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Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center

4.7

·37 reviews·Beaufort, United States

Witness the art of traditional wooden boat building and explore maritime history at this unique, free center in Beaufort, NC.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

See boat building in action

CrowdLow

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Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center

Best Time

Daytime

See boat building in action

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Witness the art of traditional wooden boat building and explore maritime history at this unique, free center in Beaufort, NC.

4.7

(37 reviews)

"A must-see on your adventure of touring Beaufort, NC for its exceptional craftsmanship."

TIP

Free Admission! 🎉

Entry is free! Step inside through the side entrance to witness the craftsmanship.

Watch the Artisans

Observe the skilled boat builders at work; it's the main attraction and a unique experience.

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 37 reviews

Type

Museum

Address

326 Front St, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA

Website

thewatercraftcenter.com

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Live Boat Building

Workshop Gallery

Watch skilled craftspeople meticulously build wooden boats by hand, a truly captivating display of maritime artistry.

Historical Exhibits

Museum Area

Explore exhibits featuring antique tools and learn about the historical methods used in crafting sea-worthy vessels.

Taylor's Creek Water Views

Exterior

Enjoy picturesque views of Taylor's Creek, offering a serene backdrop to the center's maritime activities.

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A Glimpse into Traditional Boat Building

Witness the art of handcrafted wooden boats. The Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center offers a unique opportunity to see skilled artisans at work, preserving maritime heritage. It's a free, fascinating stop for anyone interested in craftsmanship and coastal history.

Beaufort's Coastal Charm

Located in the charming town of Beaufort, NC, this center provides a hands-on look at boat building. Enjoy scenic water views of Taylor's Creek and explore the exhibits showcasing historical tools and techniques. It's a perfect addition to your Beaufort itinerary.

Best Times

When

Daytime

Why

See boat building in action

Crowd

Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

5.13.2022 • • Chelsea + Alex A perfect representation of a ENC Coastal Wedding. From their ceremony at the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center to their reception at the Merrimon Estate, their wedding day was exactly what they had envisioned. Chelsea & Alex were so intentional in the small details and included countless things that gave recognition to how they met and their shared love for sailing. ...

downtoido

32 likes • 2.1K views

Free Admission! 🎉

Entry is free! Step inside through the side entrance to witness the craftsmanship.

Watch the Artisans

Observe the skilled boat builders at work; it's the main attraction and a unique experience.

C + T’s wedding day at the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center was perfection! 😍 This day was full of unique and special details such as oyster shell place settings and table runners, the groom’s nautical socks and bubble machines to end the night—just to name a few! Oh, and the best part?! The bride made the reception decorations herself! 👏🏼 Check out her page @livingonsaltwater to see how she did ...

brewmastersmobile

10 likes • 866 views

How to make a unique table runner for your wedding! I decoupaged 900 oysters for our tables! I can’t wait for this vision to come to life! #beaufortnc #harveywsmithwatercraftcenter #ncmaritimemuseumbeaufort #weddingdecorations #coastalwedding #oysterart #weddingreceptiondecor #beachwedding #beaufortncweddings #beaufortweddings #crystalcoastweddings #diyweddingdecor #diyweddingideas

livingonsaltwater

79.7K likes • 2.1M views

Coastal Wedding Venue

This center is also a popular spot for unique coastal weddings! +1

Scenic Water Views

Don't miss the lovely views of Taylor's Creek from the center.

This is your sign to get married in a Maritime Museum ⛵️🚤⚓️ 📸: @cynthiarosephoto Planning & Florals: @thefrenchbeeevents White Birch Pieces: ‘Acadia’ Tables ‘Acadia’ Chairs Antique wood printing boxes ——— This wedding was published on Zola & Aisle Society. https://www.zola.com/inspiration/wedding/spring-wedding-at-the-harvey-w-smith-watercraft-center

whitebirchrentals

90 likes • 1.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Admission! 🎉

Entry is free! Step inside through the side entrance to witness the craftsmanship.

Watch the Artisans

Observe the skilled boat builders at work; it's the main attraction and a unique experience.

Coastal Wedding Venue

This center is also a popular spot for unique coastal weddings! +1

Scenic Water Views

Don't miss the lovely views of Taylor's Creek from the center.

What Travellers Say

4.7

(37 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center for its authentic portrayal of traditional boat building and its free admission. Many highlight the unique opportunity to witness skilled craftspeople at work and appreciate the historical exhibits. The scenic water views of Taylor's Creek are also a noted positive aspect.

"See how a boat is built by hand. You can watch from the gallery as people work on a boat and check out the exhibits."

LeeHethcox

"Exceptional craftsmanship in rustic , skilled boat building.
The public is welcome to step in and observe the historically accurate portrayal of custom boat building.
The shop is still being used today.
This is a must see on your adventure of touring Beaufort, NC."

C Cole

"History of wooden boats and how they are made. Small museum but cool to see them handcrafting sea worthy vessels. During, the day time, they build models of the ships. Shows the old tools of the period and how they were used."

Philip Blais

What People Like

Live boat building

Free admission

Historical exhibits

What People Dislike

Can be small for some

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The center is located in Beaufort, NC. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk from other attractions in the historic district.

While specific parking details can vary, Beaufort generally has public parking areas. It's recommended to check local signage upon arrival for the most convenient spots.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The center is typically open during daytime hours, allowing visitors to observe the boat building process. It's best to check their official website or local listings for the most current hours.

No, admission to the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center is free! This makes it an accessible and valuable stop for all visitors.

Yes, the public is welcome to step in and observe the historically accurate portrayal of custom boat building from a gallery or designated viewing areas.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can witness traditional wooden boat building in progress, explore exhibits on maritime history and tools, and enjoy views of Taylor's Creek.

The shop is still used today for boat building, suggesting ongoing activity. Visitors can observe the craftspeople at work during operating hours.

While primarily observational, the live boat building itself is a highly engaging experience. The historical exhibits also offer insights into past practices.

The center focuses on historically accurate portrayals of custom boat building, emphasizing traditional methods and craftsmanship for sea-worthy vessels.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed for personal use, especially to capture the unique boat building process and exhibits. Always be mindful of the working environment and any specific signage.

The workshop gallery offers great views of the boats under construction. The exterior also provides lovely shots with the water views of Taylor's Creek.