Building the Caravelle Skiff in the Bronx
A light, fast seaworthy rowboat anyone can build.
Dates: January 22-24th, 2026 AND April 9-11th, 2026
Location: Rocking the Boat, The Bronx, New York
Tuition: $650 - Registration begins through WoodenBoat on January 1st, 2026
Instructor: Clint Chase
Experience Level: All Levels
Activity Level: High
Class Description
During this three-day session at Rocking the Boat in the South Bronx, noted designer, boatbuilder and kit-boat entrepreneur Clint Chase will lead participants in the assembly of a pair of 14-foot-long Caravelle Skiffs. In addition to gaining experience with contemporary plywood-epoxy building techniques, participants will have the satisfaction of helping to assemble a fleet of versatile lightweight rowing craft for use in free community boating programs in New York City.
The Caravelle Rower is a light, fast, seaworthy small rowboat that can be built by the first time boat builder and moved around with a light trailer, cartop or the bed of a pickup. The Caravelle was designed to be a sleeker more graceful rowboat than her predecessor which had the same hull shape as the Caravelle sailing version, only with a different layout. With her graceful sheer and classic proportions, the Caravelle is as beautiful as she is seaworthy. Her safety and versatility comes from being able to row solo or tandem and with built-in flotation she can be self-rescued making her a choice for people wanting to get into open water or camp cruise.
This is also a great time to learn how Chase Small Craft boat kits are built so that you can go into your boat building experience with some knowledge and skills that give you the confidence to procees. Chase has kits as small as 6-1/2 and 9’ (the Frosty and the Menomonee Canoe) that have been built in living rooms! He can even bring your kit to class so you don’t have to pay shipping.
LOA 14’4” | LWL 11’8” | Beam (max) 47.5” | Beam (wl) 36” Depth amidships 13” | Capacity 500 lbs ppl, boat, gear PPI 145 | Cp 0.57
“Clint’s class is a must for aspiring small wooden boat builders! Our 3 day class held at Rocking The Boat used his expertly made modular boat kit. Clint guided us through construction with helpful hands on instructions, an incredibly knowledgeable perspective on woods, epoxies, and tools along with some great storytelling. I spent a fun exhilarating productive 3 days learning a lot as we built the boat and also took home some new friends and great memories.
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Registration begins January 1st through WoodenBoat school.
“Thank god I took this course before starting my kit!”