Difference between revisions of "Tomahawk"

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[[File:Tomahawklogo.jpg]]
 
[[File:Tomahawklogo.jpg]]
  
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<b>Thanks to Dan Walters</b></b>
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<b>Thanks to Dan Walters</b>
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
Franklin Winter founded Tomahawk Boat Co. in Tomahawk, WI, in 1940s and at first the firm made wooden boats, primarily of cedar strip construction but eventually of plywood. Sometime in late 1940s or early 1950s, Winter began experimenting with then-new fiberglass, at first using it to seal wooden boat hulls, and eventually to build entire boats from molds. Winter is considered to be one of the pioneers of what became an explosion of middle-class boating after World War II, thanks to the advent of relatively inexpensive fiberglass boats.
 
Franklin Winter founded Tomahawk Boat Co. in Tomahawk, WI, in 1940s and at first the firm made wooden boats, primarily of cedar strip construction but eventually of plywood. Sometime in late 1940s or early 1950s, Winter began experimenting with then-new fiberglass, at first using it to seal wooden boat hulls, and eventually to build entire boats from molds. Winter is considered to be one of the pioneers of what became an explosion of middle-class boating after World War II, thanks to the advent of relatively inexpensive fiberglass boats.
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
<br>
−
US Rubber in Naugatuck, CT, was the source of resin and Fero in Nashville, TN, was the source of fiber for the early glass experiments. When the market fell apart one year and nobody was buying boats, the plant found work in other products. Winter designed a fiberglass golf cart marketed by Harley-Davidson (examples are very rare today and much prized by H-D collectors) and the boat company also made milk storage outer shells for Solar, Papermill hoods, frames for billboards, Hough cabs (driver shells), Santa sleds, stage coaches, and fiberglass signs.
+
[[US Rubber]] in Naugatuck, CT, was the source of resin and Fero in Nashville, TN, was the source of fiber for the early glass experiments. When the market fell apart one year and nobody was buying boats, the plant found work in other products. Winter designed a fiberglass golf cart marketed by Harley-Davidson (examples are very rare today and much prized by H-D collectors) and the boat company also made milk storage outer shells for Solar, Papermill hoods, frames for billboards, Hough cabs (driver shells), Santa sleds, stage coaches, and fiberglass signs.
 
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<br>
 
<br>
 
<br>
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One of the non-boat products was saddlebags for H-D motorcycles. Harley bought 51 percent of the company circa 1960 remainder shortly thereafter. H-D marketed Tomahawak fiberglass boats under its name for one year – another scarce collectible – but quickly abandoned the boat business. It still manufactures saddlebags in its "Tomahawk Division." After selling to H-D, Winter founded Lake Tomahawk Boat Co. and continued to manufacture traditional wooden boats until his death in the 1990s.
+
One of the non-boat products was saddlebags for H-D motorcycles. Harley bought 51 percent of the company circa 1960*(see time line below) remainder shortly thereafter. H-D marketed Tomahawak fiberglass boats under its name for one year – another scarce collectible – but quickly abandoned the boat business. It still manufactures saddlebags in its "Tomahawk Division." After selling to H-D, Winter founded Lake Tomahawk Boat Co. and continued to manufacture traditional wooden boats until his death in the 1990s.
 
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<br><br>
 
<br><br>
  
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'''1959 In use:'''
+
 
 +
 
 +
== Tomahawk Boats Timeline ==
 +
 +
by Andreas Jordahl Rhude 12 February 2010
 +
Timeline
 +
Tomahawk Boats
 +
 
 +
Compiled by Andreas Jordahl Rhude
 +
4054 Wentworth Ave. S.
 +
Minneapolis, MN 55409-1522
 +
612-823-3990 thompsonboat@msn.com
 +
 
 +
12 February 2010
 +
 
 +
August 1945 Start of “Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Company”. Purchase of warehouse of former Daigle property on south side of Somo Avenue in Tomahawk, WI. Make wooden cedar strip row/motor boats.
 +
Partners: Franklin P. Winter
 +
Fred W. Dreger
 +
 
 +
First model built was the 15 ft. “Red Wing” open boat
 +
 
 +
1945-1946 $22,000 sales in first year of operation
 +
 
 +
March 1947 Incorporation of “Tomahawk Boat Sales, Inc.”
 +
50 shares of stock at $100.00 per share
 +
 
 +
Incorporators: Paul J. Winter
 +
Franklin P. Winter
 +
Fred Dreger
 +
 
 +
April 1947 Tomahawk Boat enlarges factory complex with 36’ x 75’ addition including office and showroom. 2 boats built per day
 +
 
 +
April 1947 Tomahawk Boat Club formed with Franklin P. Winter as first president
 +
 
 +
19-27 April 1947 Tomahawk Boat displays 4 boats at Milwaukee Sports & Vacation Show
 +
 
 +
April 1949 Tomahawk “Beaver” flat bottom plywood resort boat introduced
 +
 
 +
26 December 1951 Incorporation of “Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Corporation”
 +
1,000 shares of stock at no par value
 +
 
 +
Officers: Paul J. Winter, president
 +
Myrtle L. Dreger, vice president
 +
Franklin P. Winter, secretary/treasurer
 +
 
 +
1952 Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Corporation
 +
 
 +
Officers: Paul J. Winter, chairman & president
 +
Myrtle L. Dreger, vice president
 +
Tomahawk Boats Timeline by Andreas Jordahl Rhude 12 February 2010
 +
Franklin P. Winter, secretary/treasurer, purchasing agent
 +
William F. Foster, sales manager
 +
 
 +
November 1952 Lloyd G. Mitchell named assistant general manager
 +
 
 +
1954 About 1,000 boats produced annually
 +
 
 +
15 April 1954 Tomahawk boat factory completely destroyed by fire. $200,000 damages. Office safe is recovered and contents are undamaged. 50 employees at time of fire
 +
 
 +
Principals: Franklin P. Winter, general manager & designer
 +
Fred W. Dreger, sales supervisor
 +
Dave Davenport, plant superintendent
 +
Gordon Mitchell, office manager
 +
Mrs. Dave Davenport, stenographer
 +
 
 +
April 1954 Tomahawk citizens form an industrial development corporation to raise funds to keep boat works in town and rebuild factory
 +
 
 +
20 May 1954 Metal framework (Butler type) for new boat factory is erected
 +
 
 +
25 January 1955 Franklin P. Winter obtains US Patent No. 2,700,357 for “Wood Strip Boat Hull Structure and Sealing Means”
 +
 
 +
February 1955 Tomahawk Boat announces it will soon begin production of fiberglass boats in addition to wooden boats
 +
 
 +
05 August 1957 Stockholders: Franklin P. Winter
 +
Paul J. Winter
 +
Fred W. Dreger
 +
Myrtle L. Dreger
 +
Christine K. Dreger
 +
Harold Irmischer
 +
Lloyd G. Mitchell
 +
 
 +
March 1960 Franklin P. Winter, age 41, runs for board of education in Tomahawk
 +
 
 +
December 1960 Tomahawk Boat advertises snow sleighs for sale, one piece fiberglass bodies
 +
 
 +
28 February 1962 Harley-Davidson Motor Company, maker of motorcycles, purchases 51% majority interest in Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Corp. Boat firm to be operated as a wholly owned subsidiary of Harley-Davidson.
 +
 
 +
Officers: Franklin P. Winter, president
 +
William J. Harley, vice president
 +
Lloyd G. Mitchell, secretary
 +
Otto P. Resch, treasurer
 +
 
 +
Tomahawk Boats Timeline by Andreas Jordahl Rhude 12 February 2010
 +
 
 +
20 February 1963 Franklin P. Winter resigns as president of Tomahawk Boat Mfg. Corp.
 +
 
 +
05 October 1964 Death of Paul J. Winter at age 83, he was president of Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Corp. 1952-1960
 +
 
 +
24 June 1965 “Statement of Intent to Dissolve” filed with State of Wisconsin
 +
 
 +
01 July 1965 Boat manufacturing operations cease at Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Corp. Name changed to Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Tomahawk Division – wholly owned subsidiary of Harley-Davidson Motor Company
 +
 
 +
22 September 1965 Liquidation auction of all boat building assets of Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Corp., including work in progress, tooling, molds
 +
 
 +
03 May 1966 Articles of Dissolution filed with State of Wisconsin for “Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Corporation”
 +
 
 +
Circa 1969 former Tomahawk Boat workers establish “Hi-Plastics, Inc.” and make fiberglass “Hy-Ryder” brand speed boats at Tomahawk, WI
 +
 
 +
Officers: Harold Irmischer, president
 +
Patrick Bogie, vice president
 +
Ruth Irmischer, secretary
 +
 
 +
21 February 1996 Death of Franklin P. Winter at age 77, at Shawano, WI. He had been making wooden strip-built boats at Shawano for a number of years after departing Tomahawk Boat in 1963.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
==Model Information:==
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Tomahawkbb001.jpg | 1957 to 1960 Model Listings
 +
File:Tomahawkbb002.jpg | 1960 to 1962 Model Listings
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
 
 +
''1960 Sheler's Red Book Model Information / *Brass Fastened $10.00 Extra, Otherwise $12.00 Extra''
 +
{| {{table}}
 +
|-
 +
| 1959||Play Mate G-1046||10'||FG||DR||100||10||228.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1959||Car Mate G-1250||12'||FG||UT||120||15||265.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1959||Car Mate Sportsman G-1250S||12'||FG||UT||120||7.5||240.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1959||Car Mate G-1450||14'||FG||UT||140||20||295.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1959||Car Mate Sportsman G-1450S||14'||FG||UT||140||10||275.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1959||Trailer Mate G-1562||15'||FG||OR||275||40||480.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1959||Ranger G-1458||14'||FG||DR||235||40||475.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1959||Ranger Sportsman G-1458S||14' ||FG||UT||160||18||325.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1959||Ski Mate G-1566||15' ||FG||WR||315||65||695.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1959||Spirit G-1670||16' ||FG||WR||360||65||860.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1959||Sea Mate 18||18'||FG||WR||700||80||1450.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1958||Play Mate||10'||FG||DR||100||7.5||228.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1958||Car Mate||12'||FG||OR||120||15||265.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1958||Car Mate||14' ||FG||OR||140||20||310.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1958||Trailer Mate||15' ||FG||OR||275||40||455.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1958||Trailer Mate Deluxe||15'||FG||WR||325||40||650.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1958||Ski Mate||15'||FG||WR||350||50||675.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1958||Spirit||16'||FG||WR||390||60||995.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1958||Sea Mate 18||18'||FG||WR||700||80||1495.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1957||Car Mate||12'||FG||OR||120||10||265.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1957||Car Mate||14' ||FG||OR||140||18||310.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1957||Trailer Mate||15' ||FG||OR||275||40||455.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1957||Spirit||16' ||FG||WR||390||50||945.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1956||Car Mate||12'||FG||OR||120||7.5||245.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1956||Car Mate||14'||FG||OR||140||10||285.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1956||Car Mate Junior*||12'||FC||OR||100||5||198.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1956||Car Mate Runabout*||12'||FC||OR||125||10||250.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1956||Redwing*||14'||WD||OR||150||7.5||183.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1956||Redwing*||14'||FC||OR||150||7.5||234.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1956||Hvdro Arrow*||14'||WD||OR||195||16||233.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1956||Hydro Arrow*||14'||FC||OR||195||16||288.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1956||Spirit Standard*||12'||WD||DR||180||16||245.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1956||Spirit Standard*||12'||FC||DR||180||16||293.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1956||Spirit Deluxe*||12'||WD||CR||220||16||351.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1956||Spirit Deluxe*||12'||FC||CR||220||16||399.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1956||Chief Standard||14'||WD||DR||230||33||289.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1956||Chief Standard||14'||FC||DR||230||33||354.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1956||Chief Fisherman*||14'||WD||DR||250||33||328.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1956||Chief Fisherman*||14'||FC||DR||250||33||393.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1956||Chief Deluxe*||14'||WD||CR||275||33||416.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1956||Chief Deluxe*||14'||FC||CR||275||33||431.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1956||Sea Chief*||14'||WD||CR||270||50||335.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1956||Sea Chief*||14'||FC||CR||270||50||450.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1956||Super Chief Standard||16' ||WD||DR||285||50||399.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1956||Super Chief Standard||16'||FC||DR||285||50||481.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1956||Super Chief Fisherman||16'||WD||DR||300||50||445.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1956||Super Chief Fisherman||16'||FC||DR||300||50||527.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1956||Sweet Sixteen||16'||WD||DC||390||50||695.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1956||Sweet Sixteen||16'||FC||DC||390||50||777.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1956||Sea Chief Lapstrake||16'||LS||DR||390||50||475.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1956||Holiday||18'||FC||CC||900||60||1250.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1955||Car Mate Junior*||12'||FC||OR||100||5||198.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1955||Car Mate Runabout*||12'||FC||OR||125||15||250.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1955||Redwing*||14'||WD||OR||145||7.5||183.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1955||Redwing*||14'||FC||OR||145||7.5||234.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1955||Hydro Arrow*||14'||WD||OR||195||15||233.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1955||Hydro Arrow*||14'||FC||OR||195||15||288.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1955||Spirit Standard*||12'||WD||DR||180||25||245.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1955||Spirit Standard*||12'||FC||DR||180||25||293.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1955||Spirit Deluxe*||12'||WD||CR||220||25||351.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1955||Spirit Deluxe*||12'||FC||CR||220||25||399.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1955||Chief Standard*||14'||WD||DR||230||33||289.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1955||Chief Standard*||14'||FC||DR||230||33||354.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1955||Chief Fisherman*||14'||WD||DR||250||33||328.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1955||Chief Fisherman*||14'||FC||DR||250||33||393.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1955||Chief Deluxe*||14'||WD||CR||275||33||416.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1955||Chief Deluxe*||14'||FC||CR||275||33||481.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1955||Super Chief Standard||16'||WD||DR||285||33||399.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1955||Super Chief Standard||16'||FC||DR||285||33||481.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1955||Super Chief Fisherman||16'||WD||DR||300||33||445.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1955||Super Chief Fisherman||16'||FC||DR||300||33||527.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1955||Sweet Sixteen||16'||WD||DC||390||33||695.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1955||Sweet Sixteen||16'||FC||DC||390||33||777.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1955||All Glass Redwing||14'||FG||OR||150||7.5||245.00
 +
|-
 +
| 1955||Spirit Special||12' ||FG||DR||180||10||295.00
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==Brochures and Advertisements==
 +
 
 +
'''1950 Information:'''
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Tomahawkb50001.jpg|1950 Tomahawk Brochure, p1
 +
File:Tomahawkb50002.jpg|1950 Tomahawk Brochure, p2
 +
File:Tomahawkb50003.jpg|1950 Tomahawk Brochure, p3
 +
File:Tomahawkb50004.jpg|1950 Tomahawk Brochure, p4
 +
File:Tomahawkb50005.jpg|1950 Tomahawk Brochure, p5
 +
File:Tomahawkb50006.jpg|1950 Tomahawk Brochure, p6
 +
File:Tomahawkb50007.jpg|1950 Tomahawk Brochure, p7
 +
File:Tomahawkb50008.jpg|1950 Tomahawk Brochure, p8
 +
File:Tomahawkb50009.jpg|1950 Tomahawk Pricelist
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''1953 Information:'''
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Tomahawkb53001.jpg|1953 Tomahawk Brochure, p1
 +
File:Tomahawkb53002.jpg|1953 Tomahawk Brochure, p2
 +
File:Tomahawkb53003.jpg|1953 Tomahawk Brochure, p3
 +
File:Tomahawkb53004.jpg|1953 Tomahawk Brochure, p4
 +
File:Tomahawkb53005.jpg|1953 Tomahawk Brochure, p5
 +
File:Tomahawkb53006.jpg|1953 Tomahawk Brochure, p6
 +
File:Tomahawkb53007.jpg|1953 Tomahawk Brochure, p7
 +
File:Tomahawkb53008.jpg|1953 Tomahawk Brochure, p8
 +
File:Tomahawkb53009.jpg|1953 Tomahawk Brochure, p9
 +
File:Tomahawkb53010.jpg|1953 Tomahawk Brochure, p10
 +
File:Tomahawkb53011.jpg|1953 Tomahawk Brochure, p11
 +
File:Tomahawkb53012.jpg|1953 Tomahawk Brochure, p12
 +
File:Tomahawkb53013.jpg|1953 Tomahawk Pricelist
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''1957 Information'''
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Tomahawka57001.jpg|1957 Tomahawk Trailer Mate Ad
 +
File:Tomahawka57002.jpg|1957 Tomahawk Boats Article
 +
File:Tomahawka57003.jpg|1957 Tomahawk Ad
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''1958 Information:'''
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
File:Tomahawks59001.jpg | 1959 in use
+
File:Tomahawka58001.jpg|1958 Tomahawk Models Article
−
File:Tomahawks59001.jpg | 1959 in use
+
File:Tomahawka58002.jpg|1958 Tomahawk Ski Mate Article
−
File:Tomahawks59001.jpg | 1959 in use
+
File:Tomahawka58003.jpg|1958 Tomahawk New Models Article
−
File:Tomahawks59001.jpg | 1959 in use
+
File:BHBPHOTO223.JPG|1958 Tomahawk Open Runabout [[Mercury|Mercury 15A and 28A]] test
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
 +
 +
'''1959 Information:'''
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Tomahawks59001.jpg | 1959 In Use
 +
File:Tomahawka59001.jpg | 1959 Tomahawk Ad
 +
File:Tomahawka59002.jpg | 1959 Tomahawk Sea Mate Ad
 +
File:Tomahawka59003.jpg | 1959 Tomahawk Boats Article
 +
</gallery>
 +
  
 
'''1960 Information:'''
 
'''1960 Information:'''
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
File:Tomahawka60001.jpg | 1960 Advertisment
+
File:Tomahawka60001.jpg | 1960 Advertisement
 +
File:Tomahawka60002.jpg |1960 Tomahawk Skimate Ad
 +
File:Tomahawka60003.jpg |1960 Tomahawk Ranger Ad
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
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File:Tomahawkb61008.jpg | 1961 Brochure p8
 
File:Tomahawkb61008.jpg | 1961 Brochure p8
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
  
 
'''1961 In use:'''
 
'''1961 In use:'''
Line 50: Line 382:
 
File:Tomahawks61006.jpg | 1961 in use
 
File:Tomahawks61006.jpg | 1961 in use
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
  
 
'''Misc Factory Images:'''
 
'''Misc Factory Images:'''
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</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
−
'''Model Information:'''
+
 
 +
'''Misc Info:'''
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
File:Tomahawkbb001.jpg | 1957 to 1960 Model Listings
+
File:Tomahawkpatent001.pdf|Frank Winter's boat sealing patent
−
File:Tomahawkbb002.jpg | 1960 to 1962 Model Listings
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
 +
 +
[http://www.fiberglassics.com/index.php?searchword=Tomahawk&ordering=newest&searchphrase=exact&Itemid=88&option=com_search Tomahawk Boats in Use]
  
  
 
[[Main_Page|Back to Main Page]]
 
[[Main_Page|Back to Main Page]]
 +
 +
[[Category:Wisconsin]]
 +
[[Category:Strip]]
 +
[[Category:Fiberglass]]

Latest revision as of 15:48, 16 December 2020

Tomahawklogo.jpg

Thanks to Dan Walters
Franklin Winter founded Tomahawk Boat Co. in Tomahawk, WI, in 1940s and at first the firm made wooden boats, primarily of cedar strip construction but eventually of plywood. Sometime in late 1940s or early 1950s, Winter began experimenting with then-new fiberglass, at first using it to seal wooden boat hulls, and eventually to build entire boats from molds. Winter is considered to be one of the pioneers of what became an explosion of middle-class boating after World War II, thanks to the advent of relatively inexpensive fiberglass boats.

US Rubber in Naugatuck, CT, was the source of resin and Fero in Nashville, TN, was the source of fiber for the early glass experiments. When the market fell apart one year and nobody was buying boats, the plant found work in other products. Winter designed a fiberglass golf cart marketed by Harley-Davidson (examples are very rare today and much prized by H-D collectors) and the boat company also made milk storage outer shells for Solar, Papermill hoods, frames for billboards, Hough cabs (driver shells), Santa sleds, stage coaches, and fiberglass signs.

One of the non-boat products was saddlebags for H-D motorcycles. Harley bought 51 percent of the company circa 1960*(see time line below) remainder shortly thereafter. H-D marketed Tomahawak fiberglass boats under its name for one year – another scarce collectible – but quickly abandoned the boat business. It still manufactures saddlebags in its "Tomahawk Division." After selling to H-D, Winter founded Lake Tomahawk Boat Co. and continued to manufacture traditional wooden boats until his death in the 1990s.

During the heyday of its fiberglass boat business in the 1950s, Tomahawk was one of the country’s leading manufacturers. Evinrude used Tomahawks exclusively in its catalog one year, the U.S. pavilion at the Brussels World's fair had a Tomahawk fishing boat, and Winter’s futuristic racing boat "On Target" (which is still maintained by the local historical society in Tomahawk) was featured in Newsweek on the Today television show during a boat show in New York City. "On Target," with its fighter-plane-like fuselage, was part of Winter’s extensive involvement in boat racing. And Tomahawk advertising brochures of the period almost always used pictures of its boats with Winter’s children at the controls and/or riding.


Tomahawk Boats Timeline

by Andreas Jordahl Rhude 12 February 2010 Timeline Tomahawk Boats

Compiled by Andreas Jordahl Rhude 4054 Wentworth Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55409-1522 612-823-3990 thompsonboat@msn.com

12 February 2010

August 1945 Start of “Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Company”. Purchase of warehouse of former Daigle property on south side of Somo Avenue in Tomahawk, WI. Make wooden cedar strip row/motor boats. Partners: Franklin P. Winter Fred W. Dreger

First model built was the 15 ft. “Red Wing” open boat

1945-1946 $22,000 sales in first year of operation

March 1947 Incorporation of “Tomahawk Boat Sales, Inc.” 50 shares of stock at $100.00 per share

Incorporators: Paul J. Winter Franklin P. Winter Fred Dreger

April 1947 Tomahawk Boat enlarges factory complex with 36’ x 75’ addition including office and showroom. 2 boats built per day

April 1947 Tomahawk Boat Club formed with Franklin P. Winter as first president

19-27 April 1947 Tomahawk Boat displays 4 boats at Milwaukee Sports & Vacation Show

April 1949 Tomahawk “Beaver” flat bottom plywood resort boat introduced

26 December 1951 Incorporation of “Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Corporation” 1,000 shares of stock at no par value

Officers: Paul J. Winter, president Myrtle L. Dreger, vice president Franklin P. Winter, secretary/treasurer

1952 Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Corporation

Officers: Paul J. Winter, chairman & president Myrtle L. Dreger, vice president Tomahawk Boats Timeline by Andreas Jordahl Rhude 12 February 2010 Franklin P. Winter, secretary/treasurer, purchasing agent William F. Foster, sales manager

November 1952 Lloyd G. Mitchell named assistant general manager

1954 About 1,000 boats produced annually

15 April 1954 Tomahawk boat factory completely destroyed by fire. $200,000 damages. Office safe is recovered and contents are undamaged. 50 employees at time of fire

Principals: Franklin P. Winter, general manager & designer Fred W. Dreger, sales supervisor Dave Davenport, plant superintendent Gordon Mitchell, office manager Mrs. Dave Davenport, stenographer

April 1954 Tomahawk citizens form an industrial development corporation to raise funds to keep boat works in town and rebuild factory

20 May 1954 Metal framework (Butler type) for new boat factory is erected

25 January 1955 Franklin P. Winter obtains US Patent No. 2,700,357 for “Wood Strip Boat Hull Structure and Sealing Means”

February 1955 Tomahawk Boat announces it will soon begin production of fiberglass boats in addition to wooden boats

05 August 1957 Stockholders: Franklin P. Winter Paul J. Winter Fred W. Dreger Myrtle L. Dreger Christine K. Dreger Harold Irmischer Lloyd G. Mitchell

March 1960 Franklin P. Winter, age 41, runs for board of education in Tomahawk

December 1960 Tomahawk Boat advertises snow sleighs for sale, one piece fiberglass bodies

28 February 1962 Harley-Davidson Motor Company, maker of motorcycles, purchases 51% majority interest in Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Corp. Boat firm to be operated as a wholly owned subsidiary of Harley-Davidson.

Officers: Franklin P. Winter, president William J. Harley, vice president Lloyd G. Mitchell, secretary Otto P. Resch, treasurer

Tomahawk Boats Timeline by Andreas Jordahl Rhude 12 February 2010

20 February 1963 Franklin P. Winter resigns as president of Tomahawk Boat Mfg. Corp.

05 October 1964 Death of Paul J. Winter at age 83, he was president of Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Corp. 1952-1960

24 June 1965 “Statement of Intent to Dissolve” filed with State of Wisconsin

01 July 1965 Boat manufacturing operations cease at Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Corp. Name changed to Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Tomahawk Division – wholly owned subsidiary of Harley-Davidson Motor Company

22 September 1965 Liquidation auction of all boat building assets of Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Corp., including work in progress, tooling, molds

03 May 1966 Articles of Dissolution filed with State of Wisconsin for “Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Corporation”

Circa 1969 former Tomahawk Boat workers establish “Hi-Plastics, Inc.” and make fiberglass “Hy-Ryder” brand speed boats at Tomahawk, WI

Officers: Harold Irmischer, president Patrick Bogie, vice president Ruth Irmischer, secretary

21 February 1996 Death of Franklin P. Winter at age 77, at Shawano, WI. He had been making wooden strip-built boats at Shawano for a number of years after departing Tomahawk Boat in 1963.


Model Information:

  • 1957 to 1960 Model Listings

  • 1960 to 1962 Model Listings


1960 Sheler's Red Book Model Information / *Brass Fastened $10.00 Extra, Otherwise $12.00 Extra

YR. MODEL
IDENTIFICATION 		LENGTH CONST.
TYPE 		BOAT
TYPE 		AVR.
WT. 		H.P.
CAP. 		FOB LIST
PRICE
1959 Play Mate G-1046 10' FG DR 100 10 228.00
1959 Car Mate G-1250 12' FG UT 120 15 265.00
1959 Car Mate Sportsman G-1250S 12' FG UT 120 7.5 240.00
1959 Car Mate G-1450 14' FG UT 140 20 295.00
1959 Car Mate Sportsman G-1450S 14' FG UT 140 10 275.00
1959 Trailer Mate G-1562 15' FG OR 275 40 480.00
1959 Ranger G-1458 14' FG DR 235 40 475.00
1959 Ranger Sportsman G-1458S 14' FG UT 160 18 325.00
1959 Ski Mate G-1566 15' FG WR 315 65 695.00
1959 Spirit G-1670 16' FG WR 360 65 860.00
1959 Sea Mate 18 18' FG WR 700 80 1450.00
1958 Play Mate 10' FG DR 100 7.5 228.00
1958 Car Mate 12' FG OR 120 15 265.00
1958 Car Mate 14' FG OR 140 20 310.00
1958 Trailer Mate 15' FG OR 275 40 455.00
1958 Trailer Mate Deluxe 15' FG WR 325 40 650.00
1958 Ski Mate 15' FG WR 350 50 675.00
1958 Spirit 16' FG WR 390 60 995.00
1958 Sea Mate 18 18' FG WR 700 80 1495.00
1957 Car Mate 12' FG OR 120 10 265.00
1957 Car Mate 14' FG OR 140 18 310.00
1957 Trailer Mate 15' FG OR 275 40 455.00
1957 Spirit 16' FG WR 390 50 945.00
1956 Car Mate 12' FG OR 120 7.5 245.00
1956 Car Mate 14' FG OR 140 10 285.00
1956 Car Mate Junior* 12' FC OR 100 5 198.00
1956 Car Mate Runabout* 12' FC OR 125 10 250.00
1956 Redwing* 14' WD OR 150 7.5 183.00
1956 Redwing* 14' FC OR 150 7.5 234.00
1956 Hvdro Arrow* 14' WD OR 195 16 233.00
1956 Hydro Arrow* 14' FC OR 195 16 288.00
1956 Spirit Standard* 12' WD DR 180 16 245.00
1956 Spirit Standard* 12' FC DR 180 16 293.00
1956 Spirit Deluxe* 12' WD CR 220 16 351.00
1956 Spirit Deluxe* 12' FC CR 220 16 399.00
1956 Chief Standard 14' WD DR 230 33 289.00
1956 Chief Standard 14' FC DR 230 33 354.00
1956 Chief Fisherman* 14' WD DR 250 33 328.00
1956 Chief Fisherman* 14' FC DR 250 33 393.00
1956 Chief Deluxe* 14' WD CR 275 33 416.00
1956 Chief Deluxe* 14' FC CR 275 33 431.00
1956 Sea Chief* 14' WD CR 270 50 335.00
1956 Sea Chief* 14' FC CR 270 50 450.00
1956 Super Chief Standard 16' WD DR 285 50 399.00
1956 Super Chief Standard 16' FC DR 285 50 481.00
1956 Super Chief Fisherman 16' WD DR 300 50 445.00
1956 Super Chief Fisherman 16' FC DR 300 50 527.00
1956 Sweet Sixteen 16' WD DC 390 50 695.00
1956 Sweet Sixteen 16' FC DC 390 50 777.00
1956 Sea Chief Lapstrake 16' LS DR 390 50 475.00
1956 Holiday 18' FC CC 900 60 1250.00
1955 Car Mate Junior* 12' FC OR 100 5 198.00
1955 Car Mate Runabout* 12' FC OR 125 15 250.00
1955 Redwing* 14' WD OR 145 7.5 183.00
1955 Redwing* 14' FC OR 145 7.5 234.00
1955 Hydro Arrow* 14' WD OR 195 15 233.00
1955 Hydro Arrow* 14' FC OR 195 15 288.00
1955 Spirit Standard* 12' WD DR 180 25 245.00
1955 Spirit Standard* 12' FC DR 180 25 293.00
1955 Spirit Deluxe* 12' WD CR 220 25 351.00
1955 Spirit Deluxe* 12' FC CR 220 25 399.00
1955 Chief Standard* 14' WD DR 230 33 289.00
1955 Chief Standard* 14' FC DR 230 33 354.00
1955 Chief Fisherman* 14' WD DR 250 33 328.00
1955 Chief Fisherman* 14' FC DR 250 33 393.00
1955 Chief Deluxe* 14' WD CR 275 33 416.00
1955 Chief Deluxe* 14' FC CR 275 33 481.00
1955 Super Chief Standard 16' WD DR 285 33 399.00
1955 Super Chief Standard 16' FC DR 285 33 481.00
1955 Super Chief Fisherman 16' WD DR 300 33 445.00
1955 Super Chief Fisherman 16' FC DR 300 33 527.00
1955 Sweet Sixteen 16' WD DC 390 33 695.00
1955 Sweet Sixteen 16' FC DC 390 33 777.00
1955 All Glass Redwing 14' FG OR 150 7.5 245.00
1955 Spirit Special 12' FG DR 180 10 295.00

Brochures and Advertisements

1950 Information:

  • 1950 Tomahawk Brochure, p1

  • 1950 Tomahawk Brochure, p2

  • 1950 Tomahawk Brochure, p3

  • 1950 Tomahawk Brochure, p4

  • 1950 Tomahawk Brochure, p5

  • 1950 Tomahawk Brochure, p6

  • 1950 Tomahawk Brochure, p7

  • 1950 Tomahawk Brochure, p8

  • 1950 Tomahawk Pricelist


1953 Information:

  • 1953 Tomahawk Brochure, p1

  • 1953 Tomahawk Brochure, p2

  • 1953 Tomahawk Brochure, p3

  • 1953 Tomahawk Brochure, p4

  • 1953 Tomahawk Brochure, p5

  • 1953 Tomahawk Brochure, p6

  • 1953 Tomahawk Brochure, p7

  • 1953 Tomahawk Brochure, p8

  • 1953 Tomahawk Brochure, p9

  • 1953 Tomahawk Brochure, p10

  • 1953 Tomahawk Brochure, p11

  • 1953 Tomahawk Brochure, p12

  • 1953 Tomahawk Pricelist


1957 Information

  • 1957 Tomahawk Trailer Mate Ad

  • 1957 Tomahawk Boats Article

  • 1957 Tomahawk Ad


1958 Information:

  • 1958 Tomahawk Models Article

  • 1958 Tomahawk Ski Mate Article

  • 1958 Tomahawk New Models Article

  • 1958 Tomahawk Open Runabout Mercury 15A and 28A test


1959 Information:

  • 1959 In Use

  • 1959 Tomahawk Ad

  • 1959 Tomahawk Sea Mate Ad

  • 1959 Tomahawk Boats Article


1960 Information:

  • 1960 Advertisement

  • 1960 Tomahawk Skimate Ad

  • 1960 Tomahawk Ranger Ad


1961 Information:

  • 1961 Brochure p1

  • 1961 Brochure p2

  • 1961 Brochure p3

  • 1961 Brochure p4

  • 1961 Brochure p5

  • 1961 Brochure p6

  • 1961 Brochure p7

  • 1961 Brochure p8


1961 In use:

  • 1961 in use

  • 1961 in use

  • 1961 in use

  • 1961 in use

  • 1961 in use

  • 1961 in use


Misc Factory Images:

  • 19??

  • 19??

  • 19??

  • 19??

  • 19??

  • 19??

  • 19??


Misc Info:

  • Frank Winter's boat sealing patent


Tomahawk Boats in Use


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