Whether it is building boats for our own use, making repairs to your boats or accepting commissions from the public to build new boats, we welcome all enquiries and the opportunity to put our skills to good use.
Boatbuilding is led by Portknockie based professional boat builder Bert Reid. We are delighted to have the help of enthusiastic experienced and trained boat building volunteer – Willie Henderson.
Please do get in touch should you need a boat repair or have a boat commission you would like us to consider. Email enquiries@cullenseaschool.co.uk or call 01542 840830.
Boat building takes place every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning from 9am. Call in and say hello and see what our boat builders are doing next time you are passing.
Boat Building with Banff Academy Pupils
In early 2023, Banff Academy purchased a St Ayles Skiff kit to be built by pupils at Cullen Sea School with support from our boat builders. Pupils attend the sea school regularly and fantastic progress has been made.
20.05.2025 Drakkar Viking Long Boat
Some of the Banff Academy S2’s have been invited to help build a Drakkar Viking Long Boat at Cullen Sea School. With some fantastic weather to work in, great progress is being made! The hull shape is starting to appear & the mast & spar have been shaped, sanded & varnished. Great effort from all!🔨🪚
15.05.2025 Banff Academy Boat Building Update
The partnership with Banff Academy continues to provide meaningful learning for the young boatbuilders perfecting their skills. Boats are taking shape & looking good with bulkheads & seats templated, made, adjusted & fitted & oars completed!
25.04.2025 – Drakkar Viking Boat Replica Update
A group of Banff Academy S2 pupils have started building a Drakkar Viking Boat Replica. Pupils and Cullen Sea School Volunteers have made an outstanding effort on the replica longboat for the Portsoy Viking Festival in August. Excellent progress and teamwork by all involved.
24.04.2025 Update
It was a warm spring day at the Sea School workshop, pupils were making lockers and bulkheads using templates. They were also fitting drain plugs and cleats. Bow rings were marked and drilled. Pupils were focused and hard working.
17.04.2025 Update
Last week the Cullen boat team were finishing oars, preparing and varnishing floorboards, measuring and fitting rowlocks and chiselling work on thwarts. The day ended with a nautical knots quiz and activity.
07.03.2025
This week in the boat building workshop, preparation and masking off with lots of white paint. Capping’s, stringers, cleats, keel bands and oars all being made. The day ended with pancake in the pan tossing, great efforts by all.
20.02.2025 Banff Academy Boat Building
It was chilly at Cullen Sea School this week, all work is going well. The gunwales and ribs were being measured, shaped and fitted. Oars and cleats being made, adjusted and varnished. Primer being applied and lots of sanding, planning and prep. Super progress!
23.01.2025 Update
Today, pupils were painting and varnishing, making and shaping oars. There was lots of careful chisel work and making templates. We can see super progress and the Banff boats are really taking shape.
19.12.24 Update: This week at Cullen Sea School, pupils were making oars, shaping ribs, wood planes & sanding, using templates, preparing planks & painting. Festive soups, mince pies, homemade choc cookies, crackers, gifts, cards & Xmas Party Jokes were shared! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
14.11.24 Update: At Cullen Boat Shed this week there were lots of oars being worked on. The Keel was attached to the Tammie Norrie, the Duck turned over with the gunwale shaping starting, & the Tub having the stern thwart fitted.
There was plenty of careful chisel, plane, & spoke shave work. All pupils were busy & the Banff boats are really taking shape & showing their individual designs and features.
30.10.24 Update: Our boat builders were busy in the workshop today. Everybody swapped boats and did something new. Pupils were fitting a keel, shaping the deadwood, making paddles, sanding and painting. Everyone had a super day, great efforts by all.
Update 2.7.24: The S3 Cullen boat building boys were involved in making and shaping the rudder and tiller this week. Rowlocks were made, shaped and fitted. Oars are getting their final shaping and preparation for lots of varnish. The hull is being measured for floorboards and thwarts.
View the Cullen Sea School Access Guide >>
