Support Apprenticeshop Programs through Custom Boat Design, Boat Restoration, and Traditional Boat Building Projects.

Our Apprenticeship program is largely based on commissions, both philosophically and practically. As an educational tool, commissions allow apprentices to work on many different designs and gain experience in a wide variety of building techniques. When a 10’ Abeking and Rasmussen yacht tender is being built next to a 24’ lobster boat, there is much information that can be shared between crews as apprentices ask each other questions, and get into discussions about building tricks. Since other schools often build many boats of the same design, commissions make our program unique.

Commission Boat Building

Commissions also support us practically, as a large portion of the shop operating budget comes from apprentice-built boats. Each boat that leaves the ‘Shop earns valuable revenue which keeps our apprentices’ education affordable. Our low tuition allows us to attract a diverse group of participants.

If you would like to commission a new boat with us, the boat catalog would be a good place for you to start thinking about and choosing your design. If you have a boat design or a boat building project in mind that you can’t find in the catalog, don’t hesitate to call us. We have over 300 sets of boat plans in our archives, and can easily access many more. All of the work we do is custom, so we are able to accommodate client’s needs adeptly and efficiently.

Boat Restoration

We also commission boat restorations. We evaluate restoration projects based on their value to apprentice experience. Extensive wooden boat restorations that will include work on various parts of the boat are often accepted as apprentice projects. Inquire further if you have a boat that you would like restored, or refer to our donated boats section for interesting and historic projects that we have on our lot for restoration by commission.

To speak directly with someone about boat designs and boat commissions, please call 207-594-1800 or send us an email.