Scarborough Boatworks: Carolina Boatbuilding Tradition
"Wood is a natural God-given material. Its variations are part of its charm. We don't use stain, and we are not trying to make the surfaces all look the same but rather bring out their natural essence. I've worked solely with marine woods for over 30 years. These beautiful woods show off endless colors, patterns and variations. It's like Forrest Gump and his box of chocolates: there's white chocolate, golden caramel, dark chocolate, and everything in between."
— Ricky Scarborough, Jr.
their thoughts and dreams to life. That's pretty cool, I think."
Scarborough Boatworks was founded in 1977 by Ricky Scarborough, Sr. Ricky Jr. started at the firm in 1993 and apprenticed under his father until his dad's retirement in 2010. Today, Ricky Jr. carries on the proud tradition of Carolina boatbuilding, balancing form, function, beauty and seaworthiness in every boat. He has completed more than 80 custom projects from 25' to 85'. Scarborough Boatworks is North Carolina's longest operating boat building company.
Spotlight On: Carpathian Elm / English Elm
Species: Ulmus procera
Origin: Carpathian Mountains Western Europe
Common Applications: Boxes, baskets, furniture, hockey sticks, veneer, archery bows.
Characteristics / Appearance: The color varies from a reddish-brown heartwood to a pale pink with olive toned sapwood. The wood often has a wild interlocked grain with feathery lines between the growth rings, resulting in unique texture and character marks. Elm wood is strong and durable and is resistant to water. It glues, stains, and finishes well, responding well to steam bending.
Janka Hardness Scale: 810 lbf
Comments: At one time an important lumber species, Dutch elm disease greatly reduced this supply. Remaining wood is now mostly highly sought after as veneer. Burls of English elm is frequently referred to as Carpathian elm burl, with burled features creating high levels of unique figuring. Although most often found in wood veneer sheet form now, over its 1000+ year history English elm was used for decorative turnings, boats, furniture, boxes, wooden water pipes, coffins, and flooring.
Frequently asked questions
When was Scarborough Boatworks founded and who runs it now?+
Scarborough Boatworks was founded in 1977 by Ricky Scarborough, Sr. His son, Ricky Scarborough, Jr., joined the company in 1993, apprenticed under his father until his dad's retirement in 2010, and now leads the firm.
Is Scarborough Boatworks the oldest boatbuilder in North Carolina?+
Yes. Scarborough Boatworks is North Carolina's longest operating boat building company.
How many custom boats has Ricky Scarborough, Jr. built?+
Ricky Scarborough, Jr. has completed more than 80 custom projects, ranging in size from 25' to 85'.
Why doesn't Scarborough Boatworks stain its wood?+
According to Ricky Scarborough, Jr., wood is a natural material whose variations are part of its charm. The shop avoids stain in order to bring out the natural essence of the marine woods, showcasing their endless colors, patterns and variations.
What is Carpathian elm burl and where does it come from?+
Carpathian elm burl refers to burls taken from English elm (Ulmus procera), which originates in the Carpathian Mountains of Western Europe. The burled features create high levels of unique figuring, making it highly sought after as veneer.
What are the working properties of English elm wood?+
English elm is strong, durable, and resistant to water. It glues, stains, and finishes well, and responds well to steam bending. It has a Janka hardness rating of 810 lbf.