Together for Wooden Boatbuilding
The Wooden Boat Trade Association (WBTA) is a volunteer-led organisation, established in 1990, dedicated to supporting and promoting the craft of wooden boatbuilding across the UK.
Our members – ranging from established builders to allied trades and emerging professionals – are united by a shared passion for working with wood and a belief in its value as a boatbuilding material, both now and for the future.
We are a small organisation with a big aim – to demonstrate that wood is not only a beautiful and capable material for building boats but is also one that supports sustainable practices and a long-established skilled tradition of wooden boatbuilding in the UK.
We embrace proven, time-honoured wooden boat construction, and, champion modern techniques and technologies.
— Our Mission
To protect, promote, and support the craft of wooden boatbuilding across the UK – today and into the future.
— Our Vision
A thriving, inclusive community of skilled wooden boatbuilders and allied trades, recognised for excellence, integrity, and sustainable practice.
Who we are
– Chairman
COLIN HENWOOD
The WBTA is run by a volunteer committee made up of experienced members from across the trade. Their role is to guide the association, support members, and represent the shared interests of the wooden boatbuilding community.
