About

Learn the full range of skills needed to build your own boat as you enjoy the camaraderie of building a boat as part of a team.

The instructor is volunteering his time and purchasing all the materials since he will go home with the boat. Your fee goes exclusively to supporting BARN programs.

The well-tested plans result in a lightweight dinghy that's enjoyable to row across a sheltered cove or lake, or can be used as a tender for a cruising boat. It also can be outfitted with a mast and sail — but those are for later classes.

In this class, you and your classmates will get the boat to the stage where it is ready to sail with oars. Among the skills you will learn are how to:

• Build and use jigs to cut scarf joints so you can glue up strong 10-foot-long plywood panels from 8-foot sheets;
• Build a ladder frame and molds, the temporary supports that establish the shape of the boat;
• Bend and laminate frame parts and assemble the building jig;
• Shape parts with spokeshaves and hand planes to create accurate bevel cuts that result in tight joints between curving parts; and
  
• Apply epoxy to make the boat water-tight and durable.
  

Details

• Registration closes Feb. 4
• Skill level: Intermediate. Open to those who have some experience with joinery and hand tools. If you are unsure whether you have enough experience, contact instructor Mike Gearheard at 206-455-5404.
• Wear safety glasses and closed-toe shoes, tie back long hair, and avoid loose-fitting clothing and jewelry. We recommend bringing your own safety glasses.

Class Policies

• Ages 14 and up are welcome.