Restore a Chris-Craft Runabout

In partnership with Antique & Classic Boat Society (ACBS), IYRS School of Technology & Trades is launching a limited-enrollment course for experienced boatbuilders, runabout enthusiasts and enthusiastic amateurs to restore a wooden runabout motorboat to ACBS standards.

Mahogany Runabout motor boat

 

Restore a Runabout | 9 month program | Meets Monday through Friday, 8:30-5 | Starts September 9

Who is this class for?

This limited-enrollment, non-accredited skills class is perfect for experienced boat builders looking to broaden their knowledge and for runabout enthusiasts looking to gain the confidence to take on their own projects. Woodworking skills are preferred but enthusiastic amateurs are encouraged to apply.

Program Details

  • Location: Classes will be held in Restoration Hall on the IYRS School of Technology & Trades Campus, 449 Thames Street, Newport, RI.
  • For more information, and to express your interest in the Runabout course, please fill out the form on the right or email Bjorn Bakken at Runabout@iyrs.edu. The selection process will run from now until the class is full or June 7, 2026. Please note that the application process for the runabout course will not follow the standard process outlined on our apply page. 

This pilot program will be documented to create instructional resources. 

Scholarship Opportunities

Please note that this class is non-accredited and therefore does not qualify for federal funding. However, limited scholarship opportunities are available! Please fill out the Runabout Scholarship Form below to be considered for scholarship. 

Available Scholarships

  • Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club Scholarship - $1,000 - Awarded to one student or divided among multiple students enrolling in the Runabout program. Fill out the Runabout Scholarship Form below to be considered.

Other Opportunities

Our full-time (20‑month) Boatbuilding & Restoration program is eligible for federal funding.

Relocating to Newport to attend IYRS

Looking to relocate to Rhode Island for the program? Here are some resources for those considering housing options in Newport and surrounding locations. 

Ready to apply?

Apply Now!

Want more info?

You can email runabout instructor Bjorn Bakken at Runabout@iyrs.edu or fill out the form below. 

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Please fill out the Runabout Scholarship Form below

About the Runabout class

This immersive class guides students through every phase of restoration—working hands-on to bring a real wooden runabout back to life.

The runabout restoration program begins with shop safety, tool and machine use. Students will progress from a series of bench projects designed to develop tool-use skills then advance to the frame up restoration of a mahogany runabout motorboat, like Chris-Craft, Gar Wood, Hackercraft and Riva. In addition to the restoration work, the students will survey, document and obtain historical documentation of the vessel. Introductory subjects will include construction methods and terminology, research, project management, materials and classic marine engines.

Following the introductory period, students will restore the boat according to industry standard methods for replacement of bottom, keel, frames, topsides and decks. With woodworking completed the restoration continues with interior and upholstery, brightwork, varnish and marine finishes, wiring and mechanical systems. Engine and drive train installation is completed and culminates in water testing. While students work on their project, progress is documented with reports and photos.

PREPARATION

  • Construction & terminology
  • Survey
  • Disasembly & preparation
  • Inspection & straightening of hull framework
  • Structural components

PLANKING

  • Bottom planking
  • Topside planking
  • Deck planking
  • Fairing hull & deck

FINISH WORK

  • Finish
  • Hardware restoration
  • Hardware installation
  • Upholstery
Runabout boats in progress
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Bjorn Bakken

About your instructor, Bjørn Bakken

Bjørn is a fifth-generation master woodworker recognized nationally and internationally for his restoration of mahogany runabout boats. Some of his work includes “gray boat” restorations of a 1940 Chris Craft Deluxe and a 1955 Riva Ariston. Bjørn has received numerous awards for his boat restorations, including “Best in Show” and “Best in Class”. Bjørn is on the International Board of Directors of the Antique and Classic Boat Society (ACBS), and the past Treasurer.

Born and raised in Norway, Bjørn trained as a woodworker in high school and after completing his apprenticeship at the family business, attended college for manufacturing engineering. Bjørn moved to the United States with a Danish tooling start-up in 1996 and spent nearly 30 years designing and selling cutting tools for the woodworking industry while working on mahogany power boats on the side. His background in both craftsmanship and advanced manufacturing is an exciting skill set that will guide our students through the fundamentals of woodworking and prepare them for careers in modern marine carpentry.

 

Trained wooden boat restorers are needed in crafting and restoring vintage power boats. Graduates from the runabout class develop expertise in many aspects of wooden boatbuilding, including frame construction, boat design, finishing, and repairs — which are all highly valued skills in the marine industry.

- Bjorn Bakken, Runabout Instructor

The Antique & Classic Boat Society, Inc. (ACBS) is proud to be an educational partner on the IYRS runabout restoration program. 

Since its founding in 1975 on the shores of Lake George, New York, The Antique and Classic Boat Society, Inc. (ACBS) has grown into the largest society in the world dedicated to the enjoyment and preservation of classic boats. Part of the ACBS mission is to promote historical accurate restoration of these classic vessels, through education, information and scholarships to boatbuilding schools. 

IN 2021, NEWSWEEK NAMED IYRS A BEST MAKER SCHOOL IN THE WORLD

Newsweek named IYRS one of the Best Maker Schools in the world for 2021. Winners of this award are institutions of higher education that have curricula that encourages learning by doing; are supported by educators committed to collaborative problem-solving; have well-developed makerspaces, labs, and studios; and which support diverse, interactive communities that engage in knowledge and skill sharing.