100 Years of Giesler Boats: Wooden Boats Built by Hand in Northern Ontario
The Backroads Bill PodcastSummary
Giesler Boats, a family-owned wooden boat manufacturer based in Powassan, Ontario, is preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027. The company, known for its craftsmanship and durability, has been a staple in the boating community, shipping boats across Canada and even internationally. Jerry and Matt Giesler, representing the third and fourth generations of the family business, shared insights into the history of Giesler Boats, which began when founder Barney Giesler returned from World War I and started building boats for personal use that quickly gained popularity among local tourists.
The Gieslers emphasize the unique qualities of their wooden boats, which are constructed using traditional methods that involve steaming wood and hand-driving nails. This meticulous process results in boats that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also robust and stable, making them ideal for fishing and leisure activities. The Giesler family has seen a shift in customer preferences over the years, with more individuals seeking wooden boats for recreational use rather than just for fishing, reflecting a broader trend toward heritage appreciation in boating.
As the company approaches its centennial, plans for a celebratory barbecue and boat tour are in the works, inviting both loyal customers and the community to join in the festivities. The Gieslers continue to uphold their commitment to quality craftsmanship while adapting to changing market demands, ensuring that their legacy in wooden boat building remains strong for future generations.
Show Notes
In this episode of The Backroads Bill Podcast, Gerry and Matt Giesler of Giesler Boats join Bill and Ben ahead of the company’s 100th anniversary in 2027. As third and fourth generation boat builders, they share how their family has been building cedar strip wooden boats by hand in Powassan for nearly a century.
Gerry tells the story of his grandfather Barney, a First World War veteran and blacksmith who built a boat to go fishing on Lake Nipissing, then sold it to tourists before he could keep it for himself. He also explains why the family settled on 1927 as the official start of the business.
Matt walks through the building process, from steaming the ribs until they bend like noodles to shaping them over molds that date back generations.
0:00 Intro 5:24 How Bernie Giesler Got Started 10:16 How a Wooden Boat Is Built 16:51 Why Choose a Wooden Boat? 30:40 Celebrating 100 Years in 2027
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