Clarence R. Heisler and Son Limited is one of Canada's oldest continually operating wooden boat yards. Their story began in 1890 with the birth of William Heisler on Big Tancook Island, Nova Scotia. It was on this island that William grew to appreciate the qualities of the legendary Tancook Whalers and Tancook Schooners.


Like many Islanders William began building boats and in 1921 he moved the operation to Gifford Island, its present home in the waters of Mahone Bay, just offshore from the community of Indian Point. William's reputation and that of the yard was soon established as a reliable source for sturdy and seaworthy craft.

Beginning in 1933 William's son Clarence joined the business and having grown up amongst the boat building trades he proceeded to add his mark to the family business. Particularly adept at carving half models, Clarence quickly earned a reputation for hull forms that were both functional and graceful. His belief that powerboats were the way of the future helped position the yard to take advantage of the ensuing growth in this sector. Drawing on experiences gained from earlier employment in Lockeport, Nova Scotia Clarence was able to introduce the Cape Island style to the company's expanding offerings. This in turn led to larger power yachts and cruisers.

In 1954 Cecil Heisler joined his father in the business taking it into the third generation. An official name change, expansion of the facilities, and increase in staff reflected the growth that occurred following Cecil's arrival. New materials and techniques were incorporated whenever they improved upon the quality of the finished product. This included the use of fibreglass beginning in 1957 and epoxy resins in 1965.

A new market for the firm's skills and experiences presented itself in 1989 with a commission to build a historical reproduction of a 28' Lord Nelson Royal Naval Pinnace to plans from Mystic Seaport Museum. Following this was a contract to build two 19th century whaleboats and a number of historical restorations. The success in these areas is due in part to the firm's ability to draw upon the tremendous wealth of marine craftsmen in the Lunenburg County area which includes sailmakers, marine blacksmiths, a foundry, block makers, and so forth. Many of whom are also third or fourth generation businesses.

Today the Heisler Yard is a full service firm dedicated to wooden boat building, restoration, and repair. Custom boatbuilding is their specialty and will continue to be, so long as there are unique individuals who demand something more than 'off the shelf'.

While it is never certain what type of project the yard will be undertaking at any point in time you can be certain that when the work is complete it will bear the unmistakable Heisler mark of quality craftsmanship and seaworthiness.