Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Boat Builder

🎯 Role Definition

The Boat Builder is responsible for constructing, repairing and outfitting recreational and commercial vessels using wood, composites (fiberglass, carbon), aluminum and steel. This role requires hands-on experience with laminating, lofting, fairing, cabinetry, systems installation (electrical, plumbing, propulsion), finishing (gelcoat, painting), and quality assurance. The ideal candidate reads technical plans and blueprints, works safely with resins and heavy tools, mentors apprentices, and consistently delivers seaworthy, high-quality boats on schedule.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Boatbuilding Apprentice / Trainee
Composite Technician / Laminator
Marine Carpenter or Shipwright

Advancement To:

Lead Boat Builder / Foreman
Production Manager / Shop Manager
Marine Surveyor or Quality Control Manager
Project Manager for custom boat builds

Lateral Moves:

Marine Systems Technician (engines, electrical, plumbing)
Composites Fabrication Specialist / Composite Engineer
Marine Design CAD Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Read, interpret and work directly from lofting drawings, engineering blueprints, CAD files and work orders to construct hulls, decks, bulkheads and interior joinery that meet dimensional tolerances and plan specifications.
Perform hand and power tool woodworking, shaping, joinery and cabinetry to build interiors, furniture and trim, ensuring durable and aesthetically finished components for boats.
Execute complex fiberglass and composite layups including hand layup, vacuum bagging, resin infusion and core bonding for hull and deck structures following resin schedules and laminate sequences.
Apply gelcoat, fairing compounds and primers; sand, block and polish surfaces to achieve smooth, fair finishes and prepare surfaces for paint or clear coat.
Build and maintain molds, plugs and patterns for hulls, deck molds, hatches and other composite components; repair and modify molds as required for design updates.
Cut, trim and machine composite panels and timber components using CNC routers, band saws, planers and saws; program and operate CNC equipment for repetitive or complex parts.
Bond, fasten and assemble structural components using adhesives, mechanical fasteners, through-bolting and engineered joint systems in accordance with structural plans and industry standards.
Install propulsion systems, including engine mounts, shafting, propellers, rudders, steering gear and alignment checks ensuring correct mechanical fit and safe operation.
Install onboard systems: AC/DC electrical wiring, battery systems, navigation lights, bilge pumps, freshwater and sanitation plumbing, fuel systems and HVAC equipment to marine wiring and plumbing standards.
Perform precision fitting of hardware, windows, hatches, deck fittings, stanchions, rails and rigging attachments, ensuring watertight seals and correct torque specifications.
Carry out structural and cosmetic repairs: patching, composite repairs, scarfing, replacement of planking, and restoration of damaged hulls and interiors following repair procedures and warranty specifications.
Conduct fairing and dimensional checks using templates, battens and straightedges; identify and correct hull fairness issues and structural misalignments prior to painting or delivery.
Conduct weight, balance and center-of-gravity checks and collaborate with engineers to ensure stability requirements and performance targets are met for each build.
Follow resin mixing, catalyst dosing and curing schedules; monitor environmental conditions and implement controls for laminate cures to prevent delamination or voids.
Execute sea trials and dock tests with technicians and captains to validate propulsion, steering, stability and systems performance; document findings and complete punch lists.
Maintain material inventory: order composites, timber, fasteners, resins, paints and specialty components; inspect incoming materials for compliance and report defects.
Prepare and maintain detailed build records, layup schedules, quality control checklists, and as-built documentation for compliance with class society, regulatory and customer requirements.
Train, mentor and supervise apprentices and junior builders; assign work, monitor progress and ensure safety and quality standards are followed in the shop.
Adhere to shop safety protocols, handle hazardous materials (resins, solvents) safely, maintain MSDS logs, use PPE, and participate in safety audits and toolbox talks.
Collaborate with design engineers, project managers and subcontractors to resolve build issues, implement design modifications, value-engineer components for cost and performance improvements.
Operate rigging and small hoisting equipment to move heavy components safely; set up scaffolding, jigs and fixtures to support accurate assembly and lamination.
Perform final QA inspections, dimensional verification, cosmetic touch-ups and deliver vessels that meet acceptance criteria and customer expectations.
Estimate labor hours for tasks, provide production time forecasts and work with production planning to meet delivery schedules while maintaining build quality.

Secondary Functions

Assist with shop maintenance, tool calibration, and organization to maintain a productive, safe workspace.
Support continuous improvement initiatives by documenting inefficiencies and proposing workflow or tooling changes.
Help coordinate subcontractor work (upholstery, canvas, metalwork, electronics) and schedule handovers to ensure smooth project integration.
Participate in prototype builds and small-scale R&D work for new hull forms, materials or manufacturing techniques.
Contribute to warranty and after-sales repair planning by documenting recurring issues and suggested design or process corrections.
Maintain digital photos and records of build stages for marketing, warranty and compliance purposes.
Provide input to purchasing on preferred suppliers, alternatives and cost-saving measures for common consumables and materials.
Assist with customer walkthroughs, orientation and delivery inspections, explaining maintenance points and operation basics.
Support environmental compliance by managing waste disposal, recycling composite offcuts and reducing solvent emissions where possible.
Attend production meetings and contribute to schedule updates, risk identification and mitigation planning.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced fiberglass and composite fabrication: hand layup, vacuum bagging, resin infusion, core bonding and multi-axis laminate scheduling.
Gelcoat application, fairing compound use, sanding, polishing and surface finishing for high-quality cosmetic results.
Lofting techniques, reading and interpreting boat plans, blueprints and CAD outputs; ability to transfer plans to full-scale templates.
Marine carpentry and joinery: marine-grade lumber selection, scarfing, veneering, cabinetry and furniture installation.
CNC programming and operation for cutting composite panels, timber parts and templates; proficiency with routers and nesting software.
Marine systems installation: DC/AC electrical wiring, battery systems, inboard/outboard engine mount and alignment, plumbing and through-hull fittings.
Metalworking skills including basic aluminum and stainless steel fabrication, hole drilling, countersinking and welding awareness.
Precision measuring: use of calipers, micrometers, laser levels, plumb bobs, battening and feeler gauges to maintain dimensional tolerances.
Adhesives and sealants knowledge: epoxy systems, polyurethane sealants, anaerobic adhesives and proper surface prep for bonding.
Familiarity with regulatory and classification standards (ABYC, ISO, Lloyd’s, etc.) and experience maintaining build documentation for compliance.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail with an emphasis on quality, finish and fit.
Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities under time and material constraints.
Effective verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with engineers, supervisors and customers.
Time management and organizational skills to balance multiple projects and meet delivery deadlines.
Team player mentality with experience supervising and mentoring junior craftsmen/apprentices.
Safety-first mindset with ability to enforce and follow shop safety procedures.
Adaptability to new materials, processes and changing customer requirements.
Customer-focused orientation when performing final checks, sea trials and handovers.
Initiative to propose process improvements and support continuous improvement efforts.
Resilience and physical stamina to perform extended periods of manual work, lifting and standing.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent (required)

Preferred Education:

Technical certificate or diploma in composite technology, marine trades, or boatbuilding
Associate degree in Marine Technology, Naval Architecture, or related field

Relevant Fields of Study:

Marine Technology
Composites Technology / Fiberglass Repair
Carpentry / Woodworking
Welding / Metal Fabrication
Naval Architecture (technical coursework)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2–10 years of boatbuilding, composites fabrication or marine carpentry experience depending on level

Preferred:

5+ years experience in professional boat building or marine composites with demonstrable portfolio of completed builds or major repair projects
Experience with vacuum infusion, CNC routing, gelcoat finishing and systems installation strongly preferred