The Carpenter's Boat Shop | Boat Building

Building Boats, Nurturing Lives, Helping Others

The Carpenter’s Boat Shop mission is to nurture lives fostering personal growth through building boats, community living, seamanship, and service to others.

Classes & Offerings

WE ARE HIRING!

BOAT BUILDING INSTRUCTOR

The Carpenter’s Boat Shop is seeking an experienced Boat Building Instructor to lead our hands-on, nine-month residential apprenticeship program. You’ll guide a cohort of about 10 apprentices in the craft of wooden boat building, with a focus on constructing our signature Monhegan Skiff. READ MORE…

VIRTUAL SPEAKER SERIES: Jaclyn Robidoux: Maine Sea Grant Seaweed Specialist

APRIL 17 | 7:00 PM

Spring is seaweed season in Maine! As kelp farms gear up for harvest across the state, we’ll celebrate this local food and learn stories of Maine seaweeds with Jaclyn Robidoux, marine extension associate and seaweed specialist with Maine Sea Grant. READ MORE…

COASTAL NAVIGATION WITH
ARISTA HOLDEN

MAY 16-18, 2025

This class will include both classroom and on-the-water sessions. Class begins with indoor learning using traditional tools such as paper charts, compasses, dividers and parallel rules. READ MORE…

SUMMER SKIFF MAKING
WITH BOBBY IVES

JUNE 16-20, 2025

This class is open to all, beginning and advanced woodworkers. The class will introduce students to the fundamentals of traditional boat building. READ MORE…

Residency Programs

APPRENTICESHIP | ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE

The Carpenter’s Boat Shop offers immersive programs that blend craftsmanship, personal growth, and community living. Our 9-month, tuition-free Apprenticeship, running from mid-March to mid-November, teaches boatbuilding and woodworking skills while fostering meaningful connections through shared meals, service projects, and daily life on campus. Additionally, our Artist Residency Program invites artists of all disciplines to live and work within our vibrant community throughout the year. Residents share their craft, collaborate with staff and apprentices, and conclude their stay with a showcase event celebrating their work and contributions.

Take Action

There are many ways to get involved with The Carpenter’s Boat Shop. Donations play a vital role in sustaining our mission, helping to fund our apprenticeship program, boatbuilding projects, and community service efforts. We also encourage people to join our “Friends of the Boat Shop” program, where volunteers contribute their skills to assist with boat building, maintenance, and crafting items like Adirondack chairs and Shaker oval boxes. Whether through financial support or hands-on involvement, your contribution makes a meaningful difference.