Events

Can't Make a Class

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

Upcoming Events

Fine Strip Planked Boats Class @WoodenBoat School
Jun 14, 2026
Nick Schade’s course teaches strip-planked boatbuilding, creating two designs: the Adirondack Guide Boat and the microBootlegger Sport sea kayak.
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The WoodenBoat Show w/ CLC
Jun 26, 2026
The Best Wooden Boat Show on the East Coast, meet at the Chesapeake Light Craft Booth.
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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.
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See What Other Events We Do

Events You Missed

Meet at the Beach 2014
May 31, 2014
OkoumeFest 2014 - Chesapeake Light Craft
May 16, 2014
Come to Annapolis, see the Chesapeake Light Craft shop, watch boatbuilding demonstrations and then try out boats.
Canoecopia 2014 - Madison Wisconsin
Mar 7, 2014
Come watch a boat being built
Cano
Build a Strip-Planked Kayak and a Canoe with Nick Schade at CVSW
Jan 25, 2014
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 S&G Petrel or Petrel Play @ WoodenBoat School
Oct 14, 2013
The Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend, Washington
Sep 6, 2013
Fine Strip-Planked Boat Construction at WoodenBoat School - Mystic River Tandem & microBootlegger
Aug 25, 2013
Build microBootlegger and Mystic River Tandem
Registration starts January 2nd.

If you can't make th
In-Water Demo In Hopkinton, MA
Aug 4, 2013
Try Out Boats
Join us and Cheseapeake Light Craft for an in-water demo at Hopkinton State Park in Hopkinton, MA.
In-Water Demo at Yonkers Paddling & Rowing Club
Aug 3, 2013
Try Out Boats
Join us and Cheseapeake Light Craft for an in-water demo hosted by Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club in conjunction with Beczak Environmental Education Center.
Fine Strip-Planked Boat Construction at WoodenBoat School - Nymph & Night Heron
Jul 7, 2013
Build Nymph and Night Heron
Registration starts January 2nd.

If you can't make the July class, take a

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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

Can't Make a Class

Fine Strip Planked Boats

See Other Classes

Upcoming Events

Events You Missed

Come watch a boat being built

Build microBootlegger and Mystic River Tandem

Build microBootlegger and Mystic River Tandem

Registration starts January 2nd.

Try Out Boats

Try Out Boats

Build Nymph and Night Heron

Registration starts January 2nd.