Build Your Boat.

Finish It.

With Expert Guidance

Plans show you what to build. Mentorship shows you how to finish.

The Online Boat Building Mentorship

A man standing next to a boat under construction in a woodworking shop, surrounded by wooden planks and tools.

The Online Boat Building Mentorship is a small, expert led program created for serious home boat builders who want more than plans, videos, or trial and error.

This mentorship is for builders who want to design, build, and finish their boat with confidence, knowing that the decisions they make today won’t turn into expensive problems later.

Most people who start building a boat don’t quit because they lack motivation. They quit because they get stuck:

Unsure if they’re choosing the right design or materials
Second-guessing critical structural decisions
Losing momentum when challenges pile up
Working in isolation with no experienced feedback

Building a boat is too complex and too important to do alone.

That’s why this mentorship exists.

Instead of guessing, you build with experienced guidance at every stage. Instead of working in isolation, you become part of a small group of committed builders who meet weekly, share progress, and learn together. Instead of hoping your decisions are right, you get expert eyes on your project before mistakes are locked in.

You’ll be supported by four experienced mentors, each bringing real world knowledge from years of designing, building, and problem solving on actual boats. Their role isn’t to tell you what to build, it’s to help you make informed, confident decisions that move your project forward.

This is not a self-paced course and it’s not casual drop-in coaching.

It’s a structured mentorship designed to help you make steady progress, avoid costly detours, and actually finish the boat you set out to build.

If you’re serious about building a boat and launching it this mentorship gives you the guidance, accountability, and expert support to do it right.

mentorship programs for learning boat building skills

Ready to Build With Confidence?

If you’re serious about building your boat and want expert guidance along the way, apply below.

Applications are reviewed personally. Not all applicants are accepted.

Apply for the Boat Building Mentorship

WHO THIS IS FOR / NOT FOR

This mentorship is for you if:

You are serious about building your own boat, not “someday,” but now
You want expert eyes on your decisions before mistakes are locked in
You value guidance, accountability, and learning the right way
You want to actually launch a finished boat, not just collect plans

This is NOT for you if:

You’re looking for a cheap course or quick shortcuts
You want to work completely on your own
You’re not willing to show up weekly or commit time to your build

We intentionally keep this program small so every builder gets real attention.

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.

Anne Bryant a former editor of Woodenboat magazine, maritime story teller and wooden boat expert.

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.

John Brooks, Author of "How to build Glued lapstrake wooden Boats"

Bob Emser wooden boat builder and artist

Guided Learning Resources

Access a carefully curated library of instructional videos, reference materials, and recommended books that support each stage of your build. These resources are designed to support your progress — not overwhelm you — and are reinforced through live mentorship.

Weekly Live Build Clinics

Join a live, once a week online build clinic where you can ask questions, get real-time feedback on your project, and learn from the challenges and solutions of other serious builders. This is where uncertainty gets resolved and momentum stays strong.

Private Builders Community

Be part of a private builders community where members share progress, ask questions, solve problems, and celebrate milestones together. You’re never building alone and you benefit from the collective experience of the group.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.

Apply for the Online Boat Building Mentorship

This is a mentorship, not a self-paced course.
Instead of watching videos on your own and hoping you’re doing things right, you get weekly live guidance, expert feedback on your specific project, and accountability from a small group of serious builders. Courses deliver information Mentorship delivers progress.
No. Builders join at different stages — from early planning to mid-build. What matters most is your commitment, willingness to learn, and consistency. The mentorship is designed to meet you where you are and help you move forward with confidence.
The mentorship supports a wide range of home-built boat projects. During the application process, we review each project to ensure it’s a good fit for the group and that we can provide meaningful guidance.
Most members attend the weekly live session and spend regular time each week working on their build. Progress comes from steady, consistent effort — this mentorship is built to support that rhythm, not overwhelm you.
All sessions are recorded and available in the resource library. While live participation is strongly encouraged, you can still benefit if you occasionally need to catch up on a recording.
Building a boat involves thousands of decisions.
Getting even a few of them wrong can cost more than the investment in this mentorship.
The value comes from:
- Direct access to experienced mentors
- Early identification of costly mistakes
- Faster, more confident progress
- Increased likelihood of actually finishing your boat
This program is designed for builders who see guidance as an investment, not an expense.
YES, The core program is a 12-month guided mentorship, which provides structure and accountability. After that, continued access to the community and resources are available for life.
This mentorship is best suited for builders who are serious about finishing a boat and want experienced guidance along the way. If you’re unsure, the application process helps determine whether it’s a good fit for you and for the group.
Yes. We understand that a serious boatbuilding project is a significant investment, and we offer limited payment plan options for accepted applicants.
Payment plans are available to make the mentorship more accessible without reducing the level of commitment required.
Payment plans work best for builders who:
- Are fully committed to the process
- Can reliably meet installment payments
- Value guidance and accountability as much as flexibility
If you have questions about payment options, you can indicate that in your application and we’ll discuss it during the next step.

Enrollment is limited. Applications are reviewed personally.

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