Buying Woodman version I -small Tour Boat
The original idea to revive Lake tourism started in 2002 with the purchase a small pontoon 14 passenger boat. When it was inspected by Transport Canada, they found it could not be certified to legally carry passengers, it did have a history of operating for several years on the Grand Bend River doing tours that were not legal. When the Penny's inquired about the cost to retrofit to Transport Canada Standards it was considered was too costly, but the idea was too good to let go. The pontoons were sold and the idea of launching the 100 passenger vessel to bring back history on Lake Scugog was started.
Building of the Woodman II - 100 Passenger Ship
Ed and Betty sat down with Bob Johnson to come up with a design that would be innovative, profitable and attractive to Lake Scugog.
A floating dance hall, where passengers could enjoy the sights and beauty of shorelines of Lake Scugog. They wanted to showcase history with a commercial ship that the Lake had not experienced in since the early 1900's, as all crafts that ventured on Lake Scugog were pleasure boats only. The new Woodman II employed skilled tradesmen from Newfoundland and all around Canada to build the ship. A lot of hard work and passion was invested from the local tradesmen who worked day and night to get the vessel built.
It was exciting for them to develop an idea from paper to create a vision that came to life, where people locally and from around the world could have a cruise experience again on Lake Scugog.