Build Your Own Boat Classes
The Art of Boat Building Academy is excited to partner with Chesapeake Light Craft to offer "Build Your Own Boat" classes at The Art of Boat Building Boat Studio! These week-long classes will guide students through constructing one of the CLC kit boats listed below. By the end of the class, students will take their boats home for final finishing (painting, varnishing, etc.). The instructor will discuss proper sanding and painting/varnishing techniques, depending on student preferences.
FAQ, Tuition, Materials, and Class Details
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Cost per student is $950
$500 for additional helper student (may be under 18 years old )
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Kit costs:
Wood Duck 12 Kit + Shipping $1479
Wood Duck 14 Kit + Shipping $1635
Kits must be purchased in full from AoBB no later than 45 days before the class begins. After registering for your class online at the links below, call 773-551-8897 AoBB provides all power tools and clamps needed during the class. After registration students will be given a hand tool list that they should bring.
Materials
Classes also include a large quantity of consumables, everything from mixing cups and brushes to epoxy applicators and sandpaper.
Cost $40.
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For Chesapeake Light Craft Boatbuilding Courses, the following cancellation policy applies:
Cancellation/change outside of 90 days = full refund less $100 admin fee.
Cancellation/change within 90-60 days prior to the start date = a $100 admin fee and tuition credit for the remaining amount towards a course within the same calendar year. There is no cash refund. The kit purchase will be refunded less a $100 admin fee, on the condition that Chesapeake Light Craft has not yet shipped. Participants must take ownership of the purchased boat kit if shipped.
Cancellation/change within 60-30 days of the start date = 50% tuition credit available towards a course within the same calendar year. There is no cash refund. The kit purchase will be refunded less the $100 admin fee, on the condition that Chesapeake Light Craft has not yet shipped. Participants must take ownership of the purchased boat kit if shipped.
No refund or credit is available for tuition 30 days or less from the start of the program. Participants must take ownership of the purchased boat kit.
In case of emergency or insufficient number of registrations, AoBB reserves the right to cancel a course and refund the participants in full.
Because of this policy, we strongly urge you to buy refundable airline tickets or flight insurance. AoBB will not be responsible for any loss on non-refundable airline tickets.
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Ages: 18+
Date: See Available Dates Below
Time: 9am - 5pm
Class Size: 4 Boats
Instructor: Bob Emser
Location: Eureka, Illinois
For more FAQ visit the CLC webpage here.
Upcoming Classes
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Kayak Building Classes
Build your own stitch and glue boat at The Art of Boat Building! Starting with pre-cut plywood parts, we will assemble the hull and deck of the kayak using copper wires and epoxy glue. We will then cut hatches, fiberglass the boat, and install the cockpit coaming. During construction, we will discuss outfitting the boat with seats, foot braces, hatch fittings, and deck rigging. After the class, your boat will be ready to sand and paint or varnish.
Class Dates:
August 9-15 2026
For more information on the boats, click inks below.
Kit Options
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 creates works of art and builds 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.
Bob has an international reputation as a sculptor, having shown on 5 continents, 8 countries, and in 27 states in the U.S. His extensive body of work, dating back to 1978, can be seen in cities and municipalities, sculpture parks, museums, and institutions of higher learning. During his 40+ year career, he has served as a visiting artist and has taught at several universities, holding a tenured professorship.
Bob now dedicates his time to building wooden boats and creating educational videos about wooden boat building. His popular channel “The Art of Boat Building” can be seen on YouTube. Each boat he creates is a testament to his deep understanding of both the technical and artistic elements of boat design.
Meet the Instructor
