Chetek Boat Corporation

The Chetek Boat Corporation was formed in 1947 by Vern Larsen, his wife Gwen, and Emil Mix of Chetek. The Larsen's had previously been associated with "Dunphy Boats" of Oshkosh, a company owned by Vern's father. A local Evinrude dealer, L. K. "Bush" Sherrill convinced them to locate their new factory here to provide local jobs. Vern and Gwen Larson, Emil Mix and Bush Sherrill found almost 30 investors to get the company started.

Chetek Boats were beautifully crafted wooden boats built in a factory just south of town from 1947 until about 1966. They were sold nationwide through the Montgomery Ward catalog and a network of independent retail dealers. The boat plant employed about 40 local skilled craftsmen.

When aluminum boats were introduced in the late '50's, the bottom fell out of the wooden boat business. Chetek Boats adapted their design to a more efficient and cost effective "Lapstrake" construction, and offered an optional fiberglass hull overlay for easier upkeep. A couple of disastrous fires shut the company down and it never recovered. Near the end the company produced a fiberglass model that didn't prove successful and diversified their line to include toboggan's and sled dog sleds.

Vern Larsen retired and sold his interest in the company in 1962. In 1964 the company changed ownership twice.

Excerpted from: Display by Lauren Nashlund, curator of Calhoun Museum.
Late 1940 Eau Claire Leader news article, no date was found on the article. Article can be found in
museum archives.
The Boathouse, publication of the Bob Speltz Land-O-Lakes Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society,
Article: Chetek Boats by Andreas Jordahl Rhude, Volume 23, No. 1, February

Remodeled Dairy Barn Used as Boat Factory

A dairy barn that grew into a boat factory has had a couple of additions this year which will increase production for the Chetek Boat Corporation. Vern Larsen and his wife Gwen operate the firm as president and general sales manager, respectively. Emil Mix is vice president and factory manager.

The firm was started in 1947 after a good-sized dairy barn was remodeled into a three-story factory. Because facilities were limited at that time the started by purchasing waterproofed, plywood molded hulls from which they produced a finished boat. One firm ordered 1,900 of them.

Sales outlets were gradually added through the eastern and Midwestern states. The company at present is producing 15 models of small craft for these outlets and is also making 16 models for a mail order house at a rate of fro 30 to 35 boats a week.

Another building, in which sanding is completed before the craft are taken to the paint and varnish room, was added this year. In the latter room from 16 to 20 boats are worked on daily as the waterproof enamels and spar varnish are applied.

Also completed recently was a new and larger boiler room which will help boost the production of the boats. All the original plant employees are still working for the firm and a number of new employees have been added as the business grew.

Larsen came by his interest in the business naturally. His father for many years operated the Dunphy Boat Company at Eau Claire. They left Eau Claire for Oshkosh about 1935.

All boats are now built by the strip method using carefully seasoned hardwood. Approximately 3,000 brass screws are used in building the most popular mode. Strips for the ribs, hull and gunwales are sawed, steamed, and bent from woods dried and seasoned in their own piles and shed.

Excrepted from: The Eau Claire Leader news article, no date found on the article, possibly late '40's. Copy in museum archives.

Further Information

Besides the article by Andreas Jordahl Rhude noted above, The Chetek Alert had an excellent article titled: Chetek Boat Corporation once led the way, with quality all-wood craftsmanship, The Chetek Summer Scene--First Section--Summer, 1997, by Martha Davidge.

Additional information on the Chetek Boat Corporation can be found in the Chetek Area Calhoun Museum archives.

The Chetek Area Calhoun Museum has a cedar strip Chetek Boat on display as well as other boat company memorabilia for the publics enjoyment.