The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding builds a full variety of row boats on commission. Contact Pete Leenhouts, Executive Director, at 360-385-4948 if you are interested in arranging a commission.
Click here to see a list of boats you might want to consider!
Click here to see photos of boats we have built in the past.
The ‘ply-on-frame’ building method was developed in the 1950’s using mainly urea-formaldehyde adhesives on the then newly introduced wood medium – plywood. Many boats were designed for this relatively easy form of construction which became popular with professionals and DIY builders. Today ply-on-frame is still used, particularly on small racing dinghy classes designed originally in the 1950’s, but with the advent of epoxies, a simpler form of plywood construction was made possible using a reduced number of stringers or no stringers at all. Learn more.
The first cold-moulded hulls commercially produced were derived from wooden aircraft technology developed during World War II. These used phenol-formaldehyde glue and vacuum pressure was employed to hold the veneers together in an autoclave oven. Hulls produced this way have proved extremely durable with a life of over 30 – 40 years. Nowadays no such plant exists and all cold moulded boats are produced on a one-off basis. Glues other than epoxy are still relatively popular but chosen on convenience grounds rather than performance. Urea-formaldehyde types are viewed as being simpler to use and clean off easily using water. However there are noticeable benefits in terms of hull stiffness using epoxy. This is due mainly to epoxy’s good gap filling properties and the resulting continuity of glue line. A contributory reason for the superior stiffness of an epoxy hull is that with other glues moisture is introduced into the veneer during application and by the process of curing.
Source: SP Systems. This article was derived from ‘Wooden Boat Const. Meth.pdf’ which can be downloaded from the SP Systems website.
For more information on this source please visit SP Systems
The earliest forms did not use adhesive but incorporated a cloth membrane, usually soaked in oil or paint, in between. The veneers were held together with rivets, screws or clenched nails. Epoxy adhesives can be used in the restoration of these hulls by injecting it between the veneer layers.
Source: SP Systems. This article was derived from ‘Wooden Boat Const. Meth.pdf’ which can be downloaded from the SP Systems website.
For more information on this source please visit SP Systems
Originally published February 23, 2013 at 7:01 PM | Page modified June 21, 2013 at 1:17 PM
The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding is at the heart of this ‘education vacation,’ with good food, hiking and paddling nearby.
PORT HADLOCK, Jefferson County — If you’re one of those nautical types who mystify the medical community every time a blood test discovers saltwater in your veins, here’s an “education vacation” for you.
It includes soul-soothing vistas of gunmetal-blue waters; protected lagoons for kayaking among whole fleets of water birds; water-view hiking trails among blushing madronas and eagle-topped fir snags. And an opportunity to learn how to properly varnish your boat, or even build a new one.
Port Hadlock is home to the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding, one of the most respected academies of its kind, with about as salty a crowd of instructors and students as ever rollicked to a sea chantey.
Therese Mersereau is the grandmother of student Heidi Groh. Terri passed away this week and Heidi came by the office to share memories of her grandmother with us and share her grandmother’s history as a female jazz artist. You can hear her playing on the short video above. You can read about her life at the following link:
http://www.dailyastorian.com/obituaries/20150217/obituary-therese-ellen-spencer-mersereau
Thanks for sharing with us, Heidi. We are sorry for your loss.
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Port Townsend Foundry is a custom and production nonferrous foundry. We are able to produce a wide range of products using only the best materials available today.
Since 1983, we have built our reputation on hard work and customer satisfaction. Although the road has not always been paved in gold or smooth as one would hope, we have managed to flourish with the ongoing support of customers and employees.
We are not affiliated with any other companies and don’t supply any offshore products. We are proud to use the words “Made in The USA.”
Our main product line is marine hardware for sail, power and commercial vessels of all sizes. Castings are produced in silicon (everdure), manganese, aluminum-bronze, white bronze and aluminum alloys. Items range from deck hardware, mast fittings to rudder pintles and gudgeons. We are sure you will like the number of things to choose from.
Our next line is public oriented products. These are the things you see on city streets or your neighborhood parks etc.
Our custom line might be the most exciting to those who need something a little different from off-the-shelf parts. Engine components, antique replacements, one offs, research and development. Talk to us — we love to think with you.
Industrial hardware is for paper and saw mills and house movers.
Architectural castings are both structural and ornamental.
Dear Boat School Friends,
This Sunday, December 8, 2013 at 1 pm there will be a Celebration of Allen Fletcher’s Life at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding classroom. (42 N. Water Street, Port Hadlock, WA 98339; 360-385-4948; [email protected])
Allen is a graduate of the Boat School and has been missing for three weeks. There is evidence pointing to a possible drowning. At this time his body has not been recovered, however his family is convinced he has passed. We are opening the Boat School classroom out of respect to his family members who are coming to the celebration of his life from across the United States.
Please know that you are all invited and encouraged to attend if you possibly can. (Please pass this note on to others who you feel should know about this ceremony.)
It is with great sadness that we announce that Robert Troy Craig, beloved husband of Denise Craig and a member of the Class of 2013 at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding, has passed away. There will be a get-together in his honor on Thursday, December 4, 2014 at the Port Townsend Brewing Company from 5-8pm.
Troy Craig was one of the most outstanding students graduated from the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding. He was a much admired, loved and respected student of Chief Instructor Sean Koomen. Troy was always the first one in and the last one out of the shop each day. His discipline and strong work ethic inspired the students around him to excel. Troy’s craftsmanship was exemplary. He is shown above with the laminated tiller he built for the sailboat Azulita. He was proud of his work on the tiller, but modest about it. He was reluctant to have his photo taken with it in case it seemed that he was “bragging.”
“Troy was such a special part of our boat building community. Everyone loved him! He was a stellar Boat builder and craftsman.”
At right are Denise and Troy Craig at Troy’s graduation from the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding. This was a happy day for both of them as the intense school experience was behind Troy and he was eager to launch into his maritime trades career. You can access other photos of Troy from the Boat School at: https://www.flickr.com/search/?w=31273774@N02&q=troy%20craig
Words that come to mind to describe Troy include:
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Kai Lorenz graduated with the Class of 2012 from the Contemporary Boatbuilding program at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding. Kai became part of a team of 5 graduates who were hired to complete the largest boat ever built at the school – a Bob Perry designed 62-foot yacht whose working name was “Sliver.” She is now complete and named Francis Lee. Kai was a steady worker who could stay at a task for hours on end without waivering. He squeezed into tight spaces with grace and always knew how to place boards and other supports to help him get into areas with the proper support for his body while working. Kai has a keen with and we will miss him here at the boat school. Good luck, Kai, with your career!
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Having worked in every phase of residential and commercial construction for the past 20 years, we strive to deliver a quality product and service that is on time and as ordered.
We can provide custom knives in as little as 24 hours if needed. Custom mouldings available in as little as 72 hours. Give us a call to discuss your needs and timeline.
We do it right the first time.
We take pride in manufacturing a product in America.
Precision Millwork & Door Co. inc
NW Millwork and Door Co.
8256 NE Highway 104
Kingston WA 98346
Ph : {360} 297-
e: [email protected]
Port Hadlock, WA, July 3rd, 2014 –
The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding (NWSWB) announced today that Peter M. Leenhouts has officially resigned from his two-year post as Executive Director.
In his statement to the NWSWB Board of Directors, Leenhouts explained his future plans, saying that he was proud that he successfully led the School through a period of growth while returning the School to financial viability, and that he was departing to prepare for his Presidency of the East Jefferson Rotary Club in 2015.
“I’ve worked hard over these years to bring the Boat School into the strongest position for the future,” Leenhouts said. “We have faced some significant challenges, but the growth and development of the School has been outstanding. It’s been an honor to lead and to contribute my talents to an educational institution that I care about so deeply.”
During Leenhouts’ time as Executive Director he led the School through a successful Renewal of Accreditation inspection, doubled enrollment, significantly enhanced graduation and employment percentages for alumni, improved instructor training opportunities, increased the School’s national and international visibility and worked hard to ensure that the majority of boats under the school’s construction are commissioned.
Leenhouts is particularly proud of his accomplishments in developing an aggressive program to enhance the School’s compliance with accreditation standards. These efforts were rewarded during the 2013 Renewal of Accreditation when inspectors confirmed that survey results of students and staff were among the highest they had ever seen.
Leenhouts obtained and managed a highly visible three-boat commission from the British Broadcasting Corporation, boats used to recreate famed explorer John Wesley Powell’s exploration and descent of the Colorado River in 1869. This project was supported on camera by one of the School’s instructors and provided international visibility for the school. Another significant commission for the School was the Carl Chamberlin 36-foot motor sailor, a three-year project by a well-known local designer.
David Blessing, President of the NWSWB Board of Directors, stated, “We appreciate Pete’s service to the school. His strong commitment has helped put the School on a firm path for the future.”
The Board of Directors at the School is currently seeking candidates to fill Leenhouts’ position after his departure. In the interim period, Board President David Blessing has stepped in to serve as Interim Executive Director until a suitable replacement can be found.
The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding is an accredited, private nonprofit vocational school whose mission for 33 years has been to teach and preserve traditional and contemporary wooden boatbuilding skills while developing the individual as a craftsman.
For more information, contact:
David Blessing, President, NWSWB Board of Directors
360-385-4948
Director @nwswb.edu
NOTE: Pete is a retired career U.S. Navy Officer. After he retired, he returned to attend all three boat building courses at the School, one after the other – Contemporary first, then Traditional Small Craft, and finally Traditional Large Craft.
Pete wrote dozens of stories and news articles about the School, took tens of thousands of pictures of our students, staff and boats, served on the Board of Directors, and in the spring of 2012 was hired as Director.
If it involved the School, boatbuilding, marine history, woodworking, old tools, marine photography, books and/or magazines or even tall tales or sea stories about these interests, he was your man. Pete is a long-time woodworker who enjoys boat building in his home shop where he has a Bolger Clam Skiff under construction.
Congratulations to Caro Clark, Cyrus Dworsky, Johnathan Ishmael, Eric Kay, Penelope Partrdige and Gary Ragsdale for their 2014 graduation from the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding’s 9-Month Programs!
CLASS OF 2014 at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding. We have six students who are graduating tomorrow (June 20, 2014) after completing the School’s 9-month program. The remainder will graduate in September after completing the 12-month program. Good luck students and be sure to stay in touch with us! We are so proud of you!
Pictured roughly left to right are: Johnathan Ishmael, Austin Hatch, Chuck Garrett, Mike Lee, Pamela Roberts, Lafayette Duvall, Ryan Wilmsmeier, Matthew Shaunessy, Korey Ruben, Ben Kahn, Mussa Ulenga, Caleb Underwood, Pete Leenhouts, Steve Kim, Sam Hunt, Galen Brake, Corey Rodgers, Jacob Simmering, Bruce Blatchley, Bobby Bowen, Drew Larson, Peter Flint, Caro Clark, Jesse Long, Eric Kay, Jeff Hammond, Alex Finn, Reuben Ewan, Penelope Partridge, Adrian Candaux, Brian Standerfer, Rw Barrett, Michael Voderberg, Alan Fenwick, John Sandoval, Gary Ragsdale, Mark Paxton, Russell Bates, Andrew McGilvra, Cyrus Dworsky, Peter Bailey, and Bradley Suedekum.
The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding celebrated its graduation ceremony for 9-Month Program students on June 14, 2013 at the School. Graduates represented programs in Small Craft Construction, Large Craft Construction and Contemporary Wooden Boatbuilding.
Graduates receiving their diplomas were:
Carey Anderson – Small Craft
Gabriel Boylan – Large Craft
Patrick Carlisle – Large Craft
Troy Craig – Contemporary
Jack Dunton – Large Craft
Andrew Micks – Large Craft
Michael Murphy – Contemporary
Randy Roberts – Small Craft
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Graduates of the Boat School go on to explore successful careers in traditional boat yards, yacht manufacturing, maritime history museums, educational institutions, wooden boat repair, restoration and replication, rocket industries, fine furniture making and even musical instrument building.
Employment statistics for graduates of the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding were high over a six year period averaging from 75% – 90% – including data from our students who enter the school expressly pursuing boat building as a hobby. We are proud of the career successes of our graduates and feel confident that this group will report back the same types of successes we have previously seen from the Boat School.
The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding maintains a job referral service for graduates, including assistance with resumes, digital portfolios, interview preparation and job application processes. Graduates from the School know that their relationship with the School and with the network of graduates from across the globe will only deepen over time.
Congratulations, graduates, and best of luck with your future goals and endeavors! Contact the Boat School if we can help you in any way as you move forward on the next steps of your life.
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Gary Stauffer
Youth Maritime Training Association
PO Box 70425
Seattle, WA 98127
206-300-5559
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The Perdido Wood Boat Association presents
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Celebrity Judging for Chowder Cook-Off
Tuesday, May 7
14thAnnual Maritime Career Day, Maritime Event Center, Pier 66
Wednesday, May 8
National Fisherman’s Twelfth Annual Stories of the Sea/Fisher Poetry Slam
Saturday, May 11: Vigor Seattle Maritime Festival, Family Fun Day, Pier 66 and Bell Harbor Marina.
May 11-12, 2013
The Olympia Wooden Boat Association is proud to announce the 34th Annual Olympia Wooden Boat Fair will be held Saturday and Sunday on Mother’s Day Weekend, May 11 and 12, 2013. The fair, a traditional community and family fun event, is held at Percival Landing Park in downtown Olympia. Hours of this FREE event are Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. On display will be wooden boats of all sizes and types, new and old, power and sail, row boats, dinghies, kayaks, and canoes.
July 14, 2013
Classic Boat Show, Family Boat Build, Meet the Boat Experts, History of Oregonians on the Water, Model Boatbuilding, and more.
