The story of Reinell Boat Works begins in 1928, when it was first established as Adams & Reinell, Inc., in Marysville, Washington, USA. The venture initially set up shop on Lake Stevens before relocating to the shores of Ebey Slough in Marysville. While the specific roles of the founders, C.B. Adams and Nick Reinell (implied by the company's later name), aren't explicitly detailed, their early vision focused on crafting smaller, nimble vessels. The company specialized in 10- to 18-foot boats, primarily utilizing traditional lapstrake and carvel-planked construction methods. These early boats showcased the craftsmanship of the era, known for their distinctive overlapping (lapstrake) or edge-to-edge (carvel) planking, forming robust and seaworthy hulls. Beyond these smaller craft, Adams & Reinell also ambitiously advertised their capability to design and build pleasure cruisers and yachts up to an impressive 110 feet, indicating a broad scope of ambition from the outset. In the late 1920s and early 1930s, the company even dabbled in producing beautiful stock models for racing, underscoring their commitment to performance and design.
History and Evolution
By the early 1930s, C.B. Adams had departed, and the company became solely known as Reinell Boat Works, with Nick Reinell at its helm. Under this new identity, the company experienced periods of expansion, with its Marysville plant growing through several enlargements and a continuous addition of new models to its product line. Reinell became a well-known and successful builder of outboard runabouts on the U.S. West Coast, maintaining its prominence into the 1960s.
A significant shift in the marine industry came with the advent of fiberglass construction, a material that revolutionized boat building. While many builders embraced this new technology, Reinell initially showed resistance. However, by 1957, the company began building small fiberglass runabouts. This transition proved challenging; these early fiberglass models were reportedly "less attractive than the earlier lapstrake and carvel-planked boats" and were "not well received" by the market, signaling a bumpy entry into the new material era. Despite initial setbacks, Reinell, like many others, eventually transitioned to using marine plywood by the 1940s and later, more extensively, fiberglass.
A unique, albeit short-lived, chapter in Reinell's history unfolded in the mid-1970s when the company ventured into building sailboats. The exact nature of their arrangement with designer Arthur S. Henry remains unclear, but the sailboats marketed under the Reinell name were apparently produced from the same hull molds as those sold under the 'American' brand by American Mariner Industries (AMI). Arthur S. Henry himself was the president of American Mariner Industries, further cementing this connection.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Reinell Boat Works established a reputation as a prolific West Coast builder primarily known for its outboard runabouts. Their early identity was rooted in the traditional craftsmanship of wooden boat building, specifically favoring lapstrake and carvel-planked methods that ensured robust and aesthetically pleasing hulls. These techniques provided a distinctive look and feel, contributing to their early success and recognition.
When the company transitioned to fiberglass, particularly in the 1950s, it aimed to adapt to changing market demands. While their initial fiberglass models faced a lukewarm reception due to their aesthetics compared to their wooden predecessors, the move was a necessary step to remain competitive.
During their brief foray into sailboats in the 1970s, Reinell collaborated with naval architect and designer Arthur S. Henry. Henry's designs were central to this period, with models such as the Reinell 26 (a 25.67ft masthead sloop) being attributed to his drawing board and built in fiberglass from 1975. This collaboration highlights Reinell's attempt to diversify its offerings and tap into the burgeoning sailboat market, leveraging Henry's expertise, which was also evident in his work with American Mariner Industries.
Iconic Models and Legacy
While Reinell Boat Works was prolific in producing a variety of outboard runabouts, specific "iconic" models in the same vein as large yacht builders are less documented. However, their legacy primarily rests on their successful production of numerous smaller powerboats that populated the West Coast waterways for decades. The company's consistent output of 10- to 18-foot runabouts, initially in wood and later in fiberglass, made them a household name for many recreational boaters.
Their brief but notable venture into sailboats in the 1970s introduced models like the Reinell 26, a masthead sloop designed by Arthur S. Henry. This model, shared in design with American Mariner Industries' 'American' brand, represented an attempt to broaden their market appeal beyond powerboats.
Reinell's impact lies in its role as a key regional boat builder that adapted, albeit sometimes hesitantly, to evolving construction technologies, from traditional wood to plywood and then fiberglass. They provided accessible boating to a wide audience, contributing significantly to the recreational marine culture of the Pacific Northwest.
The Builder Today
After decades of operation and numerous changes in ownership and management, Reinell Boat Works ultimately closed its doors in 1980. Most of the company's assets were subsequently acquired by Beechcraft Marine, a company that itself ceased operations a few years later. This marked the end of the original Reinell Boat Works.
It is important to note that a company named Reinell Boat Co. currently exists (as of 2014) and builds powerboats. However, this contemporary entity has explicitly stated and it is widely understood that, apart from sharing the name, it has no direct connection to the historical Reinell Boat Works that operated out of Marysville, Washington. The legacy of the original Reinell Boat Works thus remains a distinct chapter in the annals of American marine history, defined by its journey from wooden craftsmanship to the challenges and opportunities presented by modern boatbuilding materials.
