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Emerson 28' Ocean Rowboat, Designed by Professional Naval Architect Eric Sponberg.

Updated: Sep 16

Emerson, the Ocean Rowboat, was custom built at Schooner Creek Boat Works for the first solo, non-stop, unsupported Pacific row from Neah Bay, Washington to Cairns, Australia. Emerson was launched on April 20th, 2018 at Schooner Creek Boat Works. Jacob Hendrickson departed from Neah Bay on July 7th, 2018 and arrived in Cairns 11 months later on June 11th, 2019. The route traversed 7,145 statute miles of open ocean. The 28’ rowboat was designed in 2016 by Eric Sponberg, specifically tailored to the needs of this historic expedition. She is constructed of carbon fiber over structural foam and epoxy.


Schooner Creek Boat Works was tasked with building the carbon fiber rowboat. Owner Kevin Flanigan expressed what made this build special for the company, “Emerson means a lot to Schooner Creek Boat Works because it embodies the human spirit of adventure that we like to support and develop with customers”.


The boat was shipped from Australia to be showcased at the 2020 Portland Boat Show. For more information on the design, build, boat and/or journey please click on the link to Jacob's website: https://www.jacobadoram.com/.


The Emerson 28' Ocean Rowboat is currently on display at the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria, Oregon. This wonderful display offers visitors a unique opportunity to see firsthand the innovative design and engineering that made this incredible feat possible.


Visit the Museum: https://www.crmm.org/


  • LOA (Length Overall):  28' 0"

  • LWL (Length on Waterline):  26' 5/16" 

  • B (Beam/Breadth):  5' 0" 

  • D (Draft/Depth):  1' 0" 

  • D (Draft/Depth) Including Keel:  2' 6" 

  • Displacement (Overall Weight):  2,590 lbs.














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