Boat Building and Manufacturing

A Student’s Story...

I’ve lived near the water and have enjoyed boating most of my life. I’ve always wanted to learn how to build a boat, but I worked all the time and couldn’t find time to take a class. Several years ago, I found myself with some health issues and could no longer work. I decided it was time to take that boat building class, so at 52 years young, I enrolled in the Wooden Boat Building program at CFCC. The boat shop is located in downtown Wilmington right on the river. You choose which crafts you want to build and work in teams. My team built a replica of the Simmons Sea Skiff, which is a popular boat in this area, being built in Wilmington until the mid 70’s. Being on the riverfront allows you to access the water as the boat is being constructed— you can launch and test as you’re working. The tools and technology you learn are incredible. This program has given me skills to build just about anything. I used tools I didn’t even know existed and safety is always stressed. At the end of the three-semester program, you have a fleet of fine wooden boats. And they’re not just boats, but pieces of fine art. It was so rewarding to build a boat with my hands and to make friends I’ll have for a lifetime. —Kent Harrell 2017 Wooden Boat Building Graduate