Residents of all ages will soon have the opportunity to learn traditional boatbuilding skills during a hands-on community workshop in Onancock this spring.
Shore History is hosting an Introduction to Boatbuilding class beginning Saturday, April 4, where participants will work together to build two wooden rowing skiffs using modern plywood and epoxy construction techniques.
The class is open to ages 9 to 99, with children ages 9–12 participating free when accompanied by a parent. The program is designed for beginners, with most parts pre-cut to allow students to focus on learning assembly techniques and boatbuilding fundamentals.
Participants will construct Bevin’s Skiffs, an 11-foot, 8-inch wooden rowboat with a 4-foot, 4-inch beam, originally developed by the Alexandria Seaport Foundation for easy assembly and educational use. The design reflects traditional Chesapeake Bay crabbing skiffs while also drawing inspiration from small working boats used in coastal communities across the country.
During the build process, students will learn:
- Basic parts of a wooden boat
- Stitch-and-glue plywood construction
- Epoxy assembly techniques
- Boatbuilding safety and tools
- Traditional small-craft design principles
The classes will be held at 20 Market Street in Onancock and will run:
- Saturdays: 8 a.m. – Noon
- Wednesdays: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Dates: April 4 through May 27
Instruction will be led by Bradley Hower, with a registration fee of $50 for the full term.
At the conclusion of the build, the completed boats will be raffled off, with each participant receiving one ticket for the drawing. The raffle will take place August 15 during Crab Crackin’ on the Lawn at Ker Place, with proceeds benefiting Shore History.
Organizers say the workshop is designed not only to teach practical skills but also to preserve maritime traditions that have long been part of the Eastern Shore’s heritage.
Registration Information
- Cost: $50
- Ages: 9–99 (Children 9–12 free with parent)
- Location: 20 Market Street, Onancock
- Phone: 757-787-8012
- Website: shorehistory.org
With limited space available, early registration is encouraged for those interested in learning the craft of wooden boatbuilding while contributing to a community project rooted in Eastern Shore maritime tradition.
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