FUNDAMENTALS OF BOATBUILDING
The theory and practice of classical boatbuilding.
- GREG RÖSSEL — JUNE 1–14, JULY 6–19, AUGUST 31–SEPTEMBER 13
- GEOFF BURKE — JUNE 15–28
- WARREN BARKER — JULY 20–AUGUST 2
- HARRY BRYAN — SEPTEMBER 14–27
FUNDAMENTALS OF BOATBUILDING is the core curriculum of our boat-building courses and our most popular offering. This series deals generally with the whole craft of boatbuilding, specifically with wooden boats, and most specifically with plank-on-frame small craft.
We tend to build difficult boats in these classes—round-bilged, carvel and lapstrake—planked types—because if you can build one of these, you can build almost anything. Ideally, each class will start one boat, work at planking another, and finish a third. The emphasis is always more on learning than on pushing through a project. Each session combines daily discussion periods with an abundance of practical work. Usually you’ll start out talking about boat plans and design, and how to develop a project plan.
An explanation of lofting will follow, and everyone will get a chance to give it a try on the lofting table. (See LOFTING for a complete treatment of this subject.) From there, it will be a continuous stream of boatbuilding lessons, both at the blackboard and on the workbench: how a body plan comes together; the meaning of a fair line; various types of small-boat construction; the right tools for the job at hand, and how to use them; different methods for planking a boat; discussions on fastenings, glues, woods, etc.; the tricks of steam-bending; techniques of lamination; and much more.
Molds and patterns are picked up, and stems and transoms assembled. Planking, fastening, caulking, fairing, fitting seats and risers, knees and breasthooks—each operation is carefully explained and supervised. You’ll find yourself working on your own and alongside others, on real boats or just for practice. If your class happens to finish a boat, you’ll launch it, and that is some fun! You’ll finish this course with a better understanding in your mind—and in your hands—of the boat-building process.
FUNDAMENTALS OF BOATBUILDING is open to everyone, although woodworking skills and familiarity with tools and with the language of boatbuilding really help students to get the most out of it.
Tuition: $1100 two-week course
“Harry Bryan’s knowledge, patience, listening skills, “down to earth” way of thinking make him a great mentor, excellent instructor, and fine human being.”
“I found Warren Barker to be a breath of fresh air. A “pearl a minute” kept everyone mentally involved. He has a wonderful depth of knowledge.”
“Greg Rossel is the rare teacher who not only is extremely knowledgeable due to years of hand-on experience, but also has the ability to explain techniques in a way that makes them understandable even to a novice boatbuilder. He answered all of our questions and turned our mistakes into learning opportunities. All of his students learned as much from the remedial methodology as from the intended techniques. An outstanding two weeks!”