New 19′ Tunnel Skiff

New 19′ Tunnel Skiff

by | Jul 30, 2013 | News

I’m really excited about this 19′ design. It has an aggressive entry and a considerable amount of flare, as well as a similar tunnel to my other tunnel designs. The running bottom is similar to that of my 22′ in that it has a pronounced entry while still having a broad chine forward, which gives it superior stability and weight-carrying capabilities.

The layout can be configured to many different uses, and the owner can choose a variety of different options and degrees of finish.

Here’s one example.

19' tunnel skiff

19′ Carolina Tunnel Skiff with center console and open layout

This particular boat was designed for a man who takes duck hunting parties in the Currituck Sound. He wanted a boat that could haul a heavy load and still be comfortable and dry in a serious chop. I believe that this hull fits that bill perfectly for a 19′ long, 7.5′ wide skiff. It draws about 8″ of water and will run in less than 12″. He chose the console model with hydraulic steering and a 70 hp Yamaha, as well as the Dull Dead Grass hull color, solid rubber rub rail and a straightforward open deck layout. We see around 8 mpg and about 35 mph top end with this boat.

19' skiff with tiller

19′ Carolina style tunnel skiff with tiller.

In contrast, this 19′ tunnel skiff (same hull design), is outfitted with a 40 hp Etech tiller and totally open layout. This client wanted a shallow-draft skiff for fishing in the sounds but wanted big-water capabilities for heading out Oregon Inlet into the ocean. He chose a casting deck forward, which houses a 16 gallon fuel tank, anchor, PFDs, lines, etc. He chose aft seats, which double as storage and contain battery, panel, hydraulic pump, etc. He also chose a solid stainless steel rub rail and classic “Sportsman” paint scheme — Chevy white hull and decks, blue anti-fouling bottom paint and red boot stripe. The tiller version draws around 8″ at the entry and will top out around 30 mph.

 

Here are a few pictures. CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO ENLARGE THE IMAGE.

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Buddy Creef 19′ Tunnel Skiff

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19' skiff with tiller

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19′ Carolina style tunnel skiff with tiller.

Carolina style tunnel skiff

Harrison Boatworks 19′ Tunnel Skiff Entry and Spray Rails

Carolina-style tunnel skiff in Roanoke Sound

Outer Banks style tunnel skiff

Harrison Boatwork 19′ Tunnel Skiff Running Profile

19′ Tunnel Skiff running on Outer Banks in Roanoke Sound

Shallow-draft Carolina tunnel skiff

Harrison Boatworks 19′ Tunnel Skiff

Stern quarter shot of 19′ Tunnel Skiff

Outer Banks style tunnel skiff

Harrison Boatworks 19′ Tunnel Skiff

Runs in less than a foot of water; draws 8 to 9″, depending on load.

Harrison Boatworks 19' Tunnel Skiff

Harrison Boatworks 19′ Tunnel Skiff

Just enough shape to do the job of providing a smooth ride in a chop.

“Classic Boat Bay”

“Classic Boat Bay”

by | Jul 16, 2013 | News

The south bay of the shop has been filling up with historic and classic boat projects for maintenance and repairs. One of the things that makes my job so fun is getting to study these boats, whether they’re built locally or “from off,” while we’re working on them. There’s something to be learned from each and every project, no matter how big or small. And sometimes it’s just a privilege to touch a boat with such a history. Here are few of the interesting boats that have come through the Harrison Boatworks shop lately for one boat maintenance or boat repairs. Click on the image if you want to enlarge it.

1929 Richardson at Harrison Boatworks

This vessel required a new shaft log and shaft seal. It was transported to Harrison Boatworks from Edenton by our friend Luke Meekins of Southside Services.

1929 Richardson at Harrison Boatworks

This is a good example of an early version of a picnic-style boat. You’ll see this design approach refined in the Hinckley Tilaria.

1946 Chris Craft at Harrison Boatworks

This vessel was a project that Billy Barwick took on. He fiberglassed and faired from the waterline down and next year he will be refinishing the topsides.

1946 Chris Craft at Harrison Boatworks

This is a classic boat that anyone would want to own.

Carolina boat

If you live in North Carolina there’s a real good chance you’ve seen a boat similar to this one. Harrison Boatworks redid the interior of this boat, i.e., custom console, added casting decks fore and aft, all finished britework and engine and steering installation.

1930s N.C. Shad Boat at Harrison Boatworks

This is a prime example of the shapely design of the North Carolina state boat, which was originally used for commercial fishing under sail. George Washington Creef designed the first shad boats based on sailing vessels that he saw in the Bahamas. This particular boat is owned by my new neighbors Wayne and Nancy Gray of Wanchese. I was very excited to have this piece of history in the shop.

1930s shad boat at Harrison Boatworks

Our good friend Buddy Creef, who visits the shop often, is a direct descendant of the man who brought this shape to our state.

1930s N.C. Shad Boat at Harrison Boatworks

Harrison Boatworks has repainted the bottom, the hull and the washboards and fabricated a few new parts for the rudder. Bayliss Boatworks did the restoration on this boat a few years ago.

22′ Budsin Woodcraft Electric Launch

Harrison Boatworks was charged with the task of putting this boat together and making it run with an electric motor powered by four 8D batteries and a mechanical steering system that is very interesting. This boat was built by Tom Hesselink in Marshallberg, N.C.

Hinckley Tilaria at Harrison Boatworks

At Harrison Boatworks, this vessel has undergone extensive work, including a total bottom job, jet-drive maintenance, varnish work and a number of other maintenance services, as well as multiple deliveries to different destinations for the owner.

New Harrison Boatworks 19′ Tunnel Skiff

In addition to all these transient boats, we also have two models coming out this summer. This one is the new Harrison Boatworks 19′ Center Console Tunnel Skiff.

New Harrison Boatworks 18′ Tournament Series Flats Boat

This is also a new model that will be coming out at the end of this summer — the Harrison Boatworks 18′ Tournament Series Flats Boat. Both new models are powered by the 70 hp 4-stroke Yamaha. More to come on these two.