Registration | Information

Student Qualifications

The main requirement for participation in WoodenBoat School courses is the desire to learn. Our students range from novices to seasoned professionals. Our classes are small, and there is a lot of opportunity for one-on-one teaching, so that usually a wide range of students can enjoy and profit from the same class.

However, there are a few courses for which we expect a certain minimum skill level, and that is stated in the individual course descriptions. Also, we encourage students, particularly novices, to do a little prep work for their courses. We will send tool lists and reading lists along with your course confirmation. The more familiar you are with the subject and the tools, and the more questions you have, the more you’ll get out of the course. If you have any questions about the suitability of a course for you, please call Rich Hilsinger.

Finally, it is a real help to the instructor to know something about his/her students ahead of time. Please enclose with your application a description of your relevant experience and expectations.

Registration

Registration is complete upon receipt by WoodenBoat School of an application form and the necessary deposit(s), and our confirmation of same. If a course is already full, you will be put on a waiting list and immediately notified when there is an opening.

You may wish to call WoodenBoat first to make sure that there is room in the course you want. Call 207–359–4651 Monday through Friday, 8:00 to 5:00; ask for Rich Hilsinger or Kim Patten. If we have an opening, we can reserve it for you while you get your application in. This is an especially good idea in late spring and summer.

Note: WoodenBoat School is GI Bill approved.

Tuition, Deposits, Refunds, Withdrawals, and Cancellations

Tuitions vary according to our costs and the length of the course. You will find the tuition amount(s) printed below each course description.

We ask you to deposit one-half of your total costs along with your application. The balance due must be paid one month before class begins. Your deposit, less a $100 fee per course, will be refunded in the event that you must cancel and do so at least one month prior to the beginning of the course. Deposits will be refunded in full to students who cancel three business days after registering for a course.

If your notice of cancellation is received between 15 and 30 days prior to the course, your tuition is not refundable, but can be credited toward future courses later in the season. If you must cancel less than 15 days before the course, we cannot refund or credit your money.

In case of emergency or insufficient number of registrations, WoodenBoat School reserves the right to cancel a course and return all deposit money.

Because of this policy, we strongly urge you to buy refundable airline tickets or flight insurance. WoodenBoat School will not be responsible for any loss on nonrefundable airline tickets.

There is a 10% discount on tuition for all alumni.

Scholarship Program

The School has a one-third tuition scholarship available for all courses in Brooklin. These are awarded to people who could not otherwise afford to participate in our courses, with preference given to people who are working in the marine trades and to students contemplating a career in the marine industry. Scholarship recipients will be assigned periodic tasks in the shop, in the kitchen, and on the waterfront.

Transportation

WoodenBoat School is approximately 250 miles from Boston by car, and 150 miles down east by boat. Airline service is available to Bangor, and WoodenBoat can provide transportation from there for an additional fee. Please notify us two weeks in advance if you need to be picked up at the airport. Details of this will be sent to you with your course confirmation.

Accommodations and Costs

Staying at the WoodenBoat accommodations is recommended by us and by former students. Evening socializing and boating become, in effect, an extension of the courses, and add immeasurably to the School experience.

We have a number of rooms in both the Farmhouse (next to the Shop) and in the Student House on Naskeag Road. The rooms are doubles, not fancy, but clean and airy. Bathrooms are shared by several rooms, and students bring their own sheets, soap, and towels. Family members are welcome as space permits, but pets are not. Guests may take room and board with us depending on space availability.

We also have campsites available on the WoodenBoat property. Again, these are quite basic, with no electrical outlets or tent platforms, but in a pleasant location. Campers have their own toilets and shower facilities. Pets are not allowed in the campground.

Our kitchen and dining hall are located in the Student House (originally the Mountain Ash Inn). The cuisine is American with some gourmet treats. Ingredients are fresh, portions are hearty, and service is buffet style.

  • Room: $294.25/week
  • Board: $187.25/week
  • Camping: $107/week (limit 4 people)
  • Mooring: $100/week

Note: If you reserve a room with us and decide to cancel this reservation, you must notify us two weeks prior to the start of the course to receive a full refund.

Lodging/Meal prices include 7% tax where applicable.

For students taking a single week course, room and board extends from Sunday dinner through the following Saturday’s breakfast. For students in longer courses, room and board runs from the Sunday on which the course commences until the Saturday morning following the last day of the course. Weekend meals are light and continental.

Maine can be on the chilly side during late spring and early fall. We recommend that you pack warm clothing and throw an extra blanket or sleeping bag in the car. Bring a bike if you have one—it’s a great way to get around Brooklin.

Course Materials and Tools

Any materials that go home with a student will be charged at our cost. In the several classes where every student works on his/her own project, we have noted the usual material costs in the course description. Material prices include 5% tax where applicable.

You will be sent a list of the hand tools you will need for your course as specified by the instructor, as well as suggested preparatory reading.

Winners of boat raffles will be responsible for paying material costs before leaving Brooklin.

Arrival Time at WoodenBoat

Your course begins with dinner at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, followed by a general meeting and an introductory session with your instructor. The Sunday dinner is for all students, whether or not they are taking board with the School. You may arrive at the School anytime you wish on Sunday. You will find room assignments and other information posted in the entryway of the Student House. The School Director will be at the Student House at 5:00 p.m. to meet you. Most classes end on Friday afternoon. Students are asked to depart on Saturday morning. If your course ends on Saturday, you have your room/campsite for Saturday night.