The Beachcomber Skiff, a 15-foot skiff with a rockered bottom that is suitable for rowing or carrying a small engine, was designed by Nelson D. Gillett in the 1940s as a sturdy boat that could hold nearly half a ton of weight. Gillett, who was working in a Pacific Northwest defense plant during World War II, wrote a pamphlet espousing his ideas about the boat’s design, which he sold to support his family. The boat was used to support the small farming and coastal fishing lifestyle that Gillett’s family enjoyed at the time.
The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding, located in Port Hadlock, WA, is an accredited, non-profit vocational school that teaches and preserves the fine art of wooden boatbuilding and traditional maritime crafts. The school builds boats, both commissioned and speculative, while teaching students the necessary skills to work in the marine trades. The beachcomber-15 was built by students in the class of 2014 under the instruction of Ernie Baird. The boat is made of copper riveted sapele planking and weighs 315 pounds dry. It is rated to carry 975 pounds of passengers and cargo and is an extraordinarily capable skiff.
The school sells its boats to help support its operations. Those interested in having a boat built for them can contact the school at info@nwboatschool.org or by calling 360-385-4948. Students at the school learn the various aspects of boat building, including lofting, joinery, planking, finishing, and propulsion systems.
The school’s mission is to teach and preserve traditional maritime crafts and inspire a new generation of boat builders. The courses offered at the school are both short-term, such as the summer intensive programs, or long-term, covering two years of study. The school also offers workshops and courses on various topics related to wooden boatbuilding, such as traditional rigging, boat restoration, and the construction of wooden paddles.
The school’s campus consists of 6 acres of waterfront and houses multiple buildings that serve various purposes. The main building includes lecture halls, a library, and student housing. The waterfront building houses the workshop and machine shop, while the finishing shop is located nearby.
The school’s students come from all walks of life and from all over the world. Some come with no prior experience in boat building, while others have been working in the marine trades for years. The school prides itself on its ability to teach students of all skill levels and its commitment to preserving traditional maritime crafts.
In conclusion, the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding is a non-profit vocational school located in Port Hadlock, WA, that teaches and preserves traditional maritime crafts, including wooden boatbuilding. The school builds both commissioned and speculative boats while teaching students the skills necessary to work in the marine trades. The school’s mission is to inspire a new generation of boat builders and to preserve the art of wooden boat building.
Posted by Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding on 2014-03-06 14:33:51