F/T Program

160 Contemporary Wooden Boatbuilding, Part I

Course info

420 Clock hours, 25.0 quarter-credits

This course, in conjunction with other courses, is part of a complete degree program. At the discretion of the school and instructor students not enrolled in a degree program may be admitted to any full-time course. However, without the stated prerequisites demonstration of adequate knowledge and skills is required.

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Course details

Start date:	01/03/2011
Course dates:	January 3-March 25
Course days:	Monday - Friday
Course times:	8am - 5pm
Term:	Winter
Length:	3 months
Class limit:	12
Tuition:	Based on degree program selected View current tuition scale for Degree Programs
Tools/Materials:
Materials cost:
Skill level:	See prerequisites
Location:	NWSWB Port Hadlock Heritage Campus
Instructor(s):

Prerequisite(s)

100 - Basic Skills for Boatbuilders

Education goal

This course will teach you how to build wooden boats using strip plank, plywood, cold molding and laminating techniques applicable to both small and large vessels and other complex wooden structures.

Description

The qualities of wood as an engineering material when coupled with modern adhesives and coatings has led to a variety of new and successful boatbuilding methods widely in use today. Both amateur and professional boat builders employ these modern methods to create boats ranging from simple kayaks to complex mega-yachts, designed in both traditional and ultra-modern styles.

In this course you will be taught the diverse techniques commonly used, including strip-planking, plywood construction methods and cold-molding.

In Part I, you will start with smaller pywood craft utilizing stitch and glue and glued lapstrake methods in order to become familiar with the handling characteristics of component materials. You’ll then move on to work as a team constructing a vessel of from approximately 20 to 25 feet. The project boat will vary from year to year, but all projects will be designed to be composites of several construction techniques.
The curriculum will include a review of reading plans and lofting. Materials ideal for contemporary wooden boatbuilding may vary from those one would select for traditional hulls and you will learn how to match construction techniques, materials and adhesives.

The molds and set-up used for strip planking, plywood construction and cold molding all vary in significant details and you will learn how to choose and build appropriate molds. Backbones and frames become integral parts of the hull or disappear altogether. Instead, bulkheads, partitions and web-frames become more important.

You will learn how to make several common joints between hull members, bulkheads and deck structure that incorporate the strength and characteristics of the adhesives. Laminating techniques including vacuum laminating will be demonstrated and practiced.

This course will also include instruction in sheathing and encapsulating. You will learn how to select and use tools for sanding and fairing and how to safely work around and with potentially dangerous chemicals and compounds during application, curing and finishing.

The boat school’s philosophy that craftsmanship is one of the most important values held by the successful boatbuilder is as apparent in this course as it is in all other instruction given by the school. Style, precision, detail and neatness are all important qualities for modern boatbuilders.

Course outline

Additional resources

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Special instructions

For further information contact

Student Services Administrator
(360) 385-4948
courses@nwboatschool.org