Composite Wooden Boat Building

Course Outline

Goal

The student will learn about the modern materials used today in the building of composite wooden boats and the methods employed in their construction. These include cold molding, glued plywood lapstrake and strip planking. The appropriate and safe use of marine adhesives and coatings will be emphasized. The student will gain an understanding of the concepts behind these techniques and the many options available to them today.

Course Description

Today the wooden boat builder has more options available to them than at any other time in the history of the trade. This is due in large part to the recent availability of reliable marine adhesives and coatings, with epoxy being the most versatile of these. Over the last decades, creative builders have developed a number of techniques using wood and epoxy each with its own variations and attributes. These new techniques constitute not only different materials and methods, but a new philosophy in the building of wooden boats. These concepts and the various methods will be discussed and the pros and cons of each debated, so the student can make informed choices for their future boat projects. Amateur and professional boat builders alike are using these newer techniques to build a great variety of boats, from simple skiffs and kayaks to the largest and most complex sailing vessels afloat.

A project boat will be built, exploring the different techniques commonly employed in the industry. Lofting and set up differ from those used in plank on frame boats and these methods will be covered in lectures and practiced on the project boat. As the boat progresses, the student will learn, again through lectures and practice, a variety of planking methods and how to fair and coat the hull. An important aspect of the modern wood boat is the lamination of many of the parts. Different lamination techniques will be used in the building of the project boat and these will be discussed and demonstrated. These boats are typically built upside down, and after turning upright, the interior, decking and fitting-out take place. With their encapsulated surfaces the hulls are ideal for taking the modern synthetic finishes and the student will learn about their qualities and application. As always, we will emphasize the safe and healthy handling of the adhesives, coatings and solvents used. For anyone contemplating a career in the marine trades, a basic understanding of the handling and use of these materials is important. All boat shops use some form of chemicals, be it oil based paint and varnish and the solvents associated with them, or the modern synthetic adhesives, coatings and solvents. Learning the appropriate use and safe handling is crucial for the long term health of all those exposed to any chemicals.

Completion of the third quarter will prepare students with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in the boat building industry.

Course Outline

Course Outline

Total Clock Hours: 345