The Art of Boat Building Courses

How to Prime and Paint a Wooden Boat

Learn expert techniques for priming and painting wooden boats, including primer and paint selection, application methods, and tips for achieving a beautiful finish on various boat surfaces.

• YouTube
• 23 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Caulking a Small Wooden Boat

Learn traditional wooden boat caulking techniques, including cotton seam caulking and essential shipwright tools. Gain insights from a master craftsman's experience and explore the art of boat building.

• YouTube
• 20 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Making a Shipwright's Caulking Mallet

Crafting a shipwright's caulking mallet: learn design, preparation, and assembly techniques for this unique boatbuilding tool with its distinctive long head and longitudinal slots.

• YouTube
• 26 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Methods of Spiling for a Boat Hull - Carvel Planking Part 1

Explore three spiling methods for capturing plank shapes in carvel boat construction. Learn essential techniques for accurate hull planking in wooden boat building.

• YouTube
• 21 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Sculpting a Bronze Skylark Masthead - The Art of Boat Building - Episode 69

Learn to sculpt a bronze skylark masthead, from fitting the mast cone to welding techniques. Explore the symbolism behind the skylark and create a beautiful, meaningful boat ornament.

• YouTube
• 26 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Making a Dock Cleat with Template and Dimensions

Step-by-step guide to crafting a durable 10" ash wood dock cleat, including template use, dimensions, and finishing with Penofin Brazilian Rosewood Oil for longevity and beauty.

• YouTube
• 14 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Transforming a Wooden Seat Post to Bronze - The Art of Boat Building

Learn to transform a traditional wooden seat post into a durable bronze version using sheet silicon bronze and silver soldering techniques. Master the art of boat restoration with expert guidance.

• YouTube
• 31 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Exploring Future Boat Building Projects - Season 4 Episode 1

Explore five boat project options with Bob Emser, including building two kayaks and restoring a 1957 Lyman runabout. Discover the art of boat building and future plans for Season 5.

• YouTube
• 12 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Casting a Lead Ballast Keel for Wooden Boat Building

Experience the detailed process of casting a lead ballast keel for a Somes Sound 12 1/2 sailboat, demonstrated by expert boat builders during a fall retreat workshop at Bob Emser's Studio.

• YouTube
• 14 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Building a Wood Duck 12 Kayak - Episode 2

Master the stitch-and-glue kayak building process through practical demonstrations of hull assembly, including essential techniques for sanding, beveling, bending, and clamping panels with copper wire stitching.

• YouTube
• 27 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Fiberglassing the Wood Duck Kayak Interior - A Step-by-Step Guide

Master essential fiberglassing techniques for waterproofing and finishing a Wood Duck kayak interior, including surface preparation, cloth application, and epoxy resin methods.

• YouTube
• 25 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Preparing to Strip Plank the Deck - Episode 13

Discover essential preparation techniques for strip planking a kayak deck, from fairing the hull to selecting cedar strips, with expert guidance from boat builder Bob Emser.

• YouTube
• 29 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Finding Solutions to Decking Problems - Episode 14

Master practical solutions for common strip kayak decking problems with boat builder Bob Emser, from fixing misalignments and gaps to ensuring proper fitment during your boat building journey.

• YouTube
• 22 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Completing the Auk's Deck - S4-E16

Master the final milestone of kayak construction by installing the whiskey plank, completing the hull's planking with traditional boatbuilding techniques and celebrating craftsmanship.

• YouTube
• 34 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Tips and Tricks to Strip Planking a Kayak - Episode 15

Master the art of strip planking a kayak with expert Bob Emser's real-time demonstration and essential techniques that save time and prevent frustration for both beginners and experienced boat builders.

• YouTube
• 36 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video