I have done it, but since my experience was in Massachusetts, in
1975-78, it is not completely relevant. From the experience, I
formulated Woodward's Law -- that careers that people enjoy --
theatre, photography, boatbuilding, radio and TV, writing, are very
difficult because there are many participants who are in it for the
love and don't care about money.

It was true then (and probably still now) that a top boatbuilder,
capable of fine woodwork of all kinds, made about half what a house
framer (those who do the rough work of putting up the frame of a
house) was paid. I had several people working for me who worked
summers on houses so that they could afford to work winters on boats.
There was a substantial surplus of skilled people -- I probably had
ten resumes for every job -- and this is still true.

The same factor also makes it a difficult business for the yards and
builders. Many, perhaps most, of the major, well known boatbuilders
world-wide have gone bankrupt one or more times in the last thirty
years. This obviously makes one wonder about job security.

Finally, in my string of negatives, I will say that while UK
boatbuilding labor is cheaper than the USA, it is more expensive than
most places (New Zealand and Canada to pick two that speak English)
and a lot more expensive than, say, Turkey, Spain, or Brazil. This is
one reason we chose to have major work done on Fintry in Portland
(Dorset, not over here). The recent uptick in the pound makes that
decision less obvious and as the world becomes more global, it will be
harder and harder for the USA and the UK to compete for boatbuilding
work.

So, it's financially difficult. If you have the support of your
spouse, or rich relatives, do it anyway as it can be wonderfully
rewarding.

It should be fairly easy to answer the specifics of your questions --
ask the schools and the yards. For a broad look at the industry, you
might go to the Mets show (Amsterdam, November 18-20
www.metstrade.com) and talk to people there. It's a professional show,
but you can register (free) as a student.

Jim Woodward
www.mvFintry.com



(Sean C) wrote in message . com...
I have looked at previous postings in this newsgroup and although I
can find references to people looking to make similar changes, I can
find no postings from people that have actually done it, for good or
bad.

My question is this; I am in my mid 30's, in the UK, and looking to
have a change of career from engineering to boat building. I am
considering taking a year out to do a course, probably in traditional
boatbuilding and conservation. Is there anybody out there that has
made a similar change and if so what are your views on it now. What
salary could I expect to earn, what are the job prospects, what is job
security like etc.

Also if there is anybody in the industry reading this, what would your
views be on taking on an enthusiatic, educated and capable person but
one in their mid 30's and straight out of college.

Any replies will be greatly appreciated.