Constructs, repairs and restores the hulls and fittings of pleasure and small, commercial crafts including yachts, dinghies and narrow boats.
Work Environment
Boat Builders typically work in the following Career Sectors:
Videos on the Web
- Boat Builder- from: Youtube Search
The Work
Boatbuilders work on all construction aspects of pleasure and small, commercial boats. They study designs and then carry out work to specifications. To do this they work with a wide variety of materials including wood, iron, steel, copper, aluminium, and glass reinforced plastics (GRP). They fix rudders and may add masts, riggings and may also install engines.
For the internal furnishings they may use cloth materials. They select and match appropriate woods and use woodworking skills to make straight and angle joints. They may also make internal furnishings.
They may also do electrical, plumbing and welding work. Depending on the sise of the company boatbuilders may specialise in a specific area or they may complete an entire project themselves. Some boatbuilders also work in the design field.
Qualities - Boat Builder
As a boatbuilder you will need to be physically fit and able to work well with your hands. Attention to detail and an eye for shape is also important. You will have to be able to decipher plans and be able to work from precise instructions. Your work environment could be cramped, dusty or noisy and you will also need a head for heights because you may need to climb ladders.
Interests - Boat Builder
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Entry - Boat Builder
Training can be on-the-job working under the supervision of skilled trades people. Currently Kerry college Marine engineering runs a full-time course on boat building Search our PLC Coursefinder
Key Skill certs: search our FET coursefinder
Welding (Mig & Tig)
Trades skills & tools use, working with Metal, Composite, and Timber materials will assist your skills development.
Skills and qualifications for this trade can be be developed via Further Education and Training courses. These key skills certs are available to search via search our FET coursefinder
Last Updated: March, 2023
Pay & Salary - Boat Builder
Salary Range (thousands per year)* 25k - 48k
Salaries vary by employer, location, self employ/ employee, duties, role, and experience.
Data Source(s):
National Careers Service/ Salary Explorer/ Salary Expert
Last Updated: February, 2024
* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.
View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available
Labour Market Updates - Boat Builder
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Although employment numbers grew between 2021 and 2022, they remained below pre-COVID-19 levels. A higher-than-average share (39%) employed in these roles were non-Irish citizens.
Vacancies advertised through DSP Jobs Ireland were primarily for general and production operatives, while vacancies for general and packaging operatives were identified as difficult-to-fill in the Recruitment Agency Survey. The perceived attractiveness of the job (e.g. shift work) may be a contributing factor in terms of recruitment issues for this occupation.
Useful Contacts - Boat Builder
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Irish Martimtime Development Office
- Three Park Place Upper Hatch Street Dublin 2 D02 FX65
- 01 775 39 00
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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International Boatbuilding Training College
- Sea Lake Road, Oulton Broad, Lowesoft, Suffolk NR32 3LQ, UK
- + 44 1502 569 663
- [email protected]
- Click Here