Family Boat Building Workshop

Now accepting applications for NH Sea Grant and UNH Cooperative Extension’s Family Boat Building in May 2020! Family boat building is grounded in the belief that a family will bond and grow together by completing a grand project together. In the past 15 years we have helped 72 families get on the water together and enjoy the experience of a lifetime. Participating families experience the joy and pride of watching a pile of lumber grow into a beautiful and useful boat through their own efforts. In the process, they grow as a family while they: develop woodworking and teamwork skills, and learn about our marine heritage and the natural resources of our coastal and estuarine environment.

In the spring of 2020 we will build the Oyster River Cat, a 12′ sailboat. A professionally made sail is included. The marine plywood hull has a 5′ beam that easily carries two adults or even three in light wind. She is equally adept as a row boat for calm days at the lake. Each family must include at least one child age 12 or older. This program is not ideal for children younger than age 12 due to the attention span and physical work required; however exceptions have been made for eager, mature 10- and 11-year-olds. Multi-generational families, extended families, and single parents are encouraged to apply by the first week of May 2020.