return to section: Not just a boat kit company! At Chesapeake Light Craft we ship thousands of kits each year and specialize in build-your-own-boat plans and building materials. But we also draw on our deep well of boatbuilding and manufacturing expertise for a range of services you might need.
CAD/CAM Manufacturing: Our technicians are available for a range of CAD/CAM work. Over the last decade we’ve manufactured computer desks, industrial filters, and just about anything else that can be cut out of wood or plastic. There are many 3-axis CNC machines for hire, but few of them come with talented CAD technicians who make sure everything works on the computer screen before expensive materials are cut.
Obviously most of our CAD/CAM work involves the marine business. As boatbuilders and designers, computer-aided lofting and mold/plug fabrication is a particular specialty. Highlights of just a few of our projects over the years include:
- Many complex models for U.S. Navy and commercial shipyard contractors, for tow-tank and scaled testing: Computer aided lofting and mold-cutting
- A champion Grand National Hydroplane, 200mph and 900hp: computer aided lofting and parts fabrication
- Mold work for professional boatbuilders: our largest project to date was a 41-foot cruising sailboat, but we've done innumerable CNC mold jobs.
- Bespoke boat kits: we’ve made hundreds of “Bevin’s Skiff” kits for the Alexandria Seaport Foundation, sailing canoe kits for the Adirondack Museum, and sailing dinghy kits for sailing programs. Too many to list!
- A half-dozen entries in the "Solar Splash" solar-powered boat competition.
Other Kits: Did you know that Chesapeake Light Craft makes all of WoodenBoat Magazine’s kits? Since 2000, if you ordered a Nutshell Pram or Shellback Dinghy, it came from CLC. We overhauled the kit and John C. Harris designed a clever CNC-cut slot-together jig for rapid assembly. We’ve shipped hundreds of these beautiful, traditional kits, all with premium Sapele hull panels, laminated frames and stems, and the best bronze hardware. You can order a Nutshell or Shellback Dinghy here.
We also make kits for Shearwater Boats and Guillemot Kayaks.
Family Boatbuilding: Since the inception of WoodenBoat’s Family Boatbuilding program, CLC has been one of the primary contractors for programming and boat kits. We’ve led and sponsored many of the parent-child boatbuilding events, using a range of boat kits including Bevin’s Skiff, Eastport Pram, Jimmy Skiff, and Peace Canoe.
- See photo galleries of past family boatbuilding events sponsored by CLC
Corporate Team-Building: Working with event managers Destination Paradise, CLC has developed a successful corporate team-building program utilizing creative, customized building projects for corporate retreats or meetings. Our skilled organizers have notched up an impressive string of hits ranging from five hours to two days. Activities include boatbuilding, cardboard boatbuilding competitions, and even soap box derby cars!
- See photo galleries of past team-building events hosted by CLC
