Washington Academy Marine Vocational Technology Program

Here on the Maine coast, we are integrally connected to the sea…and at Washington Academy, students have a unique opportunity to use the sea itself as their classroom in our exceptional Marine Vocational Technology Program—one of the very few high school boat building programs in the United States.

Our innovative program emphasizes traditional skills blended with the same high-tech resources that professional boat builders use: from specialized boat design software to computerized cutting machines in our boat workshop. With expert guidance, students are able to design, build and finish their own boats for work or sport, then take the boat home and launch it, all for just the cost of the materials! In the second year of the Program, students also learn navigation skills and cold-water survival techniques in the waters of the Atlantic just minutes from our campus.

Many of the students in our Marine Vocational Technology Program use the boats they build to work on the water—and the Program is a tremendous opportunity for students who are fascinated by computer-aided design and hands-on learning. The boats designed and built by the students are used in our outdoor recreation class, and compete with other schools in paddling, rowing, and sailing. Students build traditional wooden boats and modern composite boats from 8 to 20 feet in length, including canoes, kayaks, rowboats, powerboats, and sailboats.

We accept a limited number of sophomore, junior and senior students for our Marine Vocational Technology Program each year. For more information, please contact Samra Kuseybi, Admissions Director, at (207) 255-8301 or email at admissions@washingtonacademy.org.

Boat Building program FAQs

What kinds of boats will I learn how to make?
As a Washington Academy Boat Building student, you'll learn to how to plan and build a variety of watercraft, such as canoes, rowboats, powerboats ( traditional and contemporary) rowing skiffs, fiberglass boats, and outboard lobster boats.

How much of my day will I spend learning boat building?
Washington Academy's Boat Building courses take place during three consecutive 45 minute periods, 5 days per week.

Do we learn anything about navigation or engines?
Absolutely! Navigation, engine operations and water safety are all part of the curriculum.

Do I get to keep the boat I build?
Yes, if you compensate Washington Academy for the cost of the materials.

What kinds of field trips will we be taking?
Washington Academy Boat Building students visits a variety of premiere boatyards, including, Hinkley Yachts, as well as trips to Maine Maritime Academy and several boat builders in Canada.

Students also learn essential boating skills during water based field trips such as boat handling, water safety, and seamanship, rowing, navigation.

Where will we use the boats?
Local lakes and the ocean harbors.

How many students are in the program?
Washington Academy accepts a maximum of 16 students in each of two separate groups.

Will I study Boat Building all four years?
No. It is open only to Juniors and Seniors. Sophomores may be admitted under certain conditions - please consult Washington Academy's Admissions Office for more details.

What other school subjects do I have to take?
Boat Building students also have take classes in English, history, mathematics and other basic courses required for high school graduation.

What types of design and building equipment will I be using?
Equipment includes conventional wood and metal shop stationary machines, an ample supply of portable power tools and a computerized numerical cutter. You will also use CAD (computer aided design).

Are there any girls in Washington Academy's Boat Building program?
Right now most of the students are boys but two girls participated last year and excelled in the program. A few years ago, Washington Academy's female Salutatorian built her own sailboat!

If I study boat building, can I still get into college?
Yes. Students wishing to attend college after graduation are encouraged to consult with Washington Academy's guidance counselor to ensure they fulfill all the prerequisites required by the colleges of their choice.

Where will I live?
For those students not living in the local area, Washington Academy has two Dorms (boys and girls) for those students wishing to board. There are also host families in the area for students that prefer living with a family

How much will it cost?
$17,500 for students in the Host Home Program. $21,500 for students boarding in the dormitories.

What kind of jobs do Boat Building graduates go on to?
75% of the students who graduated from Washington Academy's Boat Building Program are still working in the boat building field or field that requires parallel skills, such as marina operation or aviation manufacturing.

What other trades are taught at Washington Academy?
Washington Academy offers students a variety of hands-on trades courses in it well-equipped traditional arts technology wing. Courses include Mechanical Drafting, Wood Technology, Building Construction, Plastics and Metal Construction, Power Technology, Machine Operations, and Basic Electricity. We also offer courses in Culinary Arts and Outdoor Recreation.