Old Salt Founders Build
Boatshop Build Workshop
March 2–13, 2026 | 9 AM–5 PM | Cost: $5,199 non-member, $4,999 member ($2,200 additional costs for sail and mast)
Description:
Join the very first group to build—and sail—the brand-new Old Salt 15, a plywood kit boat designed by Josh Colvin (Small Craft Advisor) and Brandon Davis (Turnpoint Design). This Founders Build offers the rare opportunity to work alongside the designers and NWM Boatshop staff to build a boat created specifically to make sailing easier, safer, and more enjoyable—without sacrificing performance.
The Old Salt 15 was designed with older or physically limited sailors in mind, focusing on comfort, stability, and simplicity. But its smart features will appeal to anyone who values time on the water over time rigging at the dock.
Key Features & Specs
- Length: 15 feet
- Hull Weight: ~400 lbs plywood construction for easy handling on land
- Ballast: Centerline water ballast tank adds 400+ lbs for exceptional stability
- Seating: Deep, high seats with tall, rounded coamings for back support—no sitting on the bottom of the boat
- Cockpit Layout: Centerboard housed in starboard seat for a wide, flat cockpit floor—ideal for moving around or sleeping aboard
- Storage & Flotation: Enclosed seats with hatches, fore and aft compartments, and a semi-open cabin with 35” cabintop for reclined seating and gear stowage
- Camp-Cruising Capability: Optional stowage/cockpit tent combo transforms the OS15 into a capable camp-cruiser
Rig & Sailing Advantages
The OS15’s freestanding, two-piece carbon fiber mast is ultra-light and stows inside the boat. Stepping the mast is quick and safe—simply position the heel in the step, raise it through the cabintop slot, secure, and pin. The fully battened, boomless, square-topped sail (155 sq ft) is hoisted with a single halyard, with no stays, boom, or complex rigging to manage. Reefing is as easy as moving hooks or shackles up a grommet.
Please note: While the rudder and centerboard kit (foils kit) is included at no additional charge, the sail and mast are not included in the workshop price—they can be added for an additional $2,200.
Tequilla Package
An optional bowsprit with asymmetrical spinnaker—the “Tequila Package”—offers extra speed and fun. Please note: Please reach out to Small Craft Advisor (josh@smallcraftadvisor.com or www.smallcraftadvisor.com/) to order the additional speed of the “Tequila Package”!
Trailer Options
Westside Marine, in Port Townsend, has confirmed they will offer the EZ-Loader 90-BS-14-18 2300 for $2750 plus tax. This reflects a 5% discount from their normal price. Builders would pf course be welcome to find other solutions. Given the boat’s flattish bottom, it’s possible a lot of trailers would do the job.
What You’ll Do
In this class, you’ll build your own Old Salt 15 from one of the very first production kits, learning modern plywood boatbuilding, rigging, and finishing techniques. Guided by the designers and NWM’s Boatshop crew, you’ll be part of the boat’s history—helping bring a new design to life while creating your own small cruiser to enjoy for years to come.
Please note: The sail and mast are not included in the workshop price—they can be added for an additional $2,200. The rudder and centerboard kit (foils kit) is included at no additional charge.
Founder Builder attendees can purchase a new EZ-Loader trailer (90-BS-14-18-2300) from Westside Marine in Port Townsend for $2,895 plus tax. This reflects a 5% discount. See photos here. Given the Old Salt’s relatively flat bottom and light weight, builders can certainly bring their own used trailers, flatbed type, etc. if they prefer.
The workshop runs from March 2–13. Students will have access to the shop without instruction for the weekend of March 7-8.
Course Details:
- For Ages: 18+ (Students under 18 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. The chaperone and youth together will count as one participant, so only one tuition fee will be charged—contact our Registrar to register as youth + chaperone)
- Duration: 9 AM–5 PM (7 hours of class time, 1 hour for lunch)
- Cost: $5,199 non-member, $4,999 member
- Registration: Sign up online at nwmaritime.campbrainregistration.com
- Notes: 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.