Begin your boat building journey right from home.

Once upon a time

there where many woodworkers with basic skills from far and wide who wanted to build a wooden boat. Every day they read books, watched videos, and dreamed of fulfilling their lifelong desire to build a wooden boat. They were frustrated and discouraged when they could not find the information easily.

One day a sculptor started building a wooden boat and wanted to share his passion with others. Because of that, he started a YouTube channel called The Art of Boat Building. Because of that, he gained many followers. They were excited and began asking him questions about how they could build their boats. Until finally, the artist started an online class that gave everyone the knowledge, inspiration and guidance to begin their lifelong dream of building their own wooden boats.

And it was called Boat Building Academy

Video Instruction

Follow a carefully curated selection of videos and books

Boat Building Clinic

Once a week online clinic to answer all your questions.

Private FaceBook Group

Share, learn and celebrate progress from other members .

What is Boat Building Academy?

Instead of the one and done approach of most boat building courses, Boat Building Academy has an entirely different approach. I’ve developed a community of mentorship and accountability in helping you to build the wooden boat of your choice. I’ll be guiding you and a community of like-minded boat builders with weekly Zoom meetings. During the meeting I will check in with each boat builder and answer your questions and help keep you on track. A carefully selected library of videos, articles, and books is also made available to you. Work at your own pace and have access to the content 24/7.

You have access for life all for one price.

Meet your Mentors

Bob Emser

Bob Emser is an award winning boat builder and artist known for his exceptional craftsmanship. With a lifelong passion for boats and an acute eye for design, Bob has been creating works of art and building custom boats that celebrate the beauty and functionality of watercraft. Drawing from decades of experience, his boats are meticulously constructed using time-honored techniques, combined with a modern aesthetic.

He is a skilled artisan and passionate educator with a deep expertise in the building of wooden boats. With years of experience working with traditional boatbuilding techniques, he has dedicated his career to preserving and teaching the art of creating classic wooden vessels. His knowledge spans various methods, from the construction of hulls to the intricate details of finishing and restoring boats. Through his teaching, Bob emphasizes the importance of patience, precision, and the respect for the materials and history involved in wooden boat construction. As the founder of “The Boat Building Academy, he has mentored numerous students, helping them connect with boat building and achieve their dream of Building a boat.

Anne Bryant

Anne Bryant is a distinguished figure in the maritime world. As a former editor of WoodenBoat Magazine, this journalist, videographer, and sailor has cultivated a deep appreciation for the art and history of wooden vessels.

For many years, Anne has sailed and traveled extensively, visiting boat shops, boat shows, regattas, maritime museums, maritime libraries, and other unique locations. Through her work, she documents some of the most exciting and meaningful stories in the world of boating, introducing her audience to the places and people she encounters. Anne has become a vital force in preserving and promoting the rich tradition of wooden boat building and craftsmanship, which she nurtures with passion and expertise.

Anne's vast knowledge of the maritime world is evident in her work, which reflects a genuine love for wooden boats and their unique blend of artistry and functionality.

John Brooks

John Brooks is a renowned designer of the Somes Sound 12¹⁄₂ . His passion for traditional boatbuilding methods, Brooks has made significant contributions to the craft, particularly with his innovative approach to the glued lapstrake technique. His designs have earned acclaim for their blend of elegance, practicality, and timeless craftsmanship. As a boat designer, Brooks emphasizes the importance of attention to detail, structural integrity, and the beauty of handcrafted wooden boats.

His highly regarded book How to Build Glued Lapstrake Wooden Boats, serves as a comprehensive guide for aspiring builders, offering clear instructions and valuable insights into constructing high-quality boats using this distinctive method. Brooks' designs, as well as his instructional work, have inspired countless individuals to embrace the art of wooden boatbuilding. He is celebrated not only for his technical expertise but also for his dedication to preserving and promoting traditional maritime craftsmanship.

Nick Schade

Nick Schade is a passionate designer, builder, and author of The Strip-Built Sea Kayak, and Building Strip-Planked Boats. With years of experience in both craftsmanship and boat building, Nick has developed a reputation for creating high-quality, handcrafted watercraft that emphasize elegance, durability, and performance. His Guillemot Kayaks designs are world renowned for their distinctive beauty and sea kindly handling. A kayak Nick designed and built is in the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art.

As an advocate for sustainable and hands-on boat building, Nick has shared his expertise with the community through books and articles and teaching, offering step-by-step guidance on the strip-planking process. His work has inspired countless boat enthusiasts, from hobbyists to professionals, to explore the art of creating custom wooden boats. Through his writings, Nick has become a respected voice in the boat-building world, helping others embrace the craft and connect with the timeless tradition of wooden boat construction.

what members have to say

Keeping the Dream Alive

“You know when I started building this sailboat, I found time and again that I was making the process more complicated that is necessary, and Bob has made several suggestions to help solve the little problems that may come up. Bob has earned his keep and my loyalty with that advice!
The program helped to clarify the order of construction, to guide the selection of the right boat and with a camaraderie of boat builders just like me. All wanting just enough encouragement to keep the dream alive, today I’m building the boat that I've always wanted.”
Joseph Castaldi, Hood River, OR
Strengthened my Understanding of Small Boats

“I have a long standing interest in building small boats and first met Bob Emser through his The Art of Boatbuilding channel. In watching Bob, I was taken by his carefully studied approach to boat construction, and his focus on making it beautiful.
So, when Bob began reaching out to test the interest of his viewers in perhaps taking a boat building course from him, I happily said yes. I have not been disappointed. Bob’s course has strengthened my understanding of small boats and their construction and has finally gotten me off the dime to begin my own project.”
Greg Stoddard, Reading, PA
Boat Builders from Around the Globe

“I believe this course is excellent for a beginning boat builder and for those of us with a little more experience. I especially like the classes on model making, lofting, and spiling. Another very valuable aspect of the program is the interaction of the classmates from around the globe. I believe that the community of boat builders to be a valuable resource for years to come. I continue to look forward to the weekly coaching sessions.”
Pat Cahill, Hinsdale, IL

HOW DO YOU JOIN?

Click the button below and fill out a brief application. We will reach out to you and schedule a free 30 minute call with Bob to make sure we are a good match for your goals.

Apply Today