Build Your Own Drake 17: Build It, Row It, Race It

Boatshop Build Workshop

Build dates: both Sept. 15-19 and Sept. 22-26 | 8:30 AM–5 PM

Cost: $4,599 member, $4,649 non-member (boat kit included)

In this beginner-level construction class we will build the versatile and beautiful Chase Small Craft designed Drake 17, a rowing craft built to handle the everyday conditions that the Puget Sound has to throw at it!

With the wood, screws, and glue on hand, we will build the boat from precut parts throughout the two week course. Boatshop manager, Joel Arrington, and the boat designer himself, Clint Chase, will lead you through parts making, hull building, gunwales construction and seat installation. The workshop will end with instructions on how to prep and paint your boat, or prepare it for sailing.

This is a great class for people who want to build their first boat in an exciting, educational setting and with the guidance of the designer-builder. You will be ready to go home loaded with great memories and a boat ready and equipped to sand and paint. Finished right the boat can be as light as 110 lbs making her easy to trailer home!

We will work Monday-Friday for two consecutive weeks. We’ll start at 8:30 AM daily and try to end by 5 PM each day. For those building a sailing version, we can discuss getting in a little extra time, plan on doing a class extension if you want a sailing version. Expect to leave long days in the shop, tired but happy. If you’d like to bring a friend to help with the workload, we encourage it! (Just remember to note their name on the registration waiver form).

For more details on this beautiful boat, including kit listing and finished specs, please visit the Chase Small Craft website.

Drake 17 Key Features:

• A hull shape that maximizes seaworthiness and easy glide through the water
• A low-aspect lug rig option that allows the boat to sail off the wind
• Beginner level construction using the kit

The Drake 17 is built from 6mm Okoume marine plywood for the hull (optional 4mm for middle and sheer strakes), transverse ring frames, and interior buoyancy tanks. The stem and sternposts are actually from precut, laminated plywood in the kit.

The kit includes the strongback and all the interior structure which is set up using a number of interlocking, CNC-cut features, and planked upside down. The keel, seats, and gunwales are built out of Cedar, Spruce, Pine and a bit of hardwood to keep her light but strong. Finished right the boat can be as light as 110 lbs making her easy to trailer especially with a light trailer.

Course Details:

• For Ages: 18+ (Students under 18 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. .)
• Duration: Ten days, 8:30 AM–5 PM each day (7.5 hours of class time, 1 hour for lunch).
• Cost: $4,599 member, $4,649 non-member (boat kit included)
• Registration: Sign up online at nwmaritime.campbrainregistration.com
• Materials: Please wear clothing that can get a little dirty. You may be working outside some of the time, so be sure to dress for the weather. Please bring a water bottle, lunch, and your own PPE if you have it (ear protection, safety glasses, mask, and gloves). We have loaners if needed. Tools will be provided, though you are welcome to bring a few of your favorites.