The occupational safety and health hazards of boat building and repair (SIC-3732) are discussed. The boat building industry employs a large number of employees who work in many small shops. The basic construction materials of boats are fiberglass, reinforced plastic, wood or metal. Rates of occupational injury and illness are high. These include falls, lacerations, low back injury, repetitive motion injury, and noise exposure. Exposure to hazardous materials occur during construction and exposure in the process of welding, painting, and pouring lead. Abrasions and rubbing accidents are the most common types of injury. Musculoskeletal injury, intense noise exposure, and fire and explosion are some of the hazards involved. Exposure to toluene (108883), polyester resin systems, styrene (100425), wood dust, methyl-ethyl-ketone (1338234), and fibrous glass also occurs. A small number of workers are exposed to lead- chromate (7758976), asbestos (1332214), and formaldehyde (50000). Some diseases related to exposure to these chemicals are described, including skin irritation, respiratory disease, and neoplasms. Some preventive measures involve engineering controls such as ventilation. Use of personal protective equipment, personnel education, medical surveillance and first aid facilities, and development of fire fighting plans are discussed. The authors conclude that strong hazard control programs will provide health and economic benefits in the boat building industry.