While building a boat may sound daunting, it is precisely the kind of opportunity in which the New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM) excels at providing to youth, adults, and families every summer. “There is nothing quite like going out on the lake in a boat you built with your own hands,” noted Martha Cummings, NHBM executive director.
This summer, NHBM will offer Adult, Family & Youth Boat Building (July 8 – July 16) and Youth & Family Boat Building (July 24 – August 2). “These are unique opportunities to build something that you will enjoy for years to come,” added Cummings.
During these sessions, participants take kits comprised of flat pieces of wood, through construction, fiberglassing, and finishing/painting with “the launch into the lake” the final step in the process. “This intensive timeframe helps working folk who can only dedicate a week of time away from work or other activities,” said Tom Mechachonis, who supervises and manages NHBM’s Boat Building classes.
These classes also offer scholarships to those in financial need, which Cummings said is made possible by private donors who share NHBM’s “passion for New Hampshire’s boating heritage.” “Many scholarship donors were past program participants who loved their experience here, so they want to pass it on,” she said.
2023 boat building scholarships are made possible by Wolfeboro Lion’s Club, New England Antique and Classic Boat Society, Captain Raymond Thombs Memorial Fund, New England Lyman Group, Tom and Rose McNamara, Edmund and Sara Dinsmore, and Dr. Jim Forbes Scholarship Fund.
About NHBM
Founded in 1992 by antique and classic boating enthusiasts, NHBM is committed to inspire people of all ages with an understanding of, and appreciation for, the boating heritage of New Hampshire’s fresh waterways. NHBM exhibits, events and programming covers everything from boat charters, boat trips and race boats to canoes, wooden boats, outboard motors, sculling, sailing sunfish, and Lyman and Johnson motors. Some of our hands-on programs take place on Lake Winnipesaukee. NHBM is sponsored in part by Goodhue Boat Company, Eastern Propane and Oil, Stark Creative, KW Lakes and Mountains, Taylor Community, Belletetes, and North Water Marine.