Harrison Boatworks 28 Center Console Sportfisherman: Carolina-Style, Cold-Molded Performance

With its distinctive broken sheer, flared bow and cold-molded construction, the Harrison Boatworks 28 Center Console Sportfisherman captures classic Carolina lines while delivering modern performance and efficiency.

Design Intent and Seakeeping

Patrick Harrison, owner and operator of Harrison Boatworks on Roanoke Island, N.C., designed the 28 to combine a high-end finish with true seakeeping ability. The hull’s progression of deadrise from the transom to the forefoot delivers predictable handling in chop and offshore conditions, while relatively flat aft sections provide stability at rest and an efficient running surface underway. The transom deadrise measures 11 degrees, a compromise that yields a stable fishing platform without penalizing performance.

Those design choices make the 28 an excellent sea boat that planes easily at low rpm with minimal bow rise—qualities that appeal to anglers who want a comfortable ride and efficient cruising without excessive engine power.

Construction: Cold-Molded Strength and Light Weight

Harrison builds the 28 using a cold-molded process, laminating alternating layers of okoume marine plywood and fiberglass with epoxy resin. This method creates a strong, lightweight hull that resists fatigue and offers the stiffness and durability expected in custom sportfishing craft. Cold-molding also allows for fair, flowing shapes and the kind of hand-finished details that distinguish boutique builders.

The 28’s overall length is 29 feet, 6 inches (LOA), and the beam is 9 feet, 3 inches, dimensions that provide an efficient hull form while still offering usable cockpit and cabin space.

Propulsion and Performance

Harrison has built at least two of these center consoles. The most recent hull is powered by a single 300-hp Yamaha HPDI 2-stroke outboard, achieving a reported top end near 39 knots and a comfortable cruise around 30 knots. While Harrison has not published formal fuel-burn figures, he describes the 28 as extremely fuel efficient with that single-engine installation. He also expects the newer Yamaha V6 300-hp 4-stroke to be a likely future choice for owners seeking the latest in four-stroke economy and reliability.

Because the hull planes readily without enormous horsepower, the 28 can deliver spirited performance and long-range cruising capability without the complexity, cost and fuel consumption associated with multiple high-horsepower outboards.

Layout and Accommodations

Despite its efficient, performance-oriented hull, the 28 includes practical accommodations for weekend trips and overnighting. The boat features a small cuddy cabin with a V-berth and an electric head, making it suitable for overnighting or shelter during extended days on the water. High-end finish choices noted on recent builds include teak decks and teak washboards, adding warmth and durability underfoot and in the cockpit area.

Options available on the recent model included a trailer and a fold-down upper steering station, giving owners the flexibility to trailer the boat and benefit from an elevated helm position when desired.

Price and Availability

The most recent Harrison Boatworks 28, equipped with the 300-hp 2-stroke and the listed options, carried a price of $150,000. Harrison builds bespoke boats in small runs or one-offs, so pricing and availability depend on specifications, options and current build schedules.

Builder and Contact

Harrison Boatworks operates from Roanoke Island, North Carolina, where Patrick Harrison designs and custom-builds a range of boats—from the 17-foot flats skiff to larger express and convertible sportfishermen. For inquiries and current production details, contact Harrison Boatworks, Roanoke Island, N.C., at (252) 473-0161.

This article originally appeared in the May 2010 issue.