Together, we go further.

Why Join?

Member Visibility

Your profile is listed on the WBTA website — helping customers find and contact you. You’ll also appear in our printed Members’ Directory, shared at major events like the Southampton Boat Show.

Acting Together

Acting together increases our collective influence. We negotiate as a group, promote the trade more effectively, and get better value for every member.

Advice & Peer Support

From legal questions to build challenges, you can tap into the collective expertise of fellow members — practical, honest advice from people who know the trade.

On Going Promotion

The WBTA website is updated regularly with news, updates, and features — just send your info to the editor and we’ll share it with the wider community and public.

Industry Recognition

We represent our members in wider industry bodies such as the Heritage Craft Association and the Maritime Heritage Trust, building important relationships and helping to keep wooden boatbuilding visible at a national level.

“As a result of our association with the HCA, Alan Staley won a Heritage Craft Award for Apprentice Training — presented by King Charles himself.”

Class of Membership

Eligibility for Membership

Any sole trader, firm, or company, actively carrying on a business, the major proportion of which is wooden boatbuilding and/or repairing, within the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, shall be eligible for membership of the Association. Applications for membership outside the above category may be accepted at the discretion of the Committee.

Full
Member

£80 pa

Open to applicants able to demonstrate an on-going business with some history of substance in wooden yacht or boatbuilding and/or renovation, having equipment, appropriate premises, a good standard of workmanship, technical knowledge, and sound trading practice. Subject to inspection, references and Committee approval.

Apply for Full Membership

Associate
Member

£80 pa

Open to tradespeople who don’t yet meet Full Membership criteria but show a good standard of workmanship. Includes employees of thoses engaged in suitable wooden boat building businesses and boat school graduates entering the trade. Subject to inspection (where practical), references, and Committee approval.

Apply for Associate Membership

Affiliate
Member

£80 pa

Available to individuals and concerns not engaged in the trade, but having connection with it by way of supplying goods, services, support or education. Appointment by members' recommendation and Committee approval.

Apply for Affiliate Membership

Introductory Member

£25 pa

Open to boatbuilding students, graduates, and start-ups, new to the industry. Subject to inspection (if appropriate), references and Committee approval.

Apply for Introductory Membership

Need help applying?

You can apply online using the form linked under each membership type. If you prefer, you can also download the relevant application form below and return by post: