Current Projects
RECENTLY LAUNCHED
Rozinanate sail boat
The 28 foot Rozinante canoe yawl, was designed by L. Francis Herreshoff and made its first splash 70 years ago. A trailerable, daysailer and cruiser with a long keel and elegant lines, it has become a classic over the years. The boat is planked in Western Red Cedar over White Oak frames. The rig has been modified by Doug Hylan, moving the mizzen mast further aft in order to allow for better handling of the tiller. Construction began in January of 2018 and involved dozens of students spanning several classes, led by instructor Leland Gibson. “An entirely new wood boat construction, from the keel up is, quite the rarity these days,” Gibson notes. “Its important for students to build boats so they know how to take them apart and repair them. The more you put boats together, the better you become at problem solving.”
Clean bay: zero-emission work boat
Lead instructor Bruce Blatchley says “Building CLEAN BAY has given students experience with laminating, strip-planking, and cold-molded construction; vacuum infusion; foam core construction; working with CNC production; millwork; and joinery.” With all this state of the art technology, the mission of the school is staying true. “We’re not just building boats,” says Blatchley, “our main product is education.” CLEAN BAY provided a leap into the future for Marine Systems instructor Kevin Ritz and his students. From installing a 500 gallon wastewater tank, Torqeedo lithium – ion battery banks, solar panels and controller, a Torqeedo electric propulsion system, bow thruster and impressed current cathodic protection, the project gives students a chance to learn and experience the real world problem solving skills which come with any new custom design and its integration with new technologies. “We are teaching and deploying state-of-the-art systems and propulsion technology for which, in many cases, standards have yet to be written,” says Marine Systems lead instructor Kevin Ritz.
more boats
Poulsbo boat
Real-world projects, like the Poulsbo Boat, are carefully selected by instructors to serve as strong teaching platforms: after its construction by the Boatbuilding students, the Marine Systems students then completed the project by designing and installing the diesel engine, steering and controls and electrical system. From planking to electrical systems, the Poulsbo represents a symbiosis of hands-on education that’s keeping traditions alive while meeting the needs of the trades.
dark harbor
The 26-foot daysailor was built but the 2017 Boatbuilding class and is constructed of western red cedar on white oak framing, with a mahogany backbone, a teak deck, and spruce spars. It can be found sailing the waters of New Zealand.
human-powered submarine
Students took on a new challenge in 2016 by constructing the hull for the University of Washington’s entry in the European International Submarine Race. Combining cutting-edge technology and fine craftsmanship, the historic build proved an engaging project for all involved.
