Boatbuilding Classes
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Build Your Own Teardrop Camper

Location: Chesapeake Light Craft, Annapolis, Maryland
Dates: Monday, July 15, 2024 - Saturday, July 27, 2024

Instructor: Jay Hockenberry

Would you like to build CLC's Teardrop Camper but are apprehensive about doing it solo? Or lack a temperate shop space?

Teardrop Class graduates In 2024, we offer several build-your-own classes at the Chesapeake Light Craft factory in Annapolis, Maryland. Classes run for two consecutive weeks in two 5-1/2-day segments. Coming up next:

March 25 - April 6, 2024
July 15 - 27, 2024
September 30 - October 11, 2024

At the end of the class, you'll have an assembled camper shell bolted onto a trailer ready for road travel. You'll install the final epoxy coating, finish-sanding, finish coating, and hardware at home. After two weeks of instruction, you will have the skills to build and add custom options such as the Galley Module, Storage Box, and/or Integrated Cargo Carrier. While not ready to live in at the end of two weeks, all the major assembly tasks will be completed on your Teardrop Camper.

The cost is $8,849. The Build-Your-Own-Teardrop-Camper class is a package deal and includes tuition for two (helper required), the base Teardrop Camper kit, and a pre-assembled Trailex trailer designed specifically for CLC's Teardrop, with the 12" wheel upgrade, as well as student shop supplies. (Sorry, we are unable to substitute other trailers in classes.) The tuition will be charged to secure your position in the class; we will charge the final balance 30 days before the class starts.

How does the class work?

Watch a time-lapse video of the CLC Teardrop Camper Class here!

You will show up on Monday morning at 0800 on the first day. (You'll bring a spouse, partner, or friend! Many hands make easy work.) We have a dedicated air-conditioned classroom at CLC where the class will be held. Led by a professional instructor-builder from Chesapeake Light Craft, you'll work eight-hour days Monday through Friday and a half-day on Saturday. While you'll do most of the work on your own camper, you'll benefit from a skilled instructor hovering at all times to help. Occasionally the entire class will work as a team to complete large tasks and to make things go more smoothly. No one will fall behind.

I'm a beginner. Is this class for me? What are the requirements?

You do not need any prior experience in carpentry or epoxy-composite work to take this class. You just need good energy, a willingness to learn, and the ability to stick with the project for two weeks. You will be doing a lot of standing, so wear comfy shoes. You will likely get epoxy on them. You'll also need a vehicle with a trailer hitch to tow the Teardrop Camper home.

Will I need to bring my own tools?

We'll provide a list of basic tools we'd like you to bring, things like a cordless drill, spring clamps, dust masks, and eye protection. CLC's classroom is extensively equipped, and you'll be using our equipment for many steps.

How much does it cost, and what do I get?

The package price of $8,849 covers tuition for two people, the base Teardrop Camper kit, and a road-ready Trailex trailer. This cost also covers consumable supplies you'll use during the class, such as rubber gloves, mixing cups, brushes, etc. We will do some parts pre-assembly before the class begins so that you hit the ground running on Day One. (Please see the cancellation policy below.)

Where is the class?

At the Chesapeake Light Craft factory and headquarters, 1805 George Ave, Annapolis, Maryland, 21401.

Where do I stay during the class?

Here's a list of accommodations near Chesapeake Light Craft. Room and board are not included in the class package.

How much of the construction will be done at the end of the class?

You'll get the camper built, the doors and hatch hung, and the camper bolted to the trailer. At home, you can expect to finish the last of the epoxy coating, do quite a lot of sanding, apply the final finish (varnish or paint), and do hardware installation. At home, you'll also assemble and install accessories like a galley module, storage box, ICC, ventilation, and an interior liner. After two weeks, you'll be an expert wood-epoxy builder. So the camper will be assembled but not ready to sleep in on the last day of class.

At the end of class, your Teardrop Camper will look just like the one shown here:

CLC Teardrop Camper Kit

What's a typical day like during the class?

Class starts at 8am and runs until 5 or 6pm, always with an hour off for lunch. The syllabus has been made up with great care so that epoxied assemblies cure overnight, allowing you to move on to the next step each morning. The first and second Saturdays run from 8am to noon and will be used for catch-up and miscellaneous chores. Saturday afternoons and Sundays are for rest.

Each class will be limited to five Teardrop Campers to maximize one-on-one time with the instructor.

I've already started a CLC Teardrop Camper. Can I bring it to the class and finish it?

Probably not. The class's success rests on intricate choreography worked out in advance by the instructors. (Chesapeake Light Craft has taught these build-your-own classes for over 25 years, bringing the art to the highest pitch of refinement.) It would be nearly impossible for an instructor to run a successful class where the builders are all at different stages in the construction process.

What is NOT included in the class that I'll need to purchase?

Some basic hand tools if you don't have them already. Your room and board. Options and accessories include the galley (kitchen) module, storage box, ventilation system, and interior liner. A trailer hitch on your car.

How do I sign up?

You'll register online or over the phone. To register online, please click here and check out with deposit ($2600) for the date option of your choice. We will take it from there, charging the balance 30 days before the class start date. Kits for classes are specially prepared and include essential supplies, and have certain parts pre-assembled by the instructor. Because of the particular nature of these kits provided, discounts and other promotions can not be applied to classes.

What's the cancellation policy?

If WE have to cancel the class at any time, due to lack of enrollment, weather emergency, or some other crisis beyond our control: We will refund 100% of your kit and tuition. (We have never canceled a class less than 30 days before the start date.)

If YOU have to cancel the class (30+ days prior): We will refund your tuition/deposit less a $100 cancellation fee if you alert us at least 30 days before the start of the class.

If YOU have to cancel the class (LESS THAN 30 days prior): At the 30-day mark, you are charged for the class balance. At this point, your kit has been manufactured, the Trailex trailer ordered, and pre-assembly has begun. For this reason, we are unable to refund class expenses after the 30-day mark. We can ship your kit to you at your expense, but we cannot refund tuition, kit, and trailer costs after 30 days.

Note: Camper & boat kits for classes are specially prepared at CLC and delivered directly to the classroom. These kits include essential supplies and may have certain parts pre-assembled by the instructor or staff. Because of the particular nature of these kits, discounts and other promotions can not be applied.