2005 Schedule of Boat Building Classes

February 19-27

March 12-20

April 16-24

May 14 - 22

June 18-26

Program Information

    Boat building classes will be held in nine day blocks each month, with each block divided into three seperate courses. The focus of these programs will be on teaching the skills required to build small boats from plans which include full-size frame patterns, or from kits which provide pre-cut parts.

     Please consult the enclosed Tool List to see what tools you can bring to these classes. We have some tools available to cover what you do not have.

    Courses I and III, held on the first and last weekends of the course block, respectively, are limited to six students; Course II, for people building their own boats from kits, is limited to four boats.

I) Skills and Tools

    A two day program, running on the first weekend of each nine day block. This program will cover:

    * Sharpening, setting up, and use of basic tools used in building small boats

    * working from full-size patterns, including laying out and working to fair lines

    * templating, spiling, and working with bevels/ combination bevels

    * use of various fasteners

    * working with adhesives

    * scarfing

    * clamping strategies

    * setting up building racks, moulds, frames

Course Cost: $240.00

II) Building Your Own Boat

    Five to seven day program, in which participants will build their own boat from one of our pre-cut kits. This program will include all parts and materials to build the basic hull, plus use of shop space and building racks, plus expert guidance and instruction in the building of your boat. The choice of boats for this program are:

    a) ABeCedarian Kayak

    Designed as a first-boat for both the builder and paddler, this kayak is easily assembled from pre-cut parts while providing a stable and lightweight boat to learn the basics of paddling. 14 feet of length and 26 inches of beam provide stability, maneuverability, and good speed for touring.Construction is  of 4 mm Occume plywood on plywood frames and Fir longitudinals, with enough decking to be seaworthy on rivers and lakes but with a large enough cockpit to faciliate entry and exits. Weighing in at about 32 pounds, the ABeCedarian Kayak is light enough to be easily cartopped. This program runs on the weekdays of the nine day course block.

Tuition Cost (3-1/2 days): $420.00

Kit Cost:695.00

Total Cost:$1115.00

    b) Atlantic 17 open water rowing boat

    Designed for recreational rowing in the real world, the Atlantic 17 is safe, seaworthy, maneuverable, and esily moved under oars. Measuring 17 feet in length by 4 feet beam, this boat is an evolution of the classic Gunning Dory type. Built of 1/4 inch Fir plywood on plywood frames and Fir seam battens, and sheathed in epoxy fiberglass, the Atlantic 17 is durable yet light enough to be manageable. Seating allows for a crew of one or two people, with the ability to adjust for crew weight. This boat requires a seven commitment from participants to complete.

Instruction Cost (7 days): $840.00

Kit Cost (AA Fir plywood):1175.00

Total Cost:$2015.00

(Available in Occuume plywood for an additional $425.00)

    c) 12 foot Basic Skiff.

A traditional style of boat, with wide beam and high freeboard to provide a safe boat for family recreation. Built of marine grade Fir plywood, with Fir structural members and pine seats. This boat can be built during the Monday through Friday portion of the course block.

Instruction Cost (two days plus 2 to 3 short sessions): $360.00

Kit Cost:800.00

Total Cost: $1160.00

    d) 12 foot Yacht Finish Skiff.

Using the same design for a traditional skiff, this version uses mahogony plywood  lapstrake planking (in three strakes) for the topsides, epoxy bonded and riveted throughout. Oak frames, mahogony seats, rails, and knees, result in a boat that can be finely finished out and varnished to a yacht standard. Because of the skill level and amount of work required, this version is available in the full nine day program only (participants will have to commit to working full nine days to complete this project).

Instruction Cost (9 days): $1080.00

Kit Cost:1950.00

Total Cost:$3030.00

    e) 14 foot Basic Skiff

    Similar to the 12 foot Skiff, this boat offers somewhat finer lines for rowing (and sailing). Built of marine grade Fir plywood on Fir structure, with Pine seats. This boat can be built during the five weekday portion of the course block.

Instruction Cost (2 days plus 2 to 3 short sessions): $360.00

Kit Cost:950.00

Total Cost:$1310.00

    f) 14 foot Yacht Finish Skiff.

Built in the same manner as the 12 foot Yacht Finish Skiff, this boat offers a classic and elegant platform for family outings. Again, participants must commit to the full nine-day course program.

Instruction Cost (9 days): $1080.00

Kit Cost:2150.00

Total Cost:$3230.00

    g) Sailing Rig for 12 and 14 foot Skiffs

    Featuring a 70 square foot standing lug rig with Sitka Spruce spars, this rig will add a whole new dimension to the useful life of your traditional skiff. The choice of lug rig is in keeping with the traditional style of these boats’ design. This program is offered as a second five day course for people who have already built their own 12 or 14 foot Skiff.

Instruction Cost (5 days):$600.00

Kit Cost (including sail): (under development)

Total Cost:(under development)

III) Advanced Skills and Finishwork

    Held on the final weekend of each course block, this program will focus on the finer points of finish woodworking and brightwork (with a discourse on paintwork as well). Such things as preparing new wood for sealing and varnishing, getting a proper build-up of varnish, prepping for a high-gloss paint job, along with fairing out new woodwork (shaping pieces for asthetic effect) and making attractively tight woodworking joints, will be covered.

Instuction Cost: $240.