Ed Monk Yacht Design
Ed Monk, Sr. was a legendary Pacific Northwest naval architect whose career spanned nearly six decades from 1914 to 1973, producing over 3,000 designs ranging from 6-foot dinghies to 150-foot yachts and commercial vessels.
From Shipwright to Master Designer
George Edwin William Monk (Ed Monk, Sr.) began his boatbuilding career in 1914 as an apprentice on Robert Moran's schooner San Juan. After working at various Seattle boatyards, he joined Blanchard Boat Co. in 1925 as a shipwright, soon designing his first large cruiser, the 62-foot motor yacht Silver King. He worked under renowned naval architect L.E. 'Ted' Geary from 1926-1933 before establishing his independent career with his 'Plan No. 1,' the 50-foot bridge-deck cruiser Nan, which became his home for seven years.
Prolific Output and Legacy
Over nearly six decades until his death in 1973, Monk produced more than 3,000 designs ranging from 6-foot dinghies to yachts and workboats in the 150-foot range. His designs were built by numerous Pacific Northwest builders including Blanchard, Grandy Boat Co., Jensen Motor Boat, and Tollycraft. Notable sailing yachts included Aries, Mariner III, Symra, and Moonraker, while motor yachts included Alerion, Tatoosh, and Nika Sia.
Author and Commercial Designer
Monk authored two influential books: Small Boat Building (1934) and Modern Boat Building (1939), both revised and republished. Beyond pleasure craft, he designed commercial vessels including tugs, cargo carriers, and the 'Super Shrimp Trapper' Mimi for Ivar Haglund, launched in 1967.
