Basic Boat Carpentry Course

What is this programme?

This short course is a way to give your boat a new lease of life. It gives you the skills to carry out repairs, modifications and custom projects on board, covering the use of hand and power tools, joining, assembly and finishing techniques, and work with the timber and materials commonly used in boatbuilding.

Key benefits of the course: practical knowledge to diagnose problems, plan projects and carry out repairs safely; essential techniques for cutting, sanding, planing, assembling and finishing wood for boats; safety procedures and good practice in boat carpentry; custom projects such as building or repairing shelving, tables and benches; and maintenance that keeps the boat in good condition and increases its value through carpentry work.

Programme highlights

• Fundamentals of boat carpentry: basic techniques for working wood in marine environments.
• Tools and materials: specific tools and the types of timber most used on boats.
• Repairs and maintenance: repairing wooden structures and preventive maintenance to extend their service life.
• Safety and good practice: workshop safety and good practice in boat carpentry.
• Practical projects: projects that let you apply what you have learned and develop your skills.
• Take your first steps in boat carpentry.

Study plan

Duration and format

At 10 hours a week you would finish in about 30 weeks; at 20 hours a week, in about 15.

What you will learn

• Carry out basic repairs to structural and finishing timber on boats.
• Interpret drawings and technical specifications to build and repair wooden elements.
• Select and use hand and power tools safely and efficiently.
• Apply assembly techniques to build or repair carpentry elements.
• Apply protective treatments and finishes to preserve wood in marine environments.
• Identify and diagnose common carpentry problems on boats.

Career outcomes

• Shipwright: construction, repair and maintenance of wooden boats.
• Boat joiner: design and fabrication of wooden elements for boats.
• Classic boat restorer: conservation and restoration of historic vessels.
• Marine furniture maker: made-to-measure furniture for boat interiors.
• Carpentry in ports and marinas: repair of pontoons, walkways and other timber structures.
• Boatbuilding companies: collaboration on construction and repair projects.
• Self-employed or entrepreneur: setting up your own specialised workshop.
• Teacher or instructor in nautical training centres.

Entry requirements

• Academic or professional profile: vocational training in carpentry, cabinetmaking or similar, or demonstrable experience in carpentry, preferably on boats.
• Specific knowledge: basic notions of geometry, technical drawing and materials (types of wood, fittings and adhesives).
• Familiarity with tools: prior use of hand and power tools.
• Skills: the ability to work precisely and with attention to detail, to follow instructions and drawings, and to work as part of a team.
• Additional requirements: previous experience repairing or building wooden elements on boats is valued, as is basic knowledge of workshop safety. Enrolment is open all year round; admission is provisional until the committee validates your documentation.

How to enrol