Introducing the

Boatbuilder for a Day

workshop in partnership with the Gig Harbor BoatShop

Have you always wanted to build a boat, but did not want to go it alone? Here is your chance! Join us as we build a classic 15ft 8in rowing boat. You will develop a combination of traditional and contemporary skills as part of a small crew guided by experienced boat builders.

The workshops will cover the entire building process from selecting a design to launching. You can attend as few or as many sessions as you like.

Sessions will be held most Saturdays from February 11 until Labor Day.

We will start at 9:00AM, take an hour for lunch, and finish at 5:00PM.

We will be building this traditionally styled rowboat, using modern building techniques.

This is the same boat we model in the Half-Hull Modeling Workshop.

Boatbuilder for a Day

When
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, most Saturdays from February 11 to Labor Day
See Event Calendar for specific dates
Where
Gig Harbor BoatShop
3805 Harborview Drive
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
How Much
$45 per session for GHB members
$50 per session for non-members

Click here to enroll for one or more sessions. (This takes you to the Gig Harbor BoatShop website)

Traditionally styled Lake George rowboat

This boat will feature the details and proportions of classic pulling boats from the pre-WW1 era. We intentionally chose a design and construction method that is more complex than some others, but we are willing to spend a bit more time building in order to end up with really nice boat.

We’ll kick off the construction on Feb 11, 2012 with an introduction to lofting, the technique of enlarging the designer’s plans to full size. We’ll draw the “lines” which determine the shape of the hull in three views.

During the following session we’ll complete the lofting, including construction details and “expanding” the transom. Don’t worry, it isn’t as difficult as some might think. It’s mostly a matter of careful measuring, drawing “fair” (smoothly arcing) lines using a wood batten as a guide, and applying a bit of logic. It’s actually a lot of fun, and it is easy to get hooked on it.

Subsequent sessions will cover the process of building the boat step-by step. Each week we will post photos of the progress of construction and forecast the activities occurring in the next session or two. Due to the complex nature of boatbuilding, activities in any given session are subject to change without notice.

We are really looking forward to this fun series of workshops, and hope you’ll be able to join us.

If you have questions, please call us at (360) 277-9015 or send us an email at boat_works@yahoo.com. We hope you will join us!