Established in 1793, Lowell’s Boat Shop is the oldest operating boat shop in America.
“A National Historic Landmark and working museum, Lowell’s is dedicated to preserving and perpetuating the art and craft of wooden boat building.”
Build Your Own Wooden Surfboard
Thursday, May 16 through Sunday, May 19
8AM – 5PM each day
$1795 tuition ($1900 after May 1; registration closes May 11)
Please call Lowell’s Boat Shop to pay tuition to avoid Eventbrite fees.
Lowell’s Boat Shop in Amesbury is pleased to collaborate with Grain Surfboards to offer a 4-day wooden surfboard building class at the Boat Shop. The class is perfect for those who want to make their own board but don’t have the space or tools to get the job done right. No experience necessary.
Students have their pick of over a dozen different models to build, and will start with a board that has the frame already glued to the bottom planks. Two Grain board builders will be available to guide students through the easy step-by-step process to ensure that each board becomes a beautiful one-of-a-kind surfboard that will last a lifetime. Together, we’ll explore basic surfboard design concepts, the simple application of steam to manipulate wood into shapes, adhesive applications, elements of edge tool work and use of other traditional hand tools, glassing and effective use of epoxy. By the end of Day Four, you’ll have your own board, ready to glass. Fiberglass, hardware and resin are provided so that the board can be glassed at home, or left with us to be glassed and shipped later.
Tuition costs include: All materials (sustainably grown cedar, zero VOC bio-epoxy, etc.) and selected pages of detailed instruction on glassing and finishing — along with the glassing supplies. Use of shop tools and set up during the class (no need to bring your own tools). Eligibility to participate in Grain’s “Build Your Own Quiver” incentive plan. We’ll even throw in a delicious breakfast and lunch as part of the tuition! Students are responsible for their own dinner costs as well as accommodations; discounted rates are available to Lowell’s participants at Fairfield by Marriott.
Check Out Our Exciting New Program!
July 7-12: Seafaring and Sail Training for Teens
This sail training voyage — a collaboration between Lowell’s Boat Shop, Maritime Gloucester, Tall Ships Maine and Ocean Passages — offers teens the adventure of a lifetime! We’ll spend a week aboard the schooner Harvey Gamage, working side-by-side with a professional crew to learn seamanship, sail handling, and leadership. Graham McKay of Lowell’s Boat Shop will Captain the vessel for our trip; Amanda Madeira of Gloucester Maritime will serve as co-Captain (both are fully USCG licensed and have decades of experience sailing tall ships and leading onboard educational programs). Weather permitting, the itinerary includes a day on Stellwagen bank watching whales and learning about the fisheries, and an overnight passage to the coast of Maine to explore some of the more remote islands before returning to Portland, Maine on Friday.
The hands-on nature of this distinctive program encourages independence and a sense of achievement that increases levels of self-confidence and self-esteem. A week at sea offers the perfect opportunity for kids to unplug and truly engage with the world around them!
**This program is academically accredited by Falmouth (Maine) High School. Participants receive a letter of elective credit which should be valid as a transfer credit on their high school transcript.
Space is limited. Please call 978-834-0050 or email dorothy@lowellsboatshop.com if you have questions.
Program Dates & Rates
- Board Sunday, July 7, 2019 at 4PM in Gloucester, Massachusetts
- Disembark Friday July 12, 2019 at 11AM in Portland, Maine
- Fee of $1,100 includes 3 meals per day, fuel, crew, docking fees, etc. Non-refundable deposit of $500 is due at registration; balance due May 1. A limited number of scholarships are available.
Check out this article: Tall Ships Maine recognized by national organization for innovative partnership to take teenagers to sea
You Are Invited to Our 2019 Winter Speaker Series!
Custom Built Boats
Repair and Restoration Services
Customize Your Boat
Lowell’s is proud to offer a variety of classes for all levels of experience – from the beginner to the experienced builder. Our class offerings can be found here.
Our 2018-2019 Apprenticeship is underway!
Our new project is nearly underway, keep an eye on our current projects page for updates.
Thank You to Our Sponsors:
