July 11–19, 2026
Class Hours: 8:30 AM–3:30 PM
Location: New Hampshire Boat Museum, 399 Center Street, Wolfeboro, NH 03894

Have you always dreamed of building your own boat but weren’t sure where to begin? Our signature Boat Building Program offers an exciting, hands-on opportunity for beginners, hobbyists, and families to bring a beautiful watercraft to life—no prior experience required.

Over nine days, participants work with high-quality kits and premium materials to construct their own boat in a welcoming, supportive workshop environment. Our knowledgeable staff and dedicated volunteers guide you step-by-step, helping you gain woodworking skills and confidence while using museum tools and equipment.

At the end of the session, you’ll take home a fully functioning, hand-crafted boat ready for years of adventure on New Hampshire’s lakes. Each program concludes with a celebratory group launch on Lake Wentworth, where participants proudly launch and test their completed boats.

Boat Options for the 2026 Session

Canoe – $1295 (Two-person canoe).

A classic, versatile design perfect for quiet lake paddling, fishing, or family outings. Lightweight and elegant, our canoe kits are ideal for first-time builders.

Kayak – $1295  (One-person with max 160 lbs weight).

A sleek and responsive craft suitable for both beginners and seasoned paddlers. Our kayak kits offer stability and smooth performance on the water.

Wood Duck Kayak – $1325 (One-person with max 360 lbs weight).

This session’s featured model, the Wood Duck 12, is known for its spacious 38-inch cockpit, easy entry, and comfortable leg room. With capacity for paddlers up to 275 lbs plus gear (maximum payload 360 lbs), it blends stability, performance, and practicality.

Paddleboard – $1325  (12′ 6″ long)

Build your own stand-up paddleboard and enjoy one of today’s most popular ways to experience the lake. Light, strong, and beautiful, these kits produce boards perfect for recreation and exercise.

Bevin’s Skiff – $1895  (11′ 6″ skiff hold up to three adults and small outboard motor can be attached)

A beloved introduction to traditional wooden boat building. The Bevin’s Skiff is stable, family-friendly, and often built by youth teams or parent–child pairs. It’s a rewarding way to learn classic techniques while creating a boat with timeless charm.


Registration Fee
$75.00   NHBM members 

$100.00  Not-yet-members

REGISTER HERE

After paying online please download and complete the Registration/Waiver form.

Mail to: NH Boat Museum, 130 Whittier Highway, Moultonborough. NH 03254

NEW!- BOAT ROCKER BUILDING CLASS

2026 Dates TBA

Using the same skills as boat building, participants can build a adorable rocker that will provide hours of enjoyment for children.

 

Cost of Program: tba

Boat Building Financial Assistance

Financial Assistance

We are committed to making boat building accessible for all. Financial assistance is available.

Join us this summer and build something extraordinary—your own boat, your own adventure.

Financial Assistance Application 

For more information please email: programs@nhbm.org.

2025 Financial Assistance Fund Donors

Thank you to our donors:

The Captain Raymond Thombs and Theodore Valpey, Jr. Memorial Foundation

Dr. James Forbes Family Fund     

 Edmund and Sarah Dinsmore

Tom and Rose McNamara
The Dumont Family
The Kimble Family

      

Boat Building Financial Assistance Fund: If you would like to support our scholarship program for youth boat building, please donate here.

We are closed for the winter. We look forward to seeing you in the Spring of 2026! Boat Building registration is open!

We are closed for the winter. We look forward to seeing you in the Spring of 2026! Boat Building registration is open!