Howard J. Van Arsdale

Howard J. "Jack" Van Arsdale (c. 1920s–1980s; exact dates sparse in records) was an American naval architect and boat designer active during the mid-20th-century fiberglass revolution. Based in Southern California, Van Arsdale specialized in compact, trailerable sailboats that prioritized stability, simplicity, and family accessibility, making sailing approachable for beginners amid the post-WWII boom. His designs, often built by small yards like European Marine Industries (EMI), emphasized rotomolded polyethylene construction—an early adoption of durable, low-cost materials that foreshadowed modern plastic dinghies. Van Arsdale's work bridged traditional wooden aesthetics with innovative manufacturing, influencing West Coast recreational boating. Though not as prolific as contemporaries like Bruce King or Phil Edwards, his contributions to affordable daysailers endure.