Wagemaker Boat History

This is a 1951 Wagemaker Wolverine Hurricanes Boat ad by Wagemaker Boat Company by Brian Fogarty below

This is a Wagemaker Boats ad by Wagemaker Boat Company by Brian Fogarty below

This is a very beautiful Wagemaker Boat owned by Richard Hook below

This is a 1956 "Seafarer" 15' Wagemaker Wolverine Boat ad by Wagemaker Boat Company by Brian Fogarty below

This was my grandpa in his Wolverine in Oklahoma sometime in the 1950's. by Michael Hughes

This was my grandpa in his Wolverine in Oklahoma sometime in the 1950's. by Michael Hughes

This was my grandpa in his Wolverine in Oklahoma sometime in the 1950's. by Michael Hughes

I thought everyone would enjoy the following information that i came across. This is a teaching, commentary, and for research purposes only.

I have a FB page called" Vintage Water Skis" by Tim Bullard Thank you so much for sharing your pictures of a Wagemaker Skis.

I have a FB page called" Vintage Water Skis" by Tim Bullard Thank you so much for sharing your pictures of a Wagemaker Skis.

This is Filing Device and Card Record system holder index box is an example of the many ways that Isaac Wagemaker helped the business manager and others. by Wagemaker Company Isaac Wagemaker by Brian Fogarty below

This is an example of Isaac Wagemaker helped the business manager and others below by Isaac Wagemaker - President of Wagemaker Company by Wagemaker Company by Brian Fogarty

The Wagemaker family is highly respected and well-known in Grand Rapids, Michigan, both historically and presently. The former Wagemaker Company plant was located at 566 Market Ave, S.W., in Grand Rapids, Michigan. "Stands for Quality" was the company's motto. In its early years, the Wagemaker Company produced various types of work furniture. Additionally, they sold Wagemaker Reds, chicks renowned for maturing into profitable layers within five to six months at a low cost. In 1932, the company started manufacturing Wolverine boats. These early cedar strip boats, first advertised nationally in 1933, quickly became popular. During World War II, they sold their technology to the US Government for PT boat hulls from 1942 through 1945, focusing solely on war efforts rather than civilian pleasure boats. In 1947, Wolverine launched its first molded plywood boat, utilizing technology developed during the war years. By 1955, Wagemaker had become deeply invested in the molded plywood market. However, after the sale of Wagemaker Company, Inc. in 1960, Wolverine maintained its market share for a few years but transitioned to fiberglass too late. The combination of economic downturns and an oversaturated market proved too challenging for a company that had relied on the wooden boat market for success.

The Wagemaker company also produced affordable boats such as Flat-Bottomed Rowing Skiffs, which were popular with locals. The company broadened its range of outboard hulls and even introduced small sailboats and a mini-inboard-powered model.

Otto and Sons Marine and Sporting Goods. Coldwater, Michigan.

Photo is from 1957. Wagemaker Seafarer with a 35 HP Lark and Gator Trailer in Front. This was our family business from 1948 to 1992. Evinrude dealer from 1952 until 1992. by Dion Rumsey