Guide to Wooden Boat School in Brooklin, ME

Just a short drive down the road from Eggemoggin Reach Inn lies one of the most popular attractions on the Maine seacoast. The Wooden Boat School offers classes every day to instruct visiting pupils on how to build, craft, and sail boats. What more of a Maine thing is there to do?

If you are interested in building a boat, it’s recommended that you stay in Brooklin, ME, for at least a week, though it’s not uncommon to stay for up to two weeks for longer classes. We’ll go over everything you need to know about Wooden Boat School so you can have the perfect vacation making something that will last a lifetime.

How much does Wooden Boat School cost?

Because the skills you take with you from the boat school can be used forever, the classes can be quite pricey. However, having the chance to work with expert woodworkers and sailors is worth the cost.

Classes range in price from $850 - $1600 depending on the amount of time and materials required for the projects. Each class lasts at least a week, and requires a deposit with several payments made after the class has ended. 

For example, the “Fundamentals of Boatbuilding” class costs $1600 in the form of a $900 deposit with five payments of $140 paid weekly afterward. This gets you a two-week classroom experience.

Are there any other fees?

You’ll need to bring your own set of boating tools depending on your class, so depending on the tools you already have, you may need to buy more.

There’s also a couple of meal plan options so you don’t need to pack your own food, including a lunch- only plan  for $100 a week and a breakfast, lunch, and dinner plan for $325 a week.

What courses can I take?

There are three different kinds of classes you can take: Woodworking, Other Crafts, and Sailing courses. What we talk about here is only a small segment of the classes they offer. Decide which one you want to take! 

Boating School & Woodworking

Boatbuilder’s Hand Tools: A basic woodworking course where you can learn about the different tools boatbuilders use and how to use them effectively.

Build-Your Own Classes: Create your own masterpiece that is ready for the water!

• Annapolis Wherry
• Eastport Pram or Passagemaker Dinghy
• Northeaster Dory
• Plank-constructed Pond Yacht
• Points East Pram
• Radio-Control Sailboat
• Sassafras Canoe
• Skerry Daysailer
• Many more!

Elements of Boat Design: Learn how to make a boat that not only functions, but treats the eye.

Woodcarving: Learn the basics and master the complexities of the carving arts.

Wooden Boat Repair and Restoration Methods: Repairing boats can be more difficult than making a new one from scratch. Learn the best ways to bring new life to old creations.

Related Craft

Blacksmithing for Boatbuilders: Blacksmithing can be useful in some ways for craftsmen. Come find out why!

Coastal Maine Water-Color: Learn how to use water-color to make your boat stand out on the water. You’ll learn all the tricks to effective water coloring.

Marine Photography: Score the perfect Instagram-worthy photo while you’re out on the water in your personally-created vessel. Learn the tricks to good picture-taking from professional photographers.

Sailing & Kayaking

Elements of Sailing: Now that you have a beautiful boat, maybe it’s time you ought to take it out on the water. Learn the principles of sailing a variety of watercraft, but specifically the one you’ve made.

Learn to Kayak: What’s the difference between kayaking and sailing? Learn about it for yourself.

Sailing the Friendship Sloop: Go on a group expedition in your sailboat and test your skills alongside expert sailors.