Boatbuilder

Boatbuilders build and assemble the hull (frame or body) of small working and leisure boats such as fishing boats, barges, canal boats, small ferries, sailing and power yachts, motor cruisers and dinghies. They install fittings such as furnishings, heating, lighting, communication and navigation equipment.

The Work

You could be:

• working from designs and drawings to build and fit out the vessel


• using wood, metal, fibre- or glass-reinforced plastic (FRP/GRP) to construct the hull of the vessel


• using a variety of hand and machine tools to shape, mould, cut and weld materials for the hull and other fittings


• assembling pipework and other sections of the boat, such as the rigging and mast if it is a sailing vessel or installing the engine


• fitting out and finishing the interior of the boat, installing furnishings, heating and lighting systems and communication and navigation equipment


• doing electrical, plumbing, joinery or welding work on vessels as well as painting them


• if building or restoring wooden boats, also using traditional skills such as sailmaking


• repairing and maintaining all kinds of small boats.

Conditions

• You would probably spend time working both inside in a factory or workshop and also outside on the vessel being built or repaired. You may have to work outside in all weathers.


• Conditions may be dusty, cramped and noisy.


• You have to kneel, bend, lift, climb ladders and work at heights.


• You would normally wear overalls and safety gear.


• You would usually work regular hours, but you may sometimes have to do overtime.

Getting In

• You could enter employment as a trainee or apprentice. There are no set entry requirements, but employers may prefer you to have a group of Standard grades including English, maths and a relevant science or technological subject.


• You may also have to sit an entry test to see how suitable you are for this type of work.


• You need good general health and fitness for this job.

What Does It Take?

You need to be:

• able to visualise the finished item


• able to understand technical plans and drawings


• accurate, methodical and systematic in your approach.

• good concentration


• attention to detail


• numeracy and IT skills including computer aided design (CAD)


• practical and technical ability


• good hand skills


• the ability to work in a team


• problem solving skills.

Training

• An apprenticeship approved by the British Marine Federation (BMF) usually combines on-the-job training with study at college and leads to Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) at Levels 2 and 3.


• Relevant Marine Engineering SVQs include Wooden Yacht and Boat Building; Yacht and Boat Building, Servicing, Maintenance and Repair; Yacht and Boat Coating/Finishing and Yacht and Boat Woodwork/Outfitting.


• You could do a full-time college course then go into employment and do further training on the job.

Getting On

• Many firms are small and family-owned and there may not be many prospects for promotion. You might get promotion to supervisor or inspector.


• After gaining experience, you may be able to move on to specialising in certain aspects of the work or in a particular type of vessel, or into self-employment.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual salaries may vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of the company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.