Posted by Thom V (i) on October 10, 2004 at 17:41:46

In Reply to: Re: Dory Advice posted by MrBill on October 09, 2004 at 19:22:56:

Bill,

Here is the profile of the Paul Butler Alaska Dory. Compared to the Vivier lines in the previous post she is a buxom girl. We have rowed and played in Paul's prototype before it was sold. She was the epitome of stability, at rest and under way. She was slow under oars (your primary stated propulsion). Most of the folks who built this design put in a small outboard well and used outboard power as primary.

Dories for rowing have less static stability and are considered a bit 'tippy'. However, that is the very quality that is needed for speed under oars. The Faerings and Adirondack Guide Boats are the most 'tippy' -- as well as they are fastest. The Vivier Dory is a fine compromise and many have been built as the design goee back to 1985.

As to oars, treat yourself to a decent pair. Nothing takes the pleasure out of rowing as a pair of 'water clubs' presently sold in the chandleries today. At the very least get the Barkley Sound Spruce oars... Better yet order up some Shaw and Tenney R.D.Culler style oars (have them put on the leathers and oarlock). These oars have a spring action and the end of the stroke that is difficult to describe,and the clean entry of these oars into the water is a delight.

I assume you are here in the Northwest...? You can get the plans and have a number of boatbuilding schools around here build out the boat. You can finish it. You can save money by getting a cash account (say you are building a boat) at Fisheries Supply and provide the Epoxy and fastenings to the school. The same with Edensaw Plywood for the wood stock.