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Learn how to build boats through schools or boat building companies

Many basic boat build classes are offered by boat manufacturers and also through community colleges. If you take courses through a community college, you can earn certification in boat building or design. You can usually complete a certification course in 18 months to two years. Most programs teach you to build multiple types and styles of boats.

I recommend: Bates Technical College offers a 19 month Associate's of Technology degree and an 11 month certificate in boat building design and construction. It also offers short courses that target specific skills, including fiberglass, wood and composite boat building. Cape Fear Community College has a certificate program for boat building that covers building, mold making and repair.

Participate in apprenticeship programs for commercial boat builders

An apprenticeship is another way for boat builders to gather hands-on training in their craft. Apprenticeships can last anywhere from one to three years and differ from internships because you are put directly to work with a company. Apprenticeships are also more likely to turn into a permanent job with the same company, unlike most internships.

I recommend: Atlantic Challenge offers a two-year apprenticeship program that teaches trainees to build traditional boat designs. Apprentices will have the opportunity to build two to four boats during the program. The East Hill Boat Shop provides an apprenticeship program for building and restoring wooden boat designs.

Take continuing education courses for aluminum, fiberglass and wooden boat builders

Boat builders who already work for a manufacturer or own their own business can benefit from continuing education courses. These courses cover many advanced topics in design, power systems and specialty materials. They can also earn you continuing education credits toward additional certifications. You can find some online continuing education courses.

I recommend: The International Yacht Restoration School offers continuing education courses that provide on-site training for marine building and restoration. Westlawn also provides continuing education courses, many of which are focused on specific systems like design, fuel systems and materials.

Guide to Boat Builders

Boat building companies are prepared to create the perfect boat for your business

By Angela Roe, Freelance Writer

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The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check out the variety offered by custom boat builders

Take your ideas and find a custom boat builder to turn those thoughts into reality. Working with a custom boat builder allows you to address your customer needs while maintaining control of the process including the budget.

I recommend: Ellis Boat Company has the expertise to build your custom boats from scratch or by starting with one of their basic designs and customizing it to suit your needs. Len Blower Services is a good example of custom aluminum boat builders. They'll help you with fabrication and welding to create the precise aluminum boat you have in mind.

Buy boats from highly-regarded boat manufacturers with broad product offerings

Talk to previous customers when you're considering purchasing from a boat manufacturer, especially if you're thinking of purchasing more than one boat. Ask the boat owners what they liked and disliked about the process and what problems they experienced since they've purchased their boat. Find out how the manufacturer dealt with those problems before you sign on the dotted line.

I recommend: Stingray has a large inventory of boats including open bow, cruisers and sport boats to meet all of your boating supply needs. Hawkeye Boat Sales stands ready to meet your needs with custom boats and cruisers alike.

Select the best boat building company for your commercial boat needs

Consider every aspect of the building process when you're shopping for a commercial fishing vessel. Not only do commercial fishing boats take a beating in a way no other boats do, they have to be able to house your crew, your supplies and your safety equipment as well as all of the fishing gear.

I recommend: BreakSea Boats has a huge facility and specialized equipment ready to create the exact commercial boat you have in mind to meet your business needs. Cheticamp Boat Builders specializes in commercial fishing boats and will build according to your plans or help you design the plans for your fishing boat.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider boat manufacturers who can supply you with used inventory as well as new inventory. When you're planning on renting the boats, choosing used boats may make more sense than purchasing new boats.

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Ballast

A ballast is a type of weight added to the boat in order to increase the stability of the boat in the water, or bring the boat straight in its designed lines. A ballast can be added to the internal or external side of the hull.

I recommend: Kasten Marine Design offers information on beam and ballast issues in a variety of boat types. Wake-Boarding offers information on putting ballast in a boat.

Scupper

A scupper is a pipe or tube added to a boat for draining water overboard. This pipe is usually installed on the deck and through the boat hull. Scuppers are found on all types of boats and water vehicles to keep water out.

I recommend: Our Boat offers installation instructions for an auxiliary scupper on a Catalina 22.

Transom

A transom is any of a number of transverse beams on a wooden boat. The transom is attached to the sternpost of the ship to form a portion of the stern. On a steel ship, the transom is the outward structural components, including the floor, beam and frame of the sternpost.

I recommend: Boat Builder Central offers diagrams and other information on how to repair and replace the transom, sole or stringer on a boat.

King plank

A king plank is the center plank on the deck of a wooden boat, or the center plank of a deck constructed from wood.

I recommend: Fantasia 35 offers information on removing and replacing a wood deck.

Weathering

Weathering is a common term used for wood that is exposed to natural elements. In nautical terms, weathering refers to the discoloration and disintegration of the surface of a wood deck or wood boat. This process is caused by a number of factors, including sun, dust, sand and the moisture content of the wood at any given time.

I recommend: Boat Wood Finishing offers instructions on how to prepare and finish wood surfaces on boat decks and other exposed wood areas.

Stopwater

Stopwater (or stop-water) refers to a constructed joint or device used to prevent water from seeping into the hull. Stopwater can be constructed from a softwood dowel and inserted into a scarf, lap or butt joint to prevent the seepage.

I recommend: Eastern Yachts offers photographs of the restoration process of a yacht, which includes adding a new stopwater by the stern post.

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Find boat builders that specialize in fishing boats

Fishing boats are a big business throughout the world. From the small charter boats that take people out for a day of recreational fishing, to the fishing boats used by lobstermen, to the large industrial fishing boats that search for crab in the far seas of Alaska, the term fishing boats encompasses a large tent. Take the time to learn about the pricing and costs associated with fishing boats for your business purposes.

I recommend: Go to the website for the company Atlantic Boat. They are personal and commercial fishing boat builders. Their boats range from $10,000 to over $500,000 depending on the size and scope. Also Duroboat manufactures boats in the $5000 to $7000 range.

Find custom boat builders that focus on designing military boats

Military boat builders design and create military boats for the armed forces of the United States of America. Based on the directives of the government, these boats are built with the latest technological advances and weaponry to keep our shores safe at home and around the world. Take the time to learn a bit about the pricing and costs associated with military boat builders for your government department or associated military career that deals with watercraft.

I recommend: Both of the companies Western Boat Builders and Reflex Advance Marine create and design boats for the military. These boats are bid on by the companies and contracts are then awarded by the military. The pricing of these boats is therefore based on the specifics and runs from hundreds of thousands of dollars to millions of dollars based on the size and scope of the boat.

Find how much boat building costs for luxury boats

Luxury boat builders provide services for both corporations and individuals alike. Boat building companies that specialize in luxury boats run the gambit from designing and building small yachts, to commercial yacht vessels (the 'party boat' business) to large cruise liners that sail travelers to every corner of the globe. Take the time to learn about the pricing associated with luxury boats.

I recommend: Both of the companies Burger Boat and Buddy Davis create, build and sell luxury boats. These boats start in the hundreds of thousands of dollars and can top over 100 million. Request a quote for proper pricing based on your luxury boat needs.