John C. Harris

John C. Harris is an American boat designer who founded Chesapeake Light Craft, specializing in innovative small boat designs particularly suited for kit construction and amateur building. Harris revolutionized small boat construction with his stitch-and-glue building methods and computer-aided design approach. His designs range from kayaks and canoes to small sailboats, all characterized by their ease of construction and excellent performance characteristics. Notable designs include the Northeaster Dory, Skerry, and various Chesapeake series boats. Harris's work has made boat building accessible to thousands of amateur builders while maintaining high standards of design and performance. His educational approach through detailed instructions and videos has significantly contributed to the revival of amateur boat building.