The BARBARA J: Uncovering the History of this Iconic Crab Fishing Vessel

Along the rugged coasts of Alaska, brave crews board sturdy vessels each season to hunt for lucrative catches of king crab, snow crab and other prized species. Among the seasoned crab boats that ply these dangerous waters is the iconic BARBARA J. For over 30 years, this intrepid boat has survived icy storms, treacherous seas, and back-breaking work to haul in millions of pounds of succulent crab

But just who owns and operates the renowned BARBARA J? Let’s pull back the curtain on this hardworking boat to meet the driven fishermen who call her home.

Built Tough for the Bering Sea

Constructed in 1982 by maritime builder Dakota Creek Industries, the BARBARA J was specially designed for the stormy waters of Alaska. At 92 feet long with a 29 foot beam, her solid cedar-and-oak hull provides stability in rolling swells. Powerful twin diesel engines give the ability to maneuver through icy conditions.

Below deck, insulated holds keep the precious catch cold until the boat reaches port. Sleeping quarters, galley, engine room and other essential spaces keep the crew of six protected on long journeys.

Overall, the BARBARA J boasts an ideal design for battling the elements while hauling in big pots of Alaskan crab.

Launching into the Crab Fishery

The BARBARA J launched out of Seattle and quickly made a name for herself as a hardy, reliable crab boat She fished cod and pollock in the Bering Sea before moving into the largest red king crab fishery in Alaska during the 1980s and 90s

Rugged conditions coupled with big money for crab lured tough captains and crews. But few could handle the rigorous work and long absences from home. The BARBARA J saw her share of greenhorn deckhands and weary fishermen over the years.

Yet through new ownership and captains, she persevered as a leading crab producer with seasons yielding over 200,000 pounds regularly.

A New Era Under Captain Phil Harris

In 1990, a brash young captain named Phil Harris purchased the BARBARA J after leasing and captaining her for several seasons.

A second-generation fisherman from Seattle, Harris transformed the BARBARA J into a powerhouse. His bold fishing tactics, gut instinct for finding crab, and skill motivating his crew led to record catches. Harris poured money into upgrades like radar, autopilot and other electronics to make the vessel an industry leader.

During this era, the BARBARA J cemented her status as a legendary crab boat manned by a crew that other fishermen respected and feared. She survived harrowing mishaps including nearly capsizing in a 2011 storm documented on the Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch.

After Captain Harris tragically passed away in 2010, his son Jake Harris took over briefly before leasing the boat to other captains. But the BARBARA J remains synonymous with Phil Harris and his maverick approach to crab fishing.

Still Going Strong at 40 Years Old

Now entering her fifth decade, the BARBARA J continues plying the cold Alaska waters during crab season. Though Captain Harris has passed, his legacy lives on through this storied vessel.

Current owner Shawn Schilling purchased the BARBARA J after Harris’ death and leases her to veteran Bering Sea captains. She underwent extensive repairs and upgrades in 2018 to improve engine power, fuel efficiency and crew safety.

While known as Captain Phil’s boat, the BARBARA J now creates new memories with the captains and crews who take the helm each season. Her presence remains an inspiring reminder of the legends, victories, defeats and lives lost in Alaska’s infamously dangerous waters.

So while ownership has changed, the BARBARA J maintains her reputation as the preeminent crab boat that’s survived and thrived against all odds. Her presence in the Bering Sea fishing fleet persists as a testament to the brave crews who call this legendary vessel home. She’s a floating monument to the bold fishermen of the past, present and future who chase Alaskan king crab aboard the unrivaled BARBARA J.