Lesson 1Fastening options and guidelines: silicon bronze, copper, stainless steel fasteners, roves, clinching, and modern screw systemsSee fixing choices like silicon bronze, copper, stainless steel, roves, bending, screws. Learn rust risks, sizes, putting in, checking for change.
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 limitationsLook at glues, epoxies for sea fixes. Penetrating, laminating, wet-ok ones, prep surfaces, clamp, limits with old planks.
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 timberSee how to stop wood rot with preservatives, anti-fungus. Brush, dip, inject new or in-use wood, safe ways, rules, checks for long life.
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 alternativesCheck boat woods like oak, Douglas fir, teak, mahogany, red cedar, laminated. Strength, rot fight, easy work, best for frames, planks, poles.
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 yard. Pick, set up, safe use for cutting, shaping, smoothing planks frames, sharpen, store.
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, anti-foul. Sun light, layers, stick, prep, keep bright or 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 pinsSea tools for wood boats: caulking irons, seam tools, clamps, pullers, pins. Handle right, keep, store safe.
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 caulk and new polysulfide, butyl, poly sealants. Joints, match paints, put in, dry time, fix 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 temp hold. Loads, ground, steady, safe way when lift, shore, level 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
