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Boatbuilding & Restoration

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Attend the Winter Open House at IYRS on Saturday, January 26, 2019. Chat with students and faculty, learn about the 2018-2019 boats under restoration, tour our campus and visit all IYRS programs. Register to Attend

Boatbuilding & Restoration Career Training

Request More InformationProgram enrolls once annually in the Fall (typically September).

  • Master the craft and fundamentals of restoring, building, and finishing classic wooden yachts.
  • Develop project management, teamwork and advanced woodworking skills which get you workforce-ready.
  • 20-month program enrolls each September.
  • The IYRS experience incorporates a full spectrum of traditional and contemporary wood-working skills to prepare you for any building or design challenge, from fine furniture to restoration to home construction.
  • New for 2017-2018: Each student focuses on developing advanced joinery skills by completing the build of a fine wooden chest in their first year.

Boatbuilding & Restoration Industries

  • Boatbuilding/Wood Boatbuilding
  • Carpentry
  • Woodworking
  • Joinery Specialist
  • Boat/Yacht Repair and Restoration
  • Furniture Restoration & Preservation

Boatbuilding & Restoration Training

  • Traditional and Modern Tool Use
  • Research and Documentation
  • Material Properties
  • Drafting and Lofting
  • Finding and Recovering Hull Shape
  • Computer-Aided-Design (CAD)
  • Joinery
  • Spar Making
  • Surveying and Costing
  • Project Management

 

Why Go to School for Boatbuilding?

We are compelled to make, restore and build things correctly.

The passion and history associated with these values are at the heart of our traditional plank-on-frame method of construction at IYRS. These skills are in demand by today’s builders and boatyards; whether restoration, new-builds, maintenance or yacht management.

Be prepared to build using almost any technique and material.

Plank-on-frame construction approach teaches a systematic method of construction, as well as important analytical skills, craftsmanship, and the ability to produce superior results. Learn the trade in a world-renowned environment from instructors who are experienced builders and restorers.

Our 2-year hands-on education model establishes advanced skill.

First year students develop basic knowledge and proficiency in tool use and technique. The second year extends the student’s basic skills and knowledge toward mastery of craftsmanship and marketability in the workplace. Combined, students establish teamwork, project management, and critical thinking skills.

IYRS students are well positioned to be hired.

Employers recognize that an IYRS graduate embraces learning as a lifelong experience due to the duration and depth of the Boatbuilding & Restoration program.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there a market for wooden boats and wooden boatbuilding?
Yes! Located in the historic coastal town of Newport, RI, IYRS is at the center of an industry that has remained strong and hungry for skilled craftspeople.

How long is the Boatbuilding & Restoration Program?
The program is two-years and includes a number of in-class restoration projects, as well as opportunities to participate in workshops, lectures and demonstrations outside of class. Classes simulate a real-world environment by meeting 9-5pm, Monday-Friday.

What are the career paths after IYRS?
Students work with a dedicated team of professionals who help shape students’ experience based on where they envision their career going. Opening a business, working for a large or small boat yard, working as a skilled craftsperson in a number of industries that work with wood, working as a freelance boatbuilder or directly on a boat crew are all viable options.

Is the school accredited? What is the value of the certifications I will earn?
IYRS is a non-profit institution, and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

How much is tuition to the Boatbuilding & Restoration program?
For current tuition rates, please see the Tuition & Fees page.