Lake Macquarie Classic Boatshed officially opened on Thursday with two boatsheds on the Rathmines foreshore, on Stilling Street.

The chairman of the Boatshed committee, Noel Heslop, said the organisation's aim "is to muck around with boats".

"We wanted to create a good place where people can gather to talk and tinker with boats," he said.

Many of the boats that the group is restoring or repairing were donated or abandoned.

The two boatsheds were part of the former Rathmines airbase - one was the sub-station, the other was the shower block.

"The urinal ran straight through the middle - you can see the remains covered with concrete," Mr Heslop laughed.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Jodie Harrison recognised Lake Macquarie Classic Boatshed members as the local custodians of boatbuilding skills.

"We're a region that's been very good at building ships for a long time so it's very fitting that here in Lake Macquarie we've got a boatshed to carry forward those skills," Cr Harrison said.

"Council is very pleased to have these buildings that are so important to the area being used again by the community."

Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper said it was hard to think of a better use for the historical buildings.

"They are making wonderful use of buildings that have sat idle for some time now," Mr Piper said.

"I'm very impressed with the work they're doing."

Mr Piper and Cr Harrison were so impressed by the Lake Macquarie Classic Boatshed that they both donated $500 out of their own pockets.

Mr Heslop said the group was based on the Men's Shed movement but women are welcome to join.

Melissa Cleary, who was representing Member for Charlton Pat Conroy, was so taken by the organisation that she joined up on the spot.

Anyone interested in joining the group can drop by on Thursday mornings.

"At 10.30am we always stop what we are doing to have a coffee and some morning tea - that's very important," Mr Heslop said.