Lesson 1Fastening options and guidelines: silicon bronze, copper, stainless steel fasteners, roves, clinching, and modern screw systemsReview fastenings like silicon bronze, copper, stainless for boats. Covers roves, clinching, screws, rust risks, sizes, fitting, and checks for changeout.
Silicon bronze screws and bolts selectionCopper nails, roves, and clinch fasteningStainless steel use and corrosion concernsSizing, pilot holes, and driving methodsFastener inspection and replacement plansLesson 2Adhesives, epoxies, and consolidants: penetrating epoxies, laminating epoxy systems, moisture‑tolerant adhesives and limitationsMarine glues, epoxies for fixes. Trainees learn penetrating types, laminating, wet-tolerant options, prep, clamping, limits with old planking.
Adhesive types used in wooden boat repairPenetrating epoxies for degraded timberLaminating epoxies and thickened mixesMoisture‑tolerant adhesives and primersLimitations with traditional hull designsLesson 3Timber preservation: preservatives, fungicides, and methods for treating new and existing timberTimber rot causes and protection with preservatives, fungicides. Covers brush-on, dipping, injecting, safety, eco-rules, checks for lasting strength.
Identifying fungal and insect timber decayOil‑borne and water‑borne wood preservativesFungicides and biocides for marine timberApplication methods: brush, dip, and injectionSafety, PPE, and environmental complianceLesson 4Selection of timbers: properties and uses of oak, Douglas fir, teak, mahogany, western red cedar, and laminated alternativesMain boat timbers like oak, Douglas fir, teak, mahogany, cedar, laminates. Compare strength, rot fight, ease, best spots for frames, planks, spars.
Mechanical and durability properties of oakDouglas fir for spars, decks, and structureTeak and mahogany for trim and plankingWestern red cedar for light plankingLaminated timber and engineered optionsLesson 5Hand and power tools for a small yard: saws, planes, chisels, grinders, grinders with wood discs, routersKey hand and power tools for small yards: pick, set up, safe use. Focus on straight cuts, shaping, smoothing planks and frames, plus upkeep.
Hand saws, planes, and chisels for joineryPortable circular, jig, and track saw useGrinders and wood shaping discs on hullsRouters for rebates, scarfs, and joineryTool maintenance, sharpening, and storageLesson 6Surface coatings and antifouling: primers, varnishes, microporous paints, and UV considerations for deck surfacesPrimers, varnishes, breathable paints for hulls, decks, antifouling. UV care, layers, sticking, prep, upkeep for bright and work finishes.
Primer types and surface preparation stepsVarnish systems and brightwork schedulesMicroporous and traditional paint systemsAntifouling types and application methodsUV exposure, chalking, and recoating plansLesson 7Specialized marine tools: caulking irons, seam rakes, plank clamps, extraction tools, drift pinsBoat-specific tools like caulking irons, rakes, clamps, pullers, pins. Proper hold, care, safe storage in yards.
Types and uses of caulking ironsSeam rakes and reefing tools in practicePlank clamps and temporary fasteningsFastener pullers and extraction toolsDrift pins, drivers, and care routinesLesson 8Sealants and caulking materials: traditional cotton/caulking and modern polysulfide, butyl, and polyurethane alternativesOld cotton oakum caulking vs new polysulfide, butyl, polyurethane. Joint prep, coat match, applying, curing, fixing leaks.
Cotton and oakum for plank seam caulkingPolysulfide, butyl, and polyurethane sealantsJoint design, backing, and bond linesApplication tools, techniques, and cure timesLeak diagnosis and caulking repairsLesson 9Materials for temporary supports and shoring: cribbing, jack posts, and blocking best practicesSupports, cribs, jacks, blocks for haul-outs. Load paths, ground check, steadying, safe access for shoring boats.
Selecting cribbing and blocking materialsLaying out keel blocks and bilge standsUsing jack posts and screw pads safelyMonitoring movement and re‑shoring stepsAccess, ladders, and work‑area safety
