Lesson 1Fastening options and guidelines: silicon bronze, copper, stainless steel fasteners, roves, clinching, and modern screw systemsDetails fastening choices for wooden boats, including silicon bronze, copper, and stainless steel. Explains roves, clinching, screw systems, corrosion risks, sizing, installation techniques, and inspection for replacement.
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 limitationsExplores marine adhesives, epoxies, and consolidants for repair work. Discusses penetrating epoxies, laminating systems, moisture-tolerant products, surface prep, clamping, and limitations when used with traditional 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 timberExplains timber decay mechanisms and how preservatives and fungicides protect new and in-service wood. Covers brush, dip, and injection methods, safety, environmental rules, and inspection routines for long-term durability.
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 alternativesReviews key boatbuilding timbers, including oak, Douglas fir, teak, mahogany, and western red cedar, plus laminated options. Compares strength, rot resistance, workability, and best uses in frames, planking, and 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, routersDetails essential hand and power tools for a small repair yard, including selection, setup, and safe operation. Emphasises accurate cutting, shaping, and fairing of planks and frames, plus maintenance, sharpening, and storage routines.
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 surfacesDescribes primers, varnishes, and microporous paints for hulls and decks, plus antifouling choices. Addresses UV exposure, film build, adhesion, surface prep, and maintenance cycles for brightwork and working finishes.
Primer types and surface preparation stepsVarnish systems and brightwork schedulesMicroporous and traditional paint systemsAntifouling types and application methodsUV exposure, chalking, and recoating plansLesson 7Specialised marine tools: caulking irons, seam rakes, plank clamps, extraction tools, drift pinsIntroduces specialised marine tools used in wooden boat repair, including caulking irons, seam rakes, plank clamps, extraction tools, and drift pins. Covers correct handling, maintenance, and safe storage on the yard.
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 alternativesCovers traditional cotton and oakum caulking alongside modern polysulfide, butyl, and polyurethane sealants. Explains joint design, compatibility with coatings, application techniques, cure times, and troubleshooting 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 practicesExplains materials and methods for temporary supports, cribbing, jack posts, and blocking. Focuses on load paths, ground conditions, stability checks, and safe access when hauling, shoring, and levelling wooden 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
