WHEN: This course is held over two consecutive 3-day weekends, March 20-22 & 27-29;

class runs from 8:30am - 5pm each day, with a half day on the final Sunday.

Lowell's Boat Shop Members: $715

Nonmembers: $795

Non-Refundable $200 deposit required at time of registration

PLEASE CALL SHOP TO PAY BALANCE BEFORE CLASS STARTS (978-834-0050)

A minimum of four students is required to run this class; we reserve the right to cancel due to under-enrollment.

If you’re curious about the boatbuilding process or ready to jump in and start building your first boat, this class is a great way to get started. No previous experience is required, simply a desire to learn. In this class students will build the hull of a good-looking classic design, the rowing version of Joel White’s venerable Shellback Dingy.

Instructor Bill Thomas will cover the basics of boat design and how to read and understand plans. Students will learn about plywood and solid wood, fasteners, glues and epoxy, and will work with fiberglass cloth. Construction methods will employ a combination of traditional techniques and modified glued-lap plywood construction. We’ll set up a strongback and molds, and make patterns and laminated frames. While building the Shellback’s lapstrake hull, students will use traditional methods of cutting and fitting the planks.

The class will build one boat that will be raffled off for the cost of materials on the last day.

During the class there will also be time to discuss what you’ll need to set up your building space and get started with your own project.

Instructor: For over 40 years Bill Thomas has been a woodworker, designing and building custom projects -- from cabinetry and furniture, to sailboats, powerboats, kayaks and canoes -- for a wide range of clients. He teaches woodworking and boatbuilding in numerous locations around the country, including Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina, the WoodenBoat School in Maine, and Arrowmont in Tennessee, and offers online classes through Craftsy and Off Center Harbor.

www.billthomaswoodworking.com