CLC has for several years led a Family Boatbuilding project at the WoodenBoat Show in Mystic, CT. This year the event is June 29, 30, and July 1st. There have been long waiting lists to get into this exceptionally exciting event, in which families build their own beautiful wooden boat from a kit in just three days.
We will once again be building the Family Boatbuilding edition of the Sassafras 16 canoe.
This is a rare chance to build and take home your own wooden canoe. Over a busy three days, you'll wire up the hull, apply epoxy and fiberglass, and add rails and decks. (You'll add paint or varnish at home.) Your kit will be waiting for you at the WoodenBoat Show, some parts already assembled to give us a head start on the weekend!
We're teaming once again with our energetic friends at WEST System epoxies to make this happen. Along with WEST, CLC will be providing professional boatbuilders to lead you through the process all weekend long.
That kit is normally $1099 (plus another $159 for shipping), and tuition for our boatbuilding classes is $750/person. So you're saving at least $800. Generous sponsorship by WEST System, WoodenBoat Magazine, and CLC subsidizes the kit and tuition, and allows as many families as possible to take advantage of this opportunity.
This is the updated, Mark II version of the 1998-era Sassafras 16. Actually 15'6" long, the newer design offers more payload and more stability without sacrificing the nice lines. The design has been overhauled for faster, easier assembly, with tweaks that include having our computer drill all of the wire stitching holes, "puzzle joints" instead of scarf joints, and bulkheads that are located with computer-cut mortises.
You'll need to sign up for the event on this page or by giving us a call at 410 267 0137. When you are signing up online, select the "Ship to WoodenBoat Show in Mystic" option during checkout. Also, please help us out by indicating how many family or team members (including yourself) will be attending. Use the Order Notes field on the final checkout screen before you place the order. Thanks.
We will charge a $600 deposit to your card when you sign up, and the balance on June 1st, 2012. The deposit is refundable until June 1st, 2012.
We've done lots of these Family Boatbuilding events over the years. The energy is amazing. You get a terrific wooden boat to pass down through the generations, and a truly memorable family experience.
How Does Family Boatbuilding Work?
You gather beneath a big tent at the Wooden Boat Show at Mystic Seaport in Mystic, Connecticut and you build your own boat in a weekend. You will be assisted at every step by professional boatbuilders, and you get to take your own wooden boat home at the end of the weekend, in this case a 16-foot canoe suitable for the whole family.
What are the Hours?
We have a lot to do! On Friday and Saturday we'll start between 8am and 9am each day and work until we get to a logical stopping point. On Sunday it'll be tools-down between 3pm and 4pm.
Do I Build My Own Boat?
Yes. $1200 gets you your own boat kit, which you'll assemble and take home. Not only that, but we'll pre-assemble some of the parts before the show to get you further along, and provide consumable materials like brushes, spreaders, and so on at no additional charge.
What Other Costs Can I Expect?
Each person on your team will have to pay to get into the museum, alas. However, Family Boatbuilding participants get discounted admission of $30/person for the entire weekend.
Hi. I can't/don't want to come to the WoodenBo
at Show for Family Boatbuilding, but I would like a partially pre-assembled Sassafras 16 kit for only $1200, too. Where do I order?
Sorry, this is a one-time event. Donations by WEST System, WoodenBoat Magazine, and Chesapeake Light Craft make this event---and its heavily subsidized pricing---a unique situation.
How Far Will I Really Get in the Boatbuilding Project?
As far as we can. Major construction on your boat will be complete. You will need to finish minor assembly, sanding, and paint or varnish at home, so make sure you have a place to take the boat.
And---very important!!--make sure you have a way to safely transport a 16-foot, 65-pound canoe on Sunday. Your boat will need to exit Mystic Seaport when the grounds close Sunday evening.
What Do I Need to Bring?
Basic tools. Here is a complete list: Tool List for Family Boatbuilding
We will have some tools there for you to borrow, but try to bring as much as you can from that list.
Is this ONLY for Parents and Kids?
Of course not! Adult families, siblings, or groups of friends are welcome! It IS called Family Boatbuilding, however, so please recall the spirit of the exercise is to bring together groups of people. Solo units are very strongly discouraged. (It is challenging to build a boat solo in three days, even with us helping you!)
How Old Do the Kids Need to Be?
Building a boat DOES require an attention span. There are steps in this project suitable for anyone with a modicum of eye-hand coordination. It's also perfectly okay for the kids to work for a little while, then run off and play on the beautiful Mystic Seaport grounds to recharge their attention span. Someone in each group should be ready to stick with the project, however, as time will be limited!
More questions? Drop us a line!
