Built to Last

by Caroline Hoyt

Patrick Harrison discovered his passion for woodworking and boat design while earning a Bachelors in Fine Arts from Eastern Carolina University and working as a fish cleaner at the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center. After apprenticing with Naval architect Robin Smith, Harrison went out to build his own business in 1999, specializing in traditional woodworking methods of construction.

Today, Harrison is recognized as one of the last builders preserving wooden boatbuilding tradition in the Outer banks. From his debut project for Lewis Strickland, the Carolina Magic, to the seven ongoing projects in his shop today, Harrison honors those who came before him. Warren O’Neal, Omie Tillett, and Glenn “Peanut” Haught are among those he recognizes as personal mentors and pioneers in boat building and design. In their memory, Harrison shares his passion and craftsmanship with the next generation, starting with Campbell Crisler and his own son, Burcham Harrison.

There’s not many people or places in the world that are still building boats like we do… If you do it right, it’s going to last forever.

Burcham Harrison (right) grabs items from storage while his father meets with a client (left) to review an ongoing project.

Patrick Harrison flips through archival photos of the construction of the Rapscallion, one of the first projects he took part in under his apprenticeship. He points out Robin Smith and Glen u201cPeanutu201d Haught.

Harrison Boatworksu2019 cold-molding-process begins with u201cLofting.u201d This technique requires the boat body to be shaped along a wooden frame which Harrison handmakes and reuses for different projects.

In his workshop, Patrick Harrison works on up to six projects at a time. Campbell Crisler (bottom left) and his son, Burcham Harrison (not pictured), help him complete ongoing projects.

Burcham Harrison and Campbell Crisler share notes while inspecting a damaged boat during working hours at Harrison Boatworks.

Campbell Crisler inspects an ongoing project before calling with a client to verify measurements and special features.

Harrison laughs with u201cRed,u201d another member of his staff. u201cI had been into carpentry before I moved here,u201d Red shared, u201cA friend of mine told me to contact Patrick, and Iu2019ve been here ever since.u201d

Burch Harrison works on the wiring of the inner console of an ongoing project. Patrick Harrison cherishes working with this son. u201cHeu2019s a total natural,u201d he observes.

Patrick Harrison works on cutting and carving wooden details for a project in his shop. u201cI prefer woodworking,u201d he says u201c[it] has a certain kind of feel to it.u201d

In his studio, Patrick Harrison collects and preserves an archive of designs originally made by the late Glen u201cPeanutu201d Haught. Early on in his career, Harrison remembers Haughtu2019s help on a challenging project. u201cHe didnu2019t hesitateu2026 Just told me what I needed to knowu2026 He answered all of my real specific questionsu2026 I never forgot it.u201d

Burcham Harrison (right) grabs items from storage while his father meets with a client (left) to review an ongoing project.

Caroline Hoyt

Built to Last

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