Interview with Jen Harner, IYRS '05; Boat Carpenter at Rick Waters Boatbuilder, Noank, CT

Tell us a little about your life before IYRS.

Jen Harner: After earning a B.A. in anthropology, I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so I came back to Rhode Island to live with my family and had a few temp jobs. Then, I learned about IYRS on the Internet and decided to come down to visit and talk. I had no idea that I could be trained and have a career like this. I took an IYRS woodworking workshop and said, “I want to do this!”  So I enrolled in the full-time program.

What are you up to now?

JH: I live in Westerly, R.I., about ten minutes from Noank where I work at Rick Waters Boatbuilders (RWB). I’ve been there since I graduated from IYRS in 2005. It’s a small shop, just Rick and three of us. I consider myself a boat carpenter, but I also do finish work. I’ve found that basically whatever you build, you end up finishing.

Why did you choose to work in a traditional boatyard?

JH: I knew that I didn’t want to work for a big place and be one of 50 people. And I didn’t want to work with fiberglass. I wanted a smaller shop where I could work with a variety of projects and be exposed to a variety of skill sets.

How did your time at IYRS prepare you for your current position at RWB?

JH: When I started at RWB, I had the confidence to use most tools and learn to use new ones. I had learned to problem solve and troubleshoot at IYRS, so even if I don’t know how to do something, I know that I can figure it out.

Were there any surprises once you got into the work world?

JH: Well, I’ve had to learn to work effectively—efficiently and quickly. At IYRS, the instructors set high expectations for fine craftsmanship, but now I don’t always have that luxury. So I’ve needed to find a balance. For example, I worked on a deck box and wanted to do it perfectly, but I also had to get it done on time.

What single skill that you learned at IYRS has been most valuable so far in your career?

JH: Tool use. Knowing how to use hand tools right means I can use any other tools. I can apply that skill to so many other areas—cabinetry, furniture, even theater set design. I’m marketable in other industries. I also learned to have faith in my skills and ability and to trust my own judgment. I try to get as much information from people as I can and then go figure it out.

What projects are you working on right now?

JH: We just put the finishing touches on a 1941 Webb Eldridge lobster boat. It was a huge repair job and my first big project. I also worked on Neith, the Herreshoff sloop celebrating her 100th anniversary this summer.

What do you like most about your job?

JH: It’s very satisfying to work on a project, see the end result, and know I was part of it. I also like the stories behind the boats and their owners who tend to be fascinating people.