Arthur Edmunds

Arthur H. Edmunds Jr. (May 18, 1933 – July 21, 2005) was a prominent American naval architect and yacht designer renowned for his contributions to both sail and powerboat design during the mid-20th century fiberglass boom. Graduating from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, he served in the military before entering the boating industry, where he became a key figure in transitioning manufacturers from wood to fiberglass construction. Edmunds designed approximately 29 sailboats and various power vessels, emphasizing seaworthiness, efficiency, and practical engineering. His work for major builders like Chris-Craft and S2 Yachts helped popularize affordable, performance-oriented cruisers, and he later authored influential books on boat design and construction.
Edmunds resided in Florida since 1960, basing his design office in Ft. Lauderdale (opened 1968) and later Sarasota. His firm operated for 30 years until his retirement, producing custom and production designs in materials ranging from fiberglass to wood and ferro-cement.