There’s something powerful about shaping wood, fiberglass, and steel into something that glides across the water. Boat builders aren’t just craftsmen—they’re engineers of adventure, designing vessels that carry dreams, livelihoods, and legacies.
And the world needs more of them.
From sleek yachts to rugged fishing boats, skilled boat builders are in high demand. Whether you want to master traditional woodworking, composite fabrication, or cutting-edge marine technology, the right training is where it all starts.
That’s why we’ve assembled a list of top boat building schools—places where you’ll gain hands-on experience, learn from industry pros, and develop the skills to craft vessels that last a lifetime. Whether you dream of working in a world-class shipyard or handcrafting custom boats in your own shop, this is where your journey begins.
Ready to set sail on your career? Explore the best boat building schools below.
The Wooden Boat School
Location: MainePrograms Offered
Boat Building Trade SchoolsSchool Details
Over 95 courses for those looking to get into boat building. Courses include fundamentals of boatbuilding, kayak building, small marine diesel, and so much more. All skill levels are available for beginner – to experienced boat builder professionals, and hobbyists. Most courses are just a few weeks in length.
The Landing School
Location: MainePrograms Offered
Boat Building Trade SchoolsSchool Details
Choose a one or two year program and learn about yacht design, wooden boat building, marine systems, or composite boat building. There is also the option to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in marine industry technology.
Great Lakes Boat Building School
Location: MichiganPrograms Offered
Boat Building Trade SchoolsSchool Details
In just one year you can earn a certificate in Comprehensive Career Boat Building (CCBB) or Marine Service Technology (MST). The school offers a hands-on approach and small classes to help you achieve a career in the marine industry.
IYRS School of Technology & Trades - Estimated Cost: $20,000
Location: Rhode IslandSchool Details
IYRS School of Technology & Trades is a non-profit, post-secondary trade school in Newport, Rhode Island and is the premier marine trades and modern manufacturing school in the United States. IYRS offers four nationally accredited programs at our campus on Newport Harbor.
Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
Location: WashingtonPrograms Offered
Boat Building Trade SchoolsSchool Details
The Boat School, founded in 1981, is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Colleges and Schools (ACCSC). It offers classes to over 1,600 students from all over the world. The school teaches wooden boatbuilding and marine systems skills. Their programs cover marine systems and boatbuilding which range from 9-12 months. There is also a 5-day intensive certificate for marine systems.
