Building a traditional Newfoundland boat from the stump up

What began as someone else’s memories and stories passed down over time gradually took on a life of its own, evolving into a hands-on project driven by curiosity, respect for tradition, and a desire to bring those images to life. 

"Growing up," Justin says, "my father would often tell me stories about my grandfather and the boats he fished in years ago. There were no plans, no blueprints, no measurements written down. Everything was built from memory, experience, and knowledge passed down through generations."

With his grandfather's stories leaving a lasting image in his mind and the HM122 Portable Sawmill, Justin set out to build a motor boat of his own. A journey through family history, craftmanship, and the land itself.

"From the very beginning, I wanted to do it the right way, starting with the trees themselves. Using my Woodland Mills HM122 Portable Sawmill and my Multilander trailer, I was able to harvest and mill every single piece of wood that went into this build. That’s something I take a lot of pride in." Justin explained.

Connection through every step

When you start with quality tools, such as the Woodland Mills HM122 Portable Sawmill, this allows you to produce quality work. Every board in the boat was milled on the Woodland Mills HM122 Portable Sawmill. Every cut, every pass, and every piece was shaped by hand from logs Justin had selected himself. The woodland mills HM122 Portable Sawmill was the center of the build, providing the reliability and precision needed to turn raw timber into consistent, usable lumber. From the first slab to the final boards, Justin explains it handled each cut with accuracy and ease, making it possible to transform a pile of logs into this beautiful boat using locally sourced materials and the capability of the mill.

"Using my HM122 Portable Sawmill and my Multilander trailer, I was able to harvest and mill every single piece of wood that went into this build. That’s something I take a lot of pride in." says Justin. "There’s a different level of connection to a project when you’re involved in every step, from standing tree to finished structure."

"Here on the east coast of Canada, in Newfoundland, large, high-quality timber isn’t something you come across easily. Most of what we have is birch and balsam fir, and finding the right trees takes time, patience, and a lot of walking. I spent countless hours moving through the woods, searching, evaluating, and sometimes coming up empty-handed. Around here, you’re lucky if a single tree gives you three or four usable pieces of 2x6. It makes you appreciate every board you get." says Justin.

Plenty of work ahead!

With how far he’s come on the boat build, Justin still has plenty of work ahead of him such as painting, fitting the seats, and installing his grandfather’s engine, which will add another meaningful layer of history to the project. But seeing the boat come together the way it has already makes every hour spent in the woods and on the mill worthwhile.

It’s a reminder of just how much time, effort, and attention to detail goes into a project like this, and how rewarding it is to watch something take shape from start to finish.

Built on Tradition, Crafted with Purpose

In the end, building this boat isn’t just about getting from one place to another on the water. It represents something much bigger. It’s a connection to family, to tradition, and to a way of life that isn’t written down but carried forward through experience. It’s about using what’s available, respecting the materials, and building something with meaning.

“Looking back, it’s safe to say that none of this would have been possible without my father, his stories, his guidance, and the memories he shared of his own father out on the water. Those stories were the foundation long before the first tree was ever cut.” says Justin.

"And having the right equipment made all the difference." Justin explains. "The quality and reliability I got from the HM122 Portable Sawmill allowed me to turn this vision into something real, something I can stand back and be proud of."

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