F/T Program

150 Small Craft Construction Pt I

Enrollment for this course is closed

Course info

420 Clock hours, 25.0 quarter-credits

This course, in conjunction with other courses, is part of a complete degree program. At the discretion of the school and instructor students not enrolled in a degree program may be admitted to any full-time course. However, without the stated prerequisites demonstration of adequate knowledge and skills is required.

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Course details

Start date:	01/03/2011
Course dates:	January 3-March 25
Course days:	Monday - Friday
Course times:	8am - 5pm
Term:	Winter
Length:	3 months
Class limit:	12
Tuition:	Based on degree program selected View current tuition scale for Degree Programs
Tools/Materials:
Materials cost:
Skill level:	See prerequisites
Location:	NWSWB Port Hadlock Heritage Campus
Instructor(s):

Prerequisite(s)

100 - Basic Skills for Boatbuilders

Education goal

In this course, you will learn how to build strong, light-weight rowing and sailing craft of from 10 to 20 feet using the traditional lapstrake or clinker-built style of construction.

Description

Construction techniques associated with this building style are unique and specific. Lapstrake craft carefully built are light, strong and classically beautiful.

You will learn how to select lumber species and stock for different uses in the boats and how to rip, plane, re-saw and joint the stock. You will cut out and assemble the backbone, including stem, stem and stern knees, keel and transom or sternpost. Often, a centerboard trunk is part of the backbone.

Before planking can commence, you will be taught how to fair the rabbet groove and "line off" the hull to determine the most economical and aesthetically pleasing way to shape the planks. Building on spiling skills introduced in the flat-bottom skiff course, you will spile for, cut-out and fit the garboard planks. During the planking process, you’ll study steam-bending, a process you will repeat when framing the boat. You will learn how to determine and execute the plank bevels and gains and how to fasten the planks using rivets and roves. You’ll also learn how to layout, cut and fit strong, durable scarf joints.

Steam-bent frames are typical of many lapstrake craft and you will learn how to select and mill appropriate bending stock, how to steam for maximum flexibility and finally how to bend and fasten the frames into the hull. Completing the boat will involve shaping and fitting the gunwales, inwales, risers, thwarts, and knees. Floorboards and hardware are built and fitted.

You will learn how to layout and build custom oars and spars, developing important skills with drawknife, spokeshave and plane. Finishing techniques, including sanding, steaming, scraping and painting, oiling and varnishing are part of your instruction.

Course outline

Additional resources

Website:
More Info:
Document:

Special instructions

The Traditional Small Craft Construction course is full for the 2010-2011 school year. Contact the school to inquire about the waiting list.

For further information contact

Student Services Administrator
(360) 385-4948
courses@nwboatschool.org