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

VIRTUAL SPEAKER SERIES:
HANNAH IVES

JAN. 23, 2025 | 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Hannah Harter-Ives has nearly two decades of experience supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Join us to learn more about the realities of abuse, the myths surrounding it, and the vital support available through New Hope Midcoast. READ MORE…

WINTER SKIFF MAKING
WITH BOBBY IVES

FEB. 17-21, 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…

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…

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.