Building a Lapstrake Peapod

This is a three-week course.

Join Master Shipwright Bruce Mackenzie and WBS Director Michael Gorman in a deep dive of traditional lapstrake construction. Using the John Gardner design from Building Classic Small Craft, this small class (max 8 students) will build a 14’ peapod. Starting from mould setup, shaping the backbone to final finish, every student will learn the steps that go into building the quintessential Maine wooden boat. This class will focus on traditional methods, including rivets, clench nails, bolted stems, hand carving rabbets with chisels, and more. Without the aid of modern adhesives, this build will be held to a high standard of tight joints, fair lines and proper proportions. This peapod will join the fleet and be used by students this coming season.

This course is designed as an all-inclusive experience. Being the only group on the WoodenBoat campus at this time of year. All registered students will receive a single room either in Mt. Ash Student House or above the Store. All meals are included and will be catered or cooked in house. Breakfast and dinner will be served in the Mountain Ash student house while lunch will be hosted in the shop warmed on the woodstove.

Throughout the three weeks, lunches will have guest speakers, such as WoodenBoat contributors, maritime museum professionals and builders. Optional field trips will be setup for the weekends, private tours of the Apprenticeshop, Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, local shops, and more.

The class is best suited for those that possess good hand tool skills, fair boat building experience either in a classroom or at home, and can keep a sharp edge on their tools. This will be a longer course with full day physical demands of standing, kneeling, lifting and deep focus. The success of the course depends greatly on the ability to work as a team in any easy, supportive shop environment.

If you are coming from further afield, airport pickup is available and included.