A man with a beard is wearing a hat and sunglasses.

Chris Barriss

Boatyard foreman

Joined the Crew in 2021

Chris Barriss has been a dedicated Boatyard Technician since 2021, bringing over 12 years of experience in safely hauling and moving boats of all sizes. His expertise is backed by certifications in travel lift operation, forklift handling, and OSHA shipyard safety training. His journey into the boating industry began unexpectedly—what started as a summer job in college quickly turned into a passion for working near the water. The fast-paced nature of the job and the beauty of both sailboats and powerboats drew him in, shaping a fulfilling career.

Beyond work, Chris has a personal love for boating, owning a 37-foot sailboat and having a background as a college swimmer. His most rewarding project was restoring his sailboat, transforming it from a yard junker into something he is proud of, with upgraded plumbing, electrical work, varnish, and paint. He brings this same level of care to every boat he handles, following his motto of providing “Yacht Quality” service. Chris understands that a customer’s best day is launching their boat, and their saddest is when the season ends—so he works hard to make each experience exceptional.

For boat owners, Chris offers one key piece of advice: don’t wait until July to launch! May and June provide perfect boating days that allow for more time on the water, creating lasting memories with family and friends. Outside of the boatyard, he enjoys golfing, gardening, swimming, maintaining saltwater aquariums, and reading. While he admits he doesn’t golf as often as he’d like, he finds humor in the fact that every great golf day is also a perfect boating day.

What Chris enjoys most about working at the boatyard is the camaraderie with his team—the hard work, fun moments, and shared laughs make every day enjoyable. He thrives on the variety of tasks, especially operating the different machines, ensuring that no two days are ever the same. His passion, dedication, and expertise make him a valuable asset to both the boatyard and its customers.