Emerald Marine Carpentry

The Longtail 30 is a custom designed performance daysailer, built for speed and ease of handling. Designed by Paul Bieker and built in cooperation between Emerald Marine Carpentry, Betts Boats and Beiker Boats.

The frames and planks are constructed from sheets of plywood cut with Computer Aided Design and the hull is stitch and glue epoxy method. Carbon fiber, lamination and vacuum pump technology strengthens the frame that rings the mast step and keel strut. This is part one of a series.

Frames are 6mm plywood with spruce and fabric reiforcement. Extra carbon fiber was added to #4 due to proximity to the mast step and keel.

The stem was laminated at Emerald Marine and then sent to be shaped by cnc at Betts boats.

An early start to gluing the pieces together

Puzzle joints

Carbon/foam tray for jib traveler

Laser level!

Building jig ready for frames

Frames in place

Carbon fiber reinforcement at the chine

Stem in place

Carbon/foam transom

Mast Step/compression post and keel attachment installed, keelson glued.

The planks are added with stitch and glue

Underneath, the keel joint is taped with three layers 300 g glass and peel ply.

Dry fit the broad strake with bifurcated forward end to accommodate for the twist

Dry fitting topside planking, false transom

Preparing planking: full length, pre coated in epoxy and 'glass, stringers attached

Shaping the Stem and faring with micro balloons.

Final faring and glass. 300 g S glass. Then peel ply on the lapped and doubled areas.

Last fiberglass cloth, more ply, and more micro balloons. Total two layers on the bottom and an extra layer of tape on the topside chine. Three and four layers overlap at the bow.

Sanding begins

Rudder tube with synthetic bearings, top and bottom, bushed onto an old pipe
mocking up the rudder post. There is a reference string on the pipe face.

Fitting the keel spar to pre-drill in plumb with rudder tube

Carbon reinforcement and careful fairing around rudder aperture

Making cradle in preparation for turning the hull

the cockpit assembly

Tables and other Wooden Things Created at Emerald Marine

The boat carpenters at Emerald Marine are also skilled furniture craftsmen. They get a certain pleasure in working from a foundation of straight planes and 90 degree angles. Although you may see curves and soft edges on custom furniture pieces, freed from the confines of having to work around the turn of a bilge or side of a hull, inspiration can flow freely. Steam bending, curved laminations, or even vacuum bagged shapes are all within the realm of possibilities in creating a unique shape or matching a current style. Traditional furniture is a part of what we do as well as custom designed accessories to match your boat's special interior and space use needs.

Many of us have saved a special piece of wood for years or have actively collected lumber for a certain project. Perhaps for example, you have wood from the walnut tree in your grandparent's yard. These materials can be transformed into meaningful everyday items such as dining table, night stands, and end tables that carry personal value and can become heirloom pieces to pass on through generations. An affinity for the depth of grain of curly maple, sepele or bubinga, or the contrast of yellow heart with the deep hue of purple heart can inspire a special design. Emerald Marine has access to handpicked fine woods from suppliers such as Edensaw Lumber based out of Port Townsend, WA.

Jean and Bret Andrich had a large plank which has a storied history. It began it's service to the local fish processing industry in Anacortes as a gangplank to unload the schooner Wawona of its halibut catch. As the cannery was broken up it became the work bench in Bret's father's shop and garage. It shows the various marks and mars of it's past and has now become the dining table in their sunny dining nook. Large enough to seat many, it now serves as the platform for the enjoyment of Jean's skillful cooking talents.

The finished surface showing the history of use and work.

Work bench ready to be transformed

Hewing the rough board with an adze passed on from Kristin's grandfather.

Finishing the surface with a hand plane.

Nail holes were filled with epoxy and graphite powder.

The original plank made the surface and uprights of the table while old railing make up the boarder and feet.

The table comes apart and re-assembles easily for mobility.

Andy volunteered to build a meeting table for the Friend's of the Forest office which is in what was the ticket office in Anacortes' historic Depot building. This Craftsman style trestle table was built of solid alder.

Solid Alder table with Locust Accent wedges

Craftsman Style table finished and in place at the Friends of the Forest and Anacortes Farmer's Market office.

This library table is Stickly Designed.

Bedside table inspired by Art Notveau design

On a personal note Andy and Kristin were in need of some bedside tables. These are a combination of black walnut from Andy's grandfathers tree. The lighter accent wood is spalted red alder form the Olympic Peninsula.

Andy built the box on the front of his cargo bike with red cedar from Kristin's grandfather.

Red Cedar planked cargo box, with Yellow cedar frame and bottom.

The bike is a Bullit from Larry vs Harry, Copehagen. It was built up by Spendid Cycles, Portland, Or.

Here's some boat furniture: Custom cubbies for Ariel of Victoria's impressive collection of plate and cook ware.The big box is built on the bias to maximize space and accessibility.