Boat Fitting Course 2

Who is this course for?

This is the second of two boat fitting courses we offer. It’s the logical follow-on from course 1, but it can be undertaken on its own.

The course is aimed at those who are keen to complete the internal woodworking of a sail-away fit-out, or for those who want to make some major internal changes to a boat. No previous skill or knowledge is required – so it’s ideal for all.

What does the course involve?

Alongside some discussion and a bit of theory, the course offers a practical introduction to all the joinery skills necessary to make, finish and fit the interior elements of a narrowboat. Overall, a high proportion of the time will be spent ‘on the tools’, giving you a chance to learn and experience a wide range carpentry techniques.

The course will cover the following topics:

• Storage cupboards and drawers including carcassing and panel doors, fitting hinges etc.
• Using the router table to make bespoke mouldings
• Built in furniture, beds, dinettes etc.
• Panel Framing, hatch linings and slides
• Alternate joints, mitre lock, half rebate, dovetail, finger
• Finishing, varnish, oil, wax etc.

Why take this course with us?

We’d like to think that we’ve worked out ‘real’ courses that are genuinely of help to anyone considering such an undertaking. We don’t just run an arbitrary syllabus! We’re constantly ‘tweaking’ the content to make sure it’s the best it can be. Your instructor (and mentor) has had first-hand experience of boat building, so plenty of real-life experience to pass on.

But mainly, because we know that a course like this (and our Course 1) is only the beginning of a self-build, we encourage students to keep in-touch with their instructor afterwards. If any questions arise during a build stage, your instructor is still available to give advice. It’s an ongoing thing!

Our Boat Fit Workshop

The first things to note is that this course takes place at Steve’s workshop in Kettering and not at our Debdale Marina classroom.

For the practical aspects of the course, our workshop is fully fitted out with an array of machinery and equipment to let you practise on a wide range of tools. It also has audio-visual and training aids for the more theoretical parts of the course. Basically, it has everything you’ll need!

When do the courses run?

We schedule a few of these courses throughout the year. You can view the full list of dates on our booking calendar. If demand is high enough, we can add extra course dates. Please just get in touch.

What’s provided (& included)

• A PDF copy of all teaching materials used
• All materials
• All tools
• Endless teas and coffees!

What you need to provide

• Your lunches
• Comfortable and protective clothing
• Suitable footwear

Here’s a few common questions

• Do I need any previous technical knowledge? No. This course is suited to all levels of experience.
• Do I need to bring any tools? No. Our workshop is equipped with everything you’ll need.

What Next?

This is the second of our Boat Building suite of courses. Many of our students also undertake our Engine Maintenance, Plumbing and Engine Installation and Boat Electrics courses. Please see the Our Courses link to view the full range of boat fitting courses. Each course can be booked individually, however if you book two or more courses at the same time, we offer some significant savings.