Boats to Tools Auction 2025

Sat, Jun 21, 2025

Overview

Tools to Gear, Craft Essentials to Things-that-Float!

Look no further - the 2025 Boats to Tools Auction will soon be here! Whether you swing a blacksmith hammer, dream of enjoying a yurt on your property, are excited to explore a new craft, or simply want to support North House, now is the time to make plans. Follow this link to learn more about all of the Summer Solstice & Wooden Boat Festival goodness in store.

Donors Needed - thousands of items have been donated over the years, with hundreds featured every year! From cozy sleeping bags to spinning wheels, hand planes to canoes, your items can be a fully charitable gift or can generate a split of auction proceeds that benefit both you and North House. It’s always a good time to pass on gently used items so new hands can put them to use!

Bidders Wanted - this year a compact Noon-3pm auction window means the silent auction on campus will be spirited and full speed. We’re also excited to host an online auction to connect event attendees and those unable to join us on campus with the rare opportunity to purchase a North House timber frame, yurt, and wood-fired oven, in addition to other high-interest items. The online auction will get underway ahead of the on-campus event, starting June 9 and running until 4pm on Saturday, June 21.

Getting involved is easy!

North House’s auction portal makes it easy to be involved. Follow this link to sign up as an auction donor, submit your items, and confirm auction details. Auction item delivery starts at 9am on June 21 (Saturday). Other delivery options for larger or higher value items can be discussed.

Donation Form Browse Items

Get Ready!

Online bidding will be available for select items, including the unique opportunity to purchase a North House student-made timber frame, wood-fired oven, and much more! Visit givergy.us/B2T2025 to learn more!

The online portion of the auction will start June 9 (the Monday before the auction), but you don’t have to wait to register! It’s easy and free!

Visit https://us.givergy.com/B2T2025
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Sign In” under the Account heading
Enter your phone number or email
Enter your details and create a password
Add your credit card number to enable bidding
Make your authorization choices and review the Givergy policies

You’re all set!

Auction Q&A

How do I make a bid?

Click on Silent Auction Items, scroll through the list and tap on the item you want to bid on. At the bottom of the page beneath the photo and description it will show you the current winning bid and the next minimum bid you need to make. Enter your bid amount into the field at the bottom of the page and click Place Bid (if you are not registered you will need to register your details). Credit card information is required before placing your first bid.

How do I know if I have been outbid?

You can click on My Account and then My Bids to see all of the items you are currently winning or have been outbid on. You will also be sent a text and email notification if you have been outbid.

When does the auction close?

At 4pm CT on Saturday, June 21. There is a countdown clock on the item page showing how long is left until the item closes.

How do I know if I won an item?

When the system closes, your credit card will automatically be charged only if you have won an item and/or made a donation. You will then be sent a text and email notification with a confirmation of your payment. For item collection information please refer to the home page of this website.

Who should I contact if I have further questions?

For questions about auction items or making a donation, please contact Libby at llarson@northhouse.org. Please be aware that responses may be delayed during the on-campus portion of the event on Saturday, June 21.

Plans for 2025 are already taking shape!

A few intriguing items (below) are already part of the 2025 Auction. As new auction items are confirmed, plan on updates being shared! Sign up for our e-news to get auction announcements.

Mississippi River Skiff

Row row row this beautiful hand-built boat gently down the stream (or your local lakes)! Initially used at Urban Boatbuilders as a training vessel for people with mobility issues to practice doing transfers from wheelchairs, etc., into a boat, it has only been on the water several times.
Has some scratches and wear. Will be available to view on campus during the auction.
Estimated value: $1,200

Yurt

This 18-foot yurt is an excellent shelter option that provides comfortable living arrangements for all four seasons - whether as a spare bedroom, office, studio, sauna, or whatever else you can dream up! The structure features wooden framework, a fabric cover, rafter ring, two windows, and door. The cover is sewn from durable acrylic coated polyester. This yurt also includes an insulation liner and two double hung windows.

More info

Wood-Fired Brick Oven Core

Take your backyard cooking to the next level. Bake crusty hearth loaves, roast meats and veggies, host pizza parties—the possibilities abound.This is a rectangular barrel-arch style brick wood-fired oven. Interior dimensions: 27"x36". Only the oven core is completed, which includes a 4" reinforced concrete slab, under-hearth insulation, and the brick oven walls and arch.

More info

16'x20' White Pine Timber Frame

Built in a Basic Timber Framing class spring 2025, this beautiful 16' x 20' structure is ready to transform into just about anything you can dream - be it sauna, writing studio, picnic shelter, or guest cabin.

More info