Frequently Asked Questions




Where is the school located?

The school is at the south-east end of Gabriola Island between the mainland of British Columbia and Vancouver Island in Canada.

How do I get there?

Gabriola Island is a twenty minute ferry ride from Nanaimo and a fifteen minute floatplane ride from Vancouver. There isn't any public transportation system on the island so people bring a vehicle, carpool, walk or bicycle.

When are the courses?

The Introduction to Marine Woodworking course runs from August 28 (2006) to September 22 (2006) and again from April 16 (2007) to May 11 (2007). Wooden Boat Building runs from September 25 (2006) to April 06 (2007). Ships Cabinetry and Joinery runs from May 14 (2007) to August 3 (2007). The cycle starts again in September 2007 with another Wooden Boat Building course.

What kinds of boats are built by the students?

Traditional methods of lapstrake and carvel plank construction are taught with attention paid to commonly used modern adhesives, finishes and caulking compounds. Prams, Whitehalls, Havens, a catboat, motor boats and sailing/rowing dinghies have all been built at the school.

Would I get to learn every step of the boatbuilding process?

Students start with the plans drawings and work in teams of three or four to do everything from the lofting to the final finishing. You will even get a chance to make spars and oars.

What do you do with the finished boats?

Many times the boats are commissioned by students or someone outside the school before the class starts. This is an opportunity to own a beautiful piece of marine craftsmanship for much less than the market value.

Will I have classes every day?

Classes run from 8 AM to 4:30, Monday through Friday except for statutory holidays.

How much is tuition?

The Introduction to Marine Woodworking course is $2000, Wooden Boat Building is $9000 and Ships Cabinetry and Joinery is $4500. All fees are in Canadian dollars.

Can I get a student loan to help with expenses?

The school is accredited by the Private Career Training Institutions Agency of British Columbia which means the student loan program is open to qualifying applicants. You may also qualify for funding through Federal and Provincial retraining programs.

Would I be able to work part-time while attending?

This would be difficult due to the time spent at school.

Who takes the courses?

Men and women 19 years of age or over. Some people are looking for a new career path while others are interested in the satisfaction of learning a new set of challenging skills.

Can anyone take the courses?

The courses are open to anyone who is 19 years of age or older who is free of any serious health problems, including allergies to the woods, adhesives, finishes and other products used in building wooden boats and who can demonstrate an interest in this type of woodworking.

Are there students from countries other than Canada?

We have had students from France, Korea, Norway, Japan, the United States and other countries.

How many students are there in a class?

No more than sixteen.

Do these courses lead to employment?

There is a demand for skilled woodworkers in the boat building, restoration and ship's cabinetry industries. The skills taught here can also lead to employment in the field of custom cabinetmaking for homes.

What are the instructors' qualifications?

Everyone on staff has worked building and restoring wooden boats. We have all taught and had experience running a business. We are committed to providing a supportive and enthusiastic environment where students learn to meet challenges successfully.

Where do students live while attending the school?

Most students rent a place on Gabriola Island. We keep a list of accommodations available to students. Some students have lived on their boats which means their neighbours are otters and eagles and their commute is a two minute walk up from the docks.

Can you get groceries on the island?

There is an excellent grocery store five minutes from the school and another at the other end of the island.

What about other services and entertainment?

There are restaurants (one beside the school), pubs with live music including weekly jam nights, theatre, outdoor sports and enough going on to occupy you every night of the week after school. There is a laundromat and liquor store next to the school, gas station, credit union, medical centre and more amenities than you would expect in a community of roughly 5000 souls.

What is the climate like?

Summers are dry and sunny with daytime temperatures in the mid 20s Celsius. Winters are mild, seldom staying below the freezing mark during the day with light rain common. You won't need your snowshoes.

For more information about Gabriola Island visit www.gabriolaisland.org.