Introduction to Boatbuilding: Skiffs & Dories
A one-week primer on building small boats.
- Dates
- September 22 – September 28
- Location
- Brooklin, Maine
- Tuition
- $875
- Instructor
- John Karbott
- Experience Level
- Novice
- Activity Level
- Moderate
This is a five-day course ending Friday
Other Sessions: June 2-8, July 7-13, & August 18-24
There are many individuals who would like to build their own boat but don’t know how to get started. Many first-time builders have run into problems understanding the process of what to do first and, as a result, soon get intimidated and the idea loses momentum. John Karbott, professional boatbuilder and instructor, invites anyone interested in wooden boats and woodworking to join this five-day courses focusing on the skills and techniques used in basic boatbuilding. No prior boatbuilding experience is required, simply a desire to learn. If you want to build a good-looking, simple sailing skiff, John can help you get started and guide you through the step-by-step procedures to taking on and completing such a project on your own.
Students will build two skiffs combining marine plywood, white oak, and northern white cedar. The course will start with understanding boat plans and lofting, and proceed through scarfing, framing, planking, and interior joinerwork.
As the skiffs take shape through each week, John will lead discussions in small-craft design, selecting a suitable design for the amateur builder, setting up a one-man shop, proper hand and power tool usage, and much more. Whether you have a hankering for traditional skiff construction or are simply looking for a perfect introduction to wooden boat construction, you will thoroughly enjoy this week with John.
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Who is this course best suited for?
This course is appropriate for someone with little or no experience. The course is designed around the idea that you have not done this before or know very little about the subject. Students should pay more attention to suggested readings or videos to help familiarize themselves ahead of time.
This course involves a moderate level of activity throughout the week including: standing and working sometimes throughout the day, some hand planing or sanding, working on group projects that require occasional participation.
“I cannot think of an instructor better suited to teaching INTRODUCTION TO BOATBUILDING than John Karbott. His experience building and repairing boats, along with his former occupation as a fisherman, gives him a greater breath of knowledge which he brought to this course. After this week with John, I now have the sense I could build a boat myself.”
R.W., Beverly, Massachusetts
“John Karbott was great. He practices what he preaches. I learned so much in just one week and gained the confidence needed to start my first boat at home. Thank you!”
J.D., M.O., Wakefield, Massachusetts
Register For This Course
Courses fill quickly, so don't delay if this is a course you want to take.
