LAMP Boatworks
Founded in 2007, LAMP Boatworks is the Museum's volunteer-driven, traditional wooden boatbuilding program. The craft of wooden boatbuilding has been practiced longer in St. Augustine than anywhere else in the U.S. and LAMP Boatworks is dedicated to keeping this tradition alive and relevant for new generations. LAMP Boatworks involves a small but dedicated group of volunteers, who at the close of 2009 have finished three vessels with four more underway, and has recently passed its first U.S. Coast Guard builder's inspection. LAMP Boatworks focuses on the construction of traditional vessel types once common in the waters of St. Augustine and Northeast Florida and also works with archaeologists to aid with the interpretation, reconstruction and experimental replication of archaeological boat and ship remains.
LAMP Boatworks is the traditional wooden boatbuilding program overseen by the Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program (LAMP) and carried out by a dedicated team of volunteers. Wooden boatbuilding thrived in St. Augustine for over four centuries until it was finally supplanted by fiberglass construction in the early 1980s. LAMP Boatworks is committed to keeping this maritime tradition alive and relevant by constructing living replicas of vessels once common in the waters of St. Augustine and northeast Florida. The boat builders' work also aids LAMP archaeologists with the interpretation, reconstruction and experimental replication of archaeological boat and ship remains.
LAMP Boatworks, established in 2007, has built four boats by the end of 2009. They have been issued a Manufacturer's Identification Code (prefix 'LMP') by the U.S. Coast Guard and are regularly inspected by their Recreational Boat Testing & Factory Compliance Program. Our current project, begun in late 2009, is the reconstruction of a 14' British yawl (ship's boat) based on a 1760 Royal Navy design. It is framed primarily with St. Augustine-grown live oak. It will be presented to our overseas shipbuilding partner, the Astilleros Nereo ("Nereo Shipyard") in Malaga, Spain, when their full-sized replica of the Revolutionary War ship Galveztown arrives in St. Augustine, planned for 2011.
LAMP Boatworks volunteers meet at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum every Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon, except in the hottest summer months. All visitors are welcome to watch and ask questions or lend a hand by participating as a volunteer. To volunteer, simply show up during these times or contact our Volunteer Coordinator by calling 904-829-0745.
