WOODEN BOAT BUILDING

The Wooden Boat Building program is in many ways the Renaissance program of the school, combining elements of each program. Students rely upon and interpret plans created by yacht designers, work with wood and composite materials to build boats and install marine electrical and propulsion systems. It is a powerful stand-alone diploma program, and a springboard from which to explore in depth other program areas offered at the School.

The boats students build vary from year to year to ensure students build a boat or boats that match the student cohort and interest, and the skills needed in the industry. Typically, students might expect to develop their fundamental boat building skills by building a small skiff in the fall semester, and then go on to further develop those skills by building a more complex mid-sized powerboat or sailboat in the spring semester. You will work in boat-specific groups and develop the skills, techniques, and artistry that comprise wooden boat building while becoming a high performing individual and team

WOODEN BOAT BUILDING PROGRAM INFORMATION

Since 1978, students in the Wooden Boat Building Program at The Landing School have learned to create boats from scratch, producing functional art from plans created by professional yacht designers. As a program graduate, you will perfect skills that range from woodworking and composite fabrication to installing the latest marine systems – equipping you to start your own shop, build your own boat, crew a ship or become a master artisan.

How You’ll Learn

Your classwork will combine formal lectures and field trips with hands-on projects. Students are assigned to boat-specific teams, working together under highly experienced instructors to learn quality and efficiency in every step of boat construction: lofting, setup, planking, fairing, joinery, spars, rigging, finish work and, ultimately, sea trials. Boat projects are selected not only to match the interests of each team, but to teach skills currently in demand within the marine industry. Typical builds include mid-sized boats such as the Flyfisher 22 powerboat, or a sailboat such as the Haven 12½. To round out your skills, you may also construct elements of smaller boats, such as a Peapod or Catspaw.

Earning Your Diploma or Degree

To earn a diploma in the Wooden Boat Building Program, you must attend The Landing School full time for two semesters (about eight months) and meet all graduation criteria. Students wishing to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree can choose to stay an additional year and complete a second program, plus general education coursework.

Careers for Wooden Boat Building Graduates

Professional opportunities for our graduates can be found throughout the U.S. boat building industry, which includes about 1,000 companies with combined revenues of approximately $5 billion annually. Our graduates can find careers in marine industry segments that include outboard motorboats, inboard motorboats and inboard-outboard boats. Other segments include sailboats and canoes. Related occupations include repair work, marina operation and sales of auxiliary equipment and supplies.

For more information, please call 207-985-7976 or fill out a contact form.