Events

Fine Strip Planked Boats

Take a week in Maine to learn how to build a fine strip planked boat
See Other Classes

If you have a club or maker space and your members want to learn boatbuilding, see what Nick has to offer.
Can't Make a Class

Take a virtual class. Watch Nick build boats on his Youtube Channel.

Upcoming Events

Elements of Coastal Kayaking II @WoodenBoat School
Aug 30, 2026
Sea kayaking course covers strokes, braces, maneuvering, safety, navigation, and more. Students can bring their own kayaks or try Nick’s high-performance designs.
Read More

See What Other Events We Do

Events You Missed

Build Your Own Petrel or Petrel Play
Sep 28, 2015
Wooden Canoe and Kayak Building Class at WoodenBoat School
Aug 23, 2015
Build microBootlegger and Mystic River Tandem
If you can't make the August class, take a look at
Fine Strip-Planked Boat Class at WoodenBoat School - Nymph Canoe and Night Heron Kayak
Jun 14, 2015
Build Nymph and Night Heron
Registration starts January 2nd.

If you can't make this June class, take a
Meet at the Beach 2015
May 30, 2015
Build a Strip-Planked Kayak and a Canoe with Nick Schade at CVSW 2014
Jan 17, 2015
Build microBootlegger and Mystic River Tandem
If you want to build a lightweight, rugged, and beautiful small boat, combining thin strips of wood with epoxy and fiberglass will make a cartoppable, lo
Build a Strip-Planked Kayak and a Canoe with Nick Schade at CVSW 2014
Jan 17, 2015
Build microBootlegger and Mystic River Tandem
If you want to build a lightweight, rugged, and beautiful small boat, combining thin strips of wood with epoxy and fiberglass will make a cartoppable, lo
Build Your Own Petrel SG or Petrel Play SG @ WoodenBoat School
Oct 13, 2014
Wooden Boat Festival - Port Townsend, WA
Sep 5, 2014
Once again, I will be attending the
fine Strip-Planked Boat Class at WoodenBoat School - microBootlegger Kayak and Mystic River Tandem Canoe
Aug 24, 2014
Build microBootlegger and Mystic River Tandem
If you can't make the August class, take a look at
Maine Boats Homes and Harbors 2014 - Rockland Maine
Aug 8, 2014
Summer in Maine is not always sunny, but even when it isn't it is a great place to commune with boats.

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Nick's Blog

Preview image for the video "How to Hand Cut Stitch and Glue Kayak Panels from Scratch".

How to Scarf Plywood and Cut Boat Panels Without a CNC Machine

Nick shows how to hand-cut stitch and glue plywood boat panels from scratch, an alternative to buying a pre-cut CNC kit. He covers scarfing shorter plywood pieces together using an 8:1 planed joint and thickened epoxy, then transfers full-size paper patterns onto the plywood using a pounce wheel and spray adhesive. After drilling stitch holes, he cuts the panels with a fine-toothed jigsaw blade and cleans the edges with a well-sharpened block plane.

Preview image for the video "8 Ways to Accurately Measure Epoxy - Complete Guide".

Epoxy Mixing Methods Every Builder Should Know

Accurate measurement and thorough mixing are crucial for successful epoxy use. Nick discusses the pros and cons of dispensing pumps, calibrated cups, kitchen scales and professional benchtop pump systems for measuring epoxy prior to mixing.

Preview image for the video "My Friend Banged Up My Kayak".

Fixing a strip built kayak

A friend accidentally damaged the exterior fiberglass of a Petrel Sport kayak while paddling along the Bold Coast of Maine. I repaired the damage by sanding, staining, and applying multiple layers of fiberglass and varnish, resulting in a repair that is barely noticeable.

Preview image for the video "Survival of the Wooden Canoe (Feature Documentary)".

Ted Moores and The Survival of the Wooden Canoe

Nobody has had more influence on the growth of wood strip canoes than Ted Moores of Bear Mountain Boats.

Preview image for the video "Learning from Mistakes: Kayak Building Challenges and Triumphs".

Overcoming Challenges in Kayak Building

Nick builds a commemorative kayak, demonstrating that craftsmanship is about balancing beauty, functionality, and personal meaning. Through careful wood selection, technical skill, and creative problem-solving, he creates a meaningful memorial for a client, emphasizing that perfection lies not in flawlessness, but in purpose and connection.

Events

Fine Strip Planked Boats

See Other Classes

Can't Make a Class

Upcoming Events

Events You Missed

Build microBootlegger and Mystic River Tandem

Build Nymph and Night Heron

Registration starts January 2nd.

Build microBootlegger and Mystic River Tandem

Build microBootlegger and Mystic River Tandem

Build microBootlegger and Mystic River Tandem