Welcome to
Craftsmanship
The School serves as a repository of knowledge that is preserved through active practice. Boats built in the program reflect strong craftsmanship - quality construction, efficient methods, and effective project management.
Learn more about admissionsLocation, location, location
Pacific Northwest
The Boat School is located in the heart of more than 100 maritime businesses on Port Townsend Bay and surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
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Hands-On Education
In an increasingly digital world, we provide experiential education to teach time-honored skills to new generations of craftspeople.
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Our Campus
The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding is located along the waterfront of the six-acre Port Hadlock…
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Admissions Open House
For 37 years, more than 1,500 of students have lofted and built more than 100 vessels…
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Admissions Process
Enrollment for 2018-2019 school year is now open. Students are accepted on a…
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Who We Are
Welcome to the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding located in Port Hadlock, Washington. The Boat School is an educational institution accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Colleges and Schools (ACCSC), and attracts students from around the world including such countries as Japan, Australia, England, South Korea, Austria, Canada, Taiwan, Ireland, Mexico, Scotland, France and Tanzania.
Founded in 1981, the School has taught traditional and contemporary wooden boatbuilding skills to more than 1,500 students. We offer a full-time 12 month Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) degree in Traditional and Contemporary Wooden Boatbuilding as well as a 6-month diploma program in Marine Systems.
Our Programs
Traditional Wooden Boatbuilding
This comprehensive program trains students to build a variety of traditionally constructed vessels both large and small.
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Contemporary Wooden Boatbuilding
This program teaches students how to build wooden boats using strip planking, stick-and-glue, plywood, cold molding, and laminating techniques applicable to both small and large vessels.
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Marine Systems
This program covers tasks integral to boat building and repair, such as electrical systems, corrosion, diesel and gas engines, propulsion, hydraulics, marine plumbing, and marine HVAC.
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Testimonials
I could not have asked for a more fulfilling year and a half at the School. As a student, and then as the Prothero Intern, I learned from incredibly talented instructors…
Logan Sampson
Class of 2015, John's Bay Boat CompanyWooden boatbuilding is challenging and mysterious because you can’t just follow a plan. You have to trust your eye and ability to judge whether something’s going to fit or what needs…
David Klco
Class of 2016, Van Dam Custom BoatsI didn’t know how much I’d learned at Boat School until I started solving problems on my own.
Julia Hechanova
Class of 2016, Dolphin ClubBoat School gave me the skills, approach, and practical knowledge in one year that many aspiring craftspeople take decades to gain. I left Boat School with great confidence in my abilities…
Tucker Piontek
Class of 2017, Turn Point Design
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About Us
Founded in 1981, the School has taught traditional and contemporary wooden boatbuilding skills to more than 1,500 students. We offer a full-time 12 month Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) degree in Traditional and Contemporary Wooden Boatbuilding as well as a 6-month diploma program in Marine Systems.