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Boat Builder

Kaihanga Waka

Boat builders build, repair, and sometimes design boats and their interiors. This can include furnishings, engines, electrics and plumbing.

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Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements for this job. Construction and mechanical technologies, design and visual communication, maths and physics at NCEA Level 1 are useful. 

For Year 12 and 13 students, the Launch it, School to Work programme is a good way to gain industry experience. This programme may help you gain an apprenticeship, but doesn't reduce the amount of time it takes to complete it. 

Study fields

Study levels

  • Up to NCEA Level 3
  • Certificate

Useful experience

Useful experience for boat builders includes:

  • boating 
  • construction – especially carpentry, plumbing and electrical work
  • engineering 
  • panelbeating and painting.

What you will do

Boat builders may do some or all of the following:

  • build, refit, repair and service boats
  • use computer-aided design (CAD) software, diagrams or sketches to build boats
  • use a range of tools and materials 
  • select the correct building materials to use, such as composite materials, timber, alloy and steel
  • build interior/exterior boat cabinetry
  • work safely and reduce hazards as much as possible
  • install engines and marine systems (plumbing, electrical, electronic, tankage) and components in boats.

Skills and knowledge

Boat builders need to have knowledge of some or all of the following:

  • different boat building methods
  • different types of boat building materials and how they are used in the manufacturing process
  • how to interpret diagrams, rough sketches and computer-aided design (CAD) drawings
  • how to design boats using online tools
  • carpentry and engineering
  • how to install machinery, cabinetry and other equipment
  • electrical wiring, plumbing and painting
  • safe working practices
  • trends in boat design.
Pay

Boat builders with up to five years' experience usually earn

$23-$30

per hour

Senior boat builders, team leaders and managers usually earn

$30-$50

per hour

Job opportunities
Good
Chances of getting a job as a boat builder are good due to increasing demand for their services.
Length of training
3-4
years of training usually required.

Industry

Manufacturing

Boat builders build, repair, and sometimes design boats and their interiors. This can include furnishings, engines, electrics and plumbing.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

To become a boat builder you need to complete an apprenticeship and gain a Level 4 certificate. 

Chances of getting a job

Strong demand for boat builders

Opportunities for boat builders are good due to:

  • demand for new commercial vessels, super yachts and trailer boats
  • demand for new racing and support boats for the America's Cup 2021, and other competitions
  • increasing numbers of local and international boat owners needing boat maintenance and refitting
  • New Zealand's global recognition for boat building technology and high quality work
  • insufficient numbers of skilled boat builders.

However, like many manufacturing jobs, this role can be affected by economic conditions. A downturn in the economy can lower demand for boat builders.

According to the New Zealand Marine and Composites Industry Training Organisation, about 8,000 people work in the boat building and composites industry.

Most boat builders work for private companies

Boat builders usually work for private companies that build, refit, service or maintain boats.

About 1,000 marine industry employers exist in New Zealand.

Find out more about training

Marine and Specialised Techologies (MAST)
09 360 0056 - info@mastacademy.com - www.mastacademy.com

Progression and specialisations

Boat builders may progress to set up their own boat building or repair businesses, or move into managerial or training roles.

With further training, boat builders may progress to become naval architects or marine designers.

Boat builders may specialise in:

  • chandlery (selling boats and boating equipment)
  • marine coatings such as painting
  • marine interiors such as furnishings
  • marine systems engineering such as electrical wiring
  • production boat building (building boats on an assembly line)
  • yacht rig structures such as spars, rigging and sails.

Working conditions

Boat builders:

  • usually work regular business hours, but may have to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines
  • work in workshops and factories, and do repairs outdoors in boat builders' yards, slipways and marinas
  • work in conditions that can be dusty, noisy and fumy.

Physical Requirements

Boat builders need to be reasonably fit and healthy as they spend long periods on their feet. They also need to be comfortable working in confined spaces and at heights.

Useful personal qualities

Boat builders need to be:

  • good at maths
  • accurate and reliable
  • motivated to learn a variety of tasks to a high standard
  • able to work well in a team
  • good at solving problems
  • interested in boats and boating.

Industry

Manufacturing

Boat builders build, repair, and sometimes design boats and their interiors. This can include furnishings, engines, electrics and plumbing.

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