09/26/2026
Remembering an OG of Freedom Boats — Forest Canion
It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of Forest Canion, former owner and one of the true OGs of Freedom Boats and Flatlander Boats.
Forest was much more than a former owner to me. He was a mentor, a teacher, and someone who played an important role in shaping the way I understand boat building today.
He taught me the art of fiberglass boat building, the value of true craftsmanship, and most importantly, to take pride in every detail of the boat we build. A lot of what I know today came from the knowledge, experience, and patience Forest shared with me over the years.
When I look at Freedom Boats today, I know that a piece of Forest’s knowledge and craftsmanship is still with us. The techniques he taught, the standards he believed in, and the lessons he passed down continue to be part of how we build our boats.
I will always be grateful that I had the opportunity to learn from him.
Rest in peace, Forest. Thank you for teaching me the craft, for being part of the Freedom Boats story, and for leaving behind a legacy that will continue for generations.
You will be missed, but never forgotten.
Chet Morampudi
Freedom Boats
