The South Carolina coast is home to boatbuilders, marinas and repair yards that need skilled hands. This diploma teaches you to build, maintain and repair recreational and work boats, from fiberglass hulls to marine engines and electrical systems.
What you’ll learn
- Fiberglass, composite and wood boat construction
- Marine engines, outboards and propulsion systems
- Marine electrical systems and ABYC standards
- Rigging, plumbing and systems installation
- Hull repair, gelcoat and finishing
Why Palmetto Ridge
Classes meet at the Cypress Landing Marina, where our boat shop sits right on the water of Cooper’s Run. Each cohort builds a complete boat from the hull up and launches it at the end of the program, a tradition that draws families and alumni every spring. Instructor Beau grew up in a family of Lowcountry boatbuilders, and instructor Marisol is an ABYC-certified marine electrician. Students prepare for American Boat & Yacht Council certifications, and local boatyards and marinas recruit directly from our shop.
Careers & next steps
- Boatbuilder
- Marine Technician
- Marine Electrician
- Composite Technician
- Marina Service Manager
Ready to start?
Applying is free. An advisor will help you map every class from day one to graduation.