Build Your Own Peeler Skiff

Location: Chesapeake Light Craft, Annapolis, Maryland
Dates: Monday, March 31, 2025 - Saturday, April 12, 2025

Register through
Chesapeake Light Craft

Call 410-267-0137
 for inquiries.

Instructor: Jay Hockenberry

Tuition & Materials:  

  • Student Tuition: $2,800
  • Price Includes Required Helper
  • Boat Kit and Shop Materials: $3,945

Other Considerations:

Details:

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

Peeler Skiff Wooden PowerboatIn 2025, for the first time, we're offering a Build-Your-Own-Peeler-Skiff class at the Chesapeake Light Craft factory in Annapolis, Maryland. This special class will run for two consecutive weeks, in two 5-1/2-day segments. The Peeler Skiff class is Monday, March 31, 2025 through Saturday, April 12, 2025.

The Peeler Skiff is a handy, capable "dory-skiff," ideal for fishing, exploring, working as a fleet tender or committee boat, and generally getting around rivers and bays and lakes and coastal waters. At the end of the class, you'll have an assembled Peeler Skiff 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 center console.  All the major assembly tasks will be completed on your Peeler Skiff. 

The total cost is $6,745. The Build-Your-Own-Peeler-Skiff class is a package deal and includes tuition for two (helper required), and the standard Peeler Skiff kit, as well as student shop supplies. 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?

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 boat, 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 and a trailer to tow the Peeler Skiff 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 $6,745 covers tuition for two people and the standard Peeler Skiff kit. This cost also covers consumable supplies you'll use during the class, such as nitrile gloves, mixing cups, brushes, etc. We will do some pre-assembly of the Peeler Skiff's parts 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 Peeler Skiff assembled. At home, you can expect to finish the last of the epoxy coating, 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 the center console, bow eye, cleats, motor, steering, and other rigging. After two weeks, you'll be an expert wood-epoxy builder. So the Peeler Skiff will be assembled but not ready to launch..

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!

The class will be limited to five Peeler Skiffs to maximize one-on-one time with the instructor.

I've already started a Peeler Skiff. 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 30 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 Center Console and finishing supplies. You'll need a trailer ready-to-roll before the end of the class!

How do I sign up?

You'll register online or over the phone. To register online, please click here and check out with tuition ($2800).  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, epidemic, or some other crisis beyond our control: We will refund 100% of your kit and tuition. (We have yet to cancel 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 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 or kit costs after 30 days. 

 

Note:  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.   


 

Kit Shipping:  $95 Boats*$195 Teardrops

Click here for Partner Pickup details

Click here for Show Delivery details