crcarter
08-08-2003, 11:25 AM
Hello all,
If you can help me with some questions, I'd greatly appreciate it. I'm in the early planning stages of a move from Boston to the Rockland/Waldoboro/Camden area of midcoast Maine. In considering possible jobs in the area, the idea of apprenticing for a [wooden] boat builder seems rather attractive. The catch, of course, is that I have NO experience with boats. Well, I've been kayaking a couple of times, but that doesn't count. Anyway, if I find the right shop, I'm sure I could win consideration since I'm good with my hands and with tools and I do have some woodworking experience. But I have a few questions:
First: is this even a possibility? Do you know of any boat crafters that hire assistants with little or no experience?
Second: if so, do you have any idea on what wages for such a thing might be?
Third: is there an on and off season for boat building and restoration? Specifically, is there any general time of the year that folks in this trade look for help?
Finally: do you have any suggestions for shops to check out or names to keep in mind for that area? Obviously, I'd prefer a small shop with some grizzled old Mainer who's a master builder, but I think that that scenario is a bit romantic even for me. smile.gif
If you have any experience, advice or suggestions, they're all welcome. I'm taking a road trip up to that area this weekend to start to suss out the situation. Wish me luck.
Thanks so much,
Clayton
If you can help me with some questions, I'd greatly appreciate it. I'm in the early planning stages of a move from Boston to the Rockland/Waldoboro/Camden area of midcoast Maine. In considering possible jobs in the area, the idea of apprenticing for a [wooden] boat builder seems rather attractive. The catch, of course, is that I have NO experience with boats. Well, I've been kayaking a couple of times, but that doesn't count. Anyway, if I find the right shop, I'm sure I could win consideration since I'm good with my hands and with tools and I do have some woodworking experience. But I have a few questions:
First: is this even a possibility? Do you know of any boat crafters that hire assistants with little or no experience?
Second: if so, do you have any idea on what wages for such a thing might be?
Third: is there an on and off season for boat building and restoration? Specifically, is there any general time of the year that folks in this trade look for help?
Finally: do you have any suggestions for shops to check out or names to keep in mind for that area? Obviously, I'd prefer a small shop with some grizzled old Mainer who's a master builder, but I think that that scenario is a bit romantic even for me. smile.gif
If you have any experience, advice or suggestions, they're all welcome. I'm taking a road trip up to that area this weekend to start to suss out the situation. Wish me luck.
Thanks so much,
Clayton