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.
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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.
View ProgramsLocation, 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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Alumni Stories
“I came to the school and found a chance to do something different, gratifying, and real.”
Meet Our GraduatesOur Programs
The 12-month Boatbuilding Degree program takes time-tested traditional skills mixed with modern wood composites to offer a compact and comprehensive curriculum. The 9-month Marine Systems Diploma program covers tasks integral to boat building and repair, such as electrical systems, corrosion, diesel engines, propulsion, hydraulics, marine plumbing, and marine HVAC. The Marine Systems Intensives for industry professionals consist of 5-day classes that rely on industry-relevant mock-ups to provide hands-on practical training.
Boatbuilding AOS Degree Program
Marine Systems Diploma Program
Marine Systems Intensive Classes
Welcome
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.
Founded in 1981, the School has taught wooden boatbuilding and marine systems skills to more than 1,600 students. We offer full-time programs that include a 12 month Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) degree in Boatbuilding, a 9-month Diploma program in Marine Systems, and 5-day Intensive courses in Marine Systems topics.
Our Campus
The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding is located on the waterfront in lower Port Hadlock, Washington, a quiet town…
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Boat School Open House
The Virtual Admissions Open House offers prospective students an opportunity to get to know the school with a campus…
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Admissions Process
Applications are open for degree and diploma programs beginning October 2023. Applications for the 2024 School Year will open…
Read MoreTestimonials
Hands down the most educational I’ve done in my life. It’s led to great things. It definitely made me competitive in the workforce.
Misha Bogart
Class of 2017 & 2019, State of AlaskaHappiness comes from solving problems and boatbuilding is problem solving. The amount of confidence I built was transformational.
Ginny Wilson
Class of 2018, Port Townsend Shipwrights Co-OpI 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 and gained a…
Logan Sampson
Class of 2015, Boatbuilding, 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 to happen to…
David Klco
Class of 2016, Van Dam Custom BoatsBoat 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 to build, solve…
Tucker Piontek
Class of 2017, Haven BoatworksSign up for our E-news
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About Us
Founded in 1981, the school offers a full-time 12 month Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) degree in Boatbuilding, a 9-month Diploma program in Marine Systems, and 5-day Intensive courses in Marine Systems topics.