Training Programs » Continuing Education » Build Your Own Boat

Build Your Own Boat

All classes run Monday through Saturday. Kits and instruction are provided by Chesapeake Light Craft. During the class, a professional boat builder will help you with every step as you complete assembly of a small wooden boat. You’ll sand and finish the boat at home.

All of the courses below currently are at the Museum of Yachting.

Build Your Own Annapolis Wherry (Rowing)

Rowing - $2,039 (Kit Cost: $1,289, Instruction: $750)

This performance rowing wherry is modeled on the elegant Thames wherries of the 19th century. Fitted with a sliding seat, you’ll cover the miles at high speed even in choppy water for a low-impact workout. More than 800 of these beautiful lapstrake wherries have been built around the world.
July 18th-23rd, 8a.m.-4p.m.

Build Your Own Eastport Pram (Rowing or Sailing)

Rowing - $1,649 (Kit Cost: $899, Instruction: $750)
Sailing - $2,498 (Kit Cost: $1,748, Instruction: $750)

In a program specially designed for families and parent-child teams, build your own 8-foot sailing or rowing dinghy! One of the most popular small tenders in the world, the Eastport Pram looks great, rows great, tows great, and sails better than an Optimist, even with adults aboard.
July 25th-30th, 8a.m.-4p.m.

Build Your Own Northeaster Dory (Rowing or Sailing)

Rowing - $2,049 (Kit Cost: $1,299, Instruction: $750)
Sailing - $3,148 (Kit Cost: $2,398, Instruction: $750)

Graceful round-sided lapstrake dories like this 17-footer were once the primary recreational craft on the New England coast. You’ll assemble a faithful reproduction in just a week, using plywood and epoxy. Capacity is three adults, and you can add a sailing rig after the class if you choose.
August 1st-6th, 8a.m.-4p.m.

Build Your Own “Skerry” (Rowing or Sailing)

Rowing - $2,049 (Kit Cost: $1,299, Instruction: $750)
Sailing - $3,024 (Kit Cost: $2,274, Instruction: $750)

Easy to build, easy to row, and easy to sail – the Skerry™ is a truly versatile boat, and a pretty one, too. The Skerry design combines elements of traditional working craft of the British Isles and Scandinavia, with a little bit of American Swampscott Dory thrown in. The blend of historical antecedents yields excellent performance under sail or oar, along with good looks and ease of construction in plywood.
August 8th-13th, 8a.m.-4p.m.