Educational Objectives

The Cruising Boats Course teaches modern boatbuilding techniques through the construction of a 26′ to 30′ wood composite vessel. Upon completion of the course, students are prepared to become employed in new construction, repair or restoration yards as carpenters, joiners or finishworkers.

Click here to see photos of the Cruising Boats Course shop and students.

Course Description

The Cruising Boats Course is a comprehensive study in boatbuilding through the complete construction of a vessel by a team of students during a 10-month period. Instructors give formal lectures, guide students on field trips and supervise the construction of the project boat. Each team of students is responsible for all aspects of the boat’s construction and takes it through sea trials prior to graduation.

The boat construction process begins with lofting, or drawing the parts of the boat, and follows at a fast pace through set-up, laminating, cold-molding, fairing, vacuum-bagging, joinery, systems installation and finishwork. Students are taught interior joinery with an eye toward the high level of quality expected in the workplace. They are also exposed to the simple electrical, mechanical, steering, plumbing and propulsion systems that are installed on this type of boat.

Construction Projects

The Landing School is committed to choosing the design of project boats for their educational value to the student-builders. Students in the Cruising Boats Course have built both sailboats and powerboats in their studies. Some the past designs built by students include:

The Landing School 26 Weekender Sloop

The Landing School Arundel 27 powerboat

This table outlines the subjects typically covered in the Cruising Boats course: