For many years Phil Bolger's Gloucester Gull (a.k.a. The
Gloucester Light Dory) has been a favorite with New England rowers due to
its lightweight and easy plywood construction. Unfortunately, it has one
major drawback. It was designed such that only one person can row at a
time. A couple of clients asked us if we could modify Mr. Bolger's
design to allow up to two or even three rowers. We decided to start with a
clean slate and create a new design to meet our client's
needs. The Woods Hole Dory is a light 18' 11" x 5' 1.5"
plywood dory (about 225 pounds constructed from okoume) for it's size that
will allow up to three rowers at one time, yet can be propelled easily by
the solo rower. It has a rich heritage with similar lines to the Lunenburg
Dory and the Grand Banks Dory. Length: 18' 11"
Beam: 5' 1.5"
Weight: Approx. 225 lbs. (from okoume)
Capacity: 800 lbs.
Motor: no motor Flotation foam is hidden under the thwarts, and simple
(standard Shoestring Shipyard) construction techniques allow this boat to
be built by the first time or novice home boat builder without any special
forms, jigs, strongbacks or molds. No specialized tools or equipment are
needed, and the basic hull can be assembled in approximately 40
hours. The dory's fine entry at the bow allows the boat to handle
the rough chop and confused seas around Woods Hole caused by strong
currents, eddies, commercial ferry traffic and high winds. There's plenty
of freeboard and reserve buoyancy for piece of mind, and like all true
dories stability increases as you load the boat down with more
weight. For rough conditions, a heavier and stiffer hull may be
desired. This can be accomplished by increasing the scantlings. Simply use
3/8" plywood for the sides and 1/2" plywood for the bottom and
you'll increase the stiffness of the hull plus add almost a hundred pounds
to the hull.
The Woods Hole Dory has been discontinued. | 
