Boat Building Schools
Boat building schools will teach you all you need to know about building boats with a variety of mediums.
This trade is unlike others in that there is true artistry in building a boat. Several of these schools focus on wooden boat building techniques using handcrafted processes. Some schools do offer fiberglass and composite material training as well if that is what you are looking for.
These schools offer a variety of programs from beginners to more advanced builders looking to improve their skills.
Depending on the program, you may take courses that include:
- Blacksmithing
- Planking
- Woodworking
- Canvas handling
- Rope tying
These programs can help you build a career, or be just for fun.
Boat Building Classes Are Offered At These Schools
There are not a lot of schools that offer a boatbuilding program, so moving may be required if this is something you are really interested in.
Be sure to do your research on any school you are considering attending. We are providing this list for your convenience, but have not done any research on their programs or student satisfaction.
The Wooden Boat School
Maine
The Wooden Boat School
Programs Offered
Boat Building Trade SchoolsSchool Details
Campus Setting: NoHousing: Yes
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
Maine
The Landing School
Programs Offered
Boat Building Trade SchoolsSchool Details
Campus Setting: NoHousing: No
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
Michigan
Great Lakes Boat Building School
Programs Offered
Boat Building Trade SchoolsSchool Details
Campus Setting: NoHousing: No
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
Rhode Island
IYRS School of Technology & Trades - Estimated Cost: $20,000
School Details
Enrollment: 100Campus Setting: No
Housing: No
Graduation Rate: 90%
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
Washington
Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
Programs Offered
Boat Building Trade SchoolsSchool Details
Enrollment: 52Campus Setting: No
Housing: No
Graduation Rate: 75%
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.
There is not a lot of data around the craft of boat building in regards to jobs.
The boat building industry is large, with an estimated 182,000 people working in the industry. The largest number of jobs are typically in a factory and include positions as a welder, assembler, fabricator, or first line supervisor.
Companies like Van Dam Boats, Cottrell Boatbuilding, and Chris Craft are leaders in the handcrafted boat industry. These are less factory based boat builders that rely on true craftsmanship to build their boats.