Tashmoo Boatworks was founded to honor and continue the legacy of one of Martha’s Vineyardsmost beloved skiffs, a boat that earned its reputation not through marketing campaigns or fleetingtrends, but through decades of dependable service on the waters.
In the 1980s, master boatbuilder Dan West created the original Tashmoo skiffs, named after thestoried waters of Lake Tashmoo on Martha’s Vineyard. Designed with the practicality oftraditional New England workboats and the durability of fiberglass construction, these boatsquickly became fixtures on the island.
Fishermen relied on them to set lobster traps, chase striped bass along the shoreline, and navigatethe Vineyard’s often challenging coastal conditions. Their rugged simplicity, seaworthyperformance, and timeless lines made them an instant classic.
More than three decades later, many of those original Tashmoo boats remain on the water, a testament to Dan West’s vision and craftsmanship. Their longevity speaks not only to how well they were built, but to how thoughtfully they were designed.
Tashmoo Boatworks proudly carries that legacy forward. Inspired by the joy of sharing time on the water with his own family, founder David Reiter set out to revive the Tashmoo name and preserve the spirit of these beloved skiffs for a new generation
Using the original molds and working alongside veteran builder Mark Castlow of Dragonfly Boatworks, Tashmoo Boatworks blends the heritage of the original designs with modernmaterials, global craftsmanship, and a fully bespoke build process.
Today, every Tashmoo is built to order, staying true to the seaworthy, practical DNA that made the originals legendary while offering owners the ability to create a boat uniquely suited to their lifestyle. Whether used for fishing, exploring, as a tender, or simply enjoying a day on the water, each boat is crafted to deliver the same sense of freedom and reliability that defined the originals.
At Tashmoo Boatworks, we are not simply building boats, we are carrying forward a legacy. From the waters of Martha’s Vineyard to coastlines and lakes around the world, Tashmoo Boatworks is proud to continue the story of an American classic, one handcrafted skiff at a time.