The use of recreational boating has risen dramatically in the last few years. Nationwide, it is estimated that customer spending on recreational boating has nearly doubled in the last decade. Many boat building jobs have risen in demand and the industry has grown into quite a lucrative one. A great mix of carpentry and technology, boat builders are responsible for making commercial and recreational boats safe for those at sea. A respectable and difficult profession indeed, the demand for skilled builders has never been higher and the supply seems to be dwindling. For those in tough economic straits, a career in boat building might be exactly what you need to obtain a financially secure job.
Responsible for cutting and forming parts such as wooden frames, structures and other parts fitting blueprint specifications, it is the job essential for the construction of seaworthy vessels designed to stand up to the harshest conditions. Once the frame of the boat is built, it’s next the job of the builders to attach metal parts including fittings, plates, and bulkheads to the ship to strengthen its structural integrity. Involving skill in both woodworking and metalworking, it takes a special class of person to be a successful boat builder.
Also requiring a good grasp of math and space, shipyard employees must establish dimensional reference points on the layout and hull to make template parts for additional equipment. Aside from the structure and internal planning of boat design, boat builders must attend to the outside appearance of the boat. Often, boat building jobs may take place on the interior or exterior of the boat, but many veteran boat builders will have the ability to undertake any job on the vessel. Using power tools and hand tools, the builders must also eliminate any imperfections in the vessel which can lead to potential danger if untreated.