959 Glasspar Seafair Sedan - 'Mama Mia!'
Owner: Terry Dickson
Home Port: Sleepy Hollow, IL
1987 Checkmate 28 GTS - 'ShowDown'
Owner: James Burke
Home Port: Lake In The Hills, IL
Long sleek and slender go fast. Bought her brand new back in 1986 - one owner - me. Original everything except the electronics. Runs great and gets the looks every time she's out. Quite a ride!
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1906 UNKNOWN LAUNCH - 'ARK'
Owner: Vito Gervasi
Home Port: Fitchburg, WI
Early mail launch from Lac du Flamdeau, Wi area with a 1906 Waternan gas motor
1965 Chris-Craft Sea Skiff Sportsman - 'Princess'
Owner: TJ Orth
Home Port: Franksville, WI
1965 Chris-Craft Sea Skiff Sportsman – 22’ This 22-foot 1965 Chris-Craft Sea Skiff Sportsman has remained in our family since it was purchased new by my grandfather, from a Chris-Craft dealer in the Geneva Lakes area in 1965. That same year, he purchased a home on Cedar Point in Williams Bay, where the boat spent its first twenty years in a slip on Geneva Lake. Powered by its original 327 cubic-inch Chris-Craft V-8 producing 210 horsepower, the boat has been carefully preserved throughout its life. Nearly every component remains original, with restoration work focused on maintaining authenticity rather than modernization. For three generations, this Sea Skiff has been a part of our family’s summers on Geneva Lake. I grew up helping my father sand, varnish, paint, and care for the boat each year before enjoying another season on the water. As a teenager, I worked at Abbey Marina while the boat was kept there in a slip for nearly a decade, creating memories that continue today as we trailer it to and from the lake. Recent preservation has been entrusted to some of the area’s finest craftsmen. Bergersen Boat Company rebuilt the bottom using original Chris-Craft construction methods and materials, completed new period-correct upholstery, refinished the transom mahogany, and restored the deck flooring. The Delavan Boat Shed, along with the late Ship Shape Marine, also played an important role in preserving this family heirloom over the years. Although carefully preserved, this Sea Skiff has never been treated as a showpiece. It is still used exactly as my grandfather intended more than sixty years ago—for family cruises, swimming, skiing, and teaching each new generation to love life on the water. This summer, the fourth generation of our family learned to water ski behind her, a reminder that this Chris-Craft continues to do what it has always done: bring our family together on Geneva Lake.
1956 Penn Yan Senior Trail - 'Vito'
Owner: Lynn And Brian Rusch
Home Port: Deer River, MN
Beautifully restored wood fishing boat
1955 Aristocraft Torpedo
Owner: Jerry Slovick
Home Port: Williams Bay, WI
Aristocraft Torpedo with a 1959 Mercury Mark 58A outboard. The Aristocraft is sitting on a 1955 Mastercraft trailer. The boat’s home port is Williams Bay, WI on beautiful Geneva Lake.
1956 AristoCraft Typhoon 12 - 'Taifun'
Owner: John Spoeri
Home Port: Wilmette, IL
Taifun is a 1956 AristoCraft Typhoon mahogany plywood speedboat that is twelve feet long. The two-seat Typhoon "12" was made in Georgia at the Atlanta Boatworks, first introduced in 1947, and last produced in 1956. It is powered by a 1961 Merc 500 50 hp outboard motor. In 1969 as a sophomore in high school, I became the second owner of Taifun, when it was traded in for a VW beetle at my father's VW dealership in LaSalle-Peru, IL. At that time, it was the fastest boat on our stretch of the Illinois River, extending from Starved Rock west to the Great Bend in the Illinois River. After two decades of heavy use, I finally restored the boat from top to bottom in 1992-93, including rebuilding the interior seats. Although AristoCraft went out of business in 1979, I was fortunate enough to obtain the stylish green windshield that had been destroyed during my high school years, from Bill Turner, the son of the original manufacturer, who had started reproducing some of the old AristoCraft wooden boats and thankfully selling parts. When not attending boat shows, the Taifun is used mostly on Lake Michigan out of Winnetka, wind and waves permitting.
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1967 Custom Runabout - 'Knot Typical'
Owner: Burnie Turner
Home Port: La Valle, WI
The hull is from a 14 ft 1967 Star Craft fiberglass runabout. The boat was gutted and cut down to 12 ft. An all new floor, deck and stringers were constructed from marine grade plywood and African Mahogany.
1962 Grady white
Owner: Gerald Oglesby
Home Port: Lake Geneva, Wi
19 foot Grady White Two back to back seats and aluminum windshield cable steering system
1991 Streblow Streblow Sport V - 'Victoria'
Owner: Roger Fisher
Home Port: Lake Geneva, WI
1972 Streblow 24 Direct Drive - 'The Real McCoy'
Owner: Scott Leitner
Home Port: Lake Geneva, WI
A 1972 24 foot Streblow that’s always called Lake Geneva home. Refreshed by the Expert Streblow Team in 2017 and still looking better than ever.
1979 Streblow 23' Straight Drive Sport - 'Norwegian Wood'
Owner: Randy Thorne
Home Port: Naperville, IL
This 1979 Streblow is new to the Thorne family of Williams Bay after purchasing it in summer 2025 from Bob Borg and family. The Streblow team worked through the winter refinishing the sides and transom for a 2026 launch as Norwegian Wood. The powerful engine and like-new red interior create an exceptional experience on the water with friends and family. Many thanks to Ryan Cox and team at Streblow Custom Boats, Ryan Hayes at Haze Graphics, and Nick Freymiller and Joe O'Malley at Abbey Marina for creating an amazing boating experience for our family all season long.
1982 Streblow Runabout - 'Claudia Jeanne '
Owner: Todd Mintz
Home Port: Chicago , IL
1980 Streblow - 'Amanda'
Owner: Michael Blair
Home Port: Williams Bay, WI
1980 Streblow 23 Straight Drive - 'Donnybrook'
Owner: Michael Kennedy
Home Port: Naperville, Il
1958 Streblow Rebel
Owner: Eric Moberg
Home Port: Johnsburg, IL
Top of the Streblow line in 1958, Eric & Kathy’s unique Rebel 19’ with Cadillac power is one of the oldest surviving Streblow inboards. It was purchased as a derelict in 1994 and was refurbished and returned to regular use by the Moberg’s over the next 3 years. Since that time continuous additional steps have been taken to return it to original condition, with some guidance from the late Randy Streblow. Most of the side and bottom planking is original. It is one of only two 19’ Streblows built in 1958, and features the original Cal Connell Cadillac Crusader 390 cu. in. engine, which was the most powerful engine available in 1958. The Rebel is used regularly on the Fox Chain in Northern Illinois.
1979 Streblow Runabout - '9er'
Owner: Jeff Allen
Home Port: Fontana , Wi
Classic Streblow wood boat with original Chrysler 440 engine.