Don't know Tampa, but the Carolina coasts used to build a lot of boats.
I think there are still a few builders along there, and of course
Florida certainly has some builders.

You didn't mention what experience you may have, so I'll give the
standard lecture - apologies if you already know it all. g

It wouldn't hurt to have some idea of the type of boat you're interested
in building. There are various methods of construction and learning and
knowing the one that fits your plans might be helpful - or not. Any good
working experience is all to the good, but specific methods, the tools
and materials used, the calculations you make, etc can differ
considerably when it comes down to actually making it happen. They also
differ in the planned life span of the boat, the looks of the boat, the
cost, etc.

If you plan to get into this part time, it will be harder to make it
hang together. The problem is making your schedule mate with the teacher's.

You could start by taking general woodworking and cabinetry courses at
local junior colleges or whatever. That would be a good idea anyway - if
you're going to cut your finger off, we'd all rather you did it on
somebody else's liability insurance. Nothing personal, but it's a real
problem. You could also try working in boatyards repairing boats. Even
if you don't do the kind of work which you're interested in, you'll
probably be close to it and if you get along with people you can stick
around and ask questions sometimes.

If you have the time and interest to do it full time, it gets both
easier and harder. Easier because you go get a job building boats and it
pays _you_. Harder because you'll have to actually work (!) which is
always a bummer, and it'll probably take a couple years before you get
the type of experiences you think you need. However, if you find a small
shop which produces good work, you'll end up knowing a LOT more about
everything - you'll be able to come back and tell _us_ how to do it.

You may need to expand your search area somewhat. For best results, OJT
(on job training) requires you be quite choosy about your employer. Talk
to lots of people in boat yards and bars and go check out as many shops
as you can in, say, 200-300 miles around your present location. Take a
few vacations up the Atlantic coast and see what's what up there (after
you've done the local stuff - you'll have got to know what questions to
ask and formed some opinions). I suspect the best place won't be easiest
one - just seems to work that way. People who really know how to do
things (which is who you want to be close to) often don't do the smily
smily dance much - they just work and put you to work. If you get a job,
do the job stuff real well, then find ways to ask questions and do more
- maybe after hours. That way you'll learn faster.

But try to get some good skills with tools first. You may find out you
simply can't deal with power tools, or that you're desperately allergic
to wood dust... Kinda easier to figure that out ahead of time. It
doesn't require water, it just requires wood, GRP, metal and hours and
hours of making things; and it's close to home. Besides the schools,
there will be cabinet makers, surfboard makers, carpenters, upholsterers
(you'll need cushions, too), ya-di-ya, on and on. It takes time to get
your hands to do the right stuff, but it will serve you well even if you
don't build that particular boat.

Good luck. Rufus


Zyana ~ Beu Ribe wrote:

Hi All,

Is there anyone in the Tampa area who would be willing to teach me how to
build wooden boats with them hands-on? Individual or business?

I've wanted to know the principles of building a wooden boat for 2 years,
but just can't get it out of a book. I've got an idea for a boat design
that isn't even seen in the Tampa area.

I just want to learn. I'm not out to learn and then compete with my
teacher.

Anyone want some help for free? You'd have to teach me, though.

Thanks, All,

Sandra