Amanda Knapp
The Gloucester Light Dory is a variant of the Banks Dory, a type of narrow-bottomed, slab-sided boat common in the North Eastern United States. It is characteristically smaller and lighter, with less overhang and less freeboard. The Gloucester Light Dory is designed to be launched through the surf behind a breakwater for daily fishing and lobstering off the Massachusetts shore.
The boat is relatively easy to build due to its simple lines, and stitch and glue techniques work well with its straight sides and flat bottom. It is considered a pure rowing machine, best for solo rowing, although it can also carry a surprising amount of gear. It is also seaworthy enough to explore islands and inlets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Variant of the Banks dory |
| Use | Daily fishing and lobstering off the Massachusetts shore |
| Bottom | Narrow |
| Sides | Slab |
| Size | Smaller and lighter than the Banks dory |
| Overhang | Less, both bow and stern |
| Freeboard | Less |
| Construction | Simple, straight sides and flat bottom |
| Stitch and glue techniques | Work well with this boat |
| Length | 15'6" |
| Speed | Fast |
| Seaworthiness | Seaworthy |
| Rowing | Delight to row |
| Construction | Simple plywood construction |
What You'll Learn
The Gloucester Light Dory is a good boat for solo rowing
The Gloucester Light Dory is a fast, seaworthy, and delightful boat to row. It is stable when heeled over, and you can stand on the garboard and heal her to about 20 degrees. It is easy to roll the rail down, secure a load over the oarlock, and lean back to let the rail lift it up. It is also light enough to be cartopped.
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It's a pure rowing machine with no rig, outboard, systems or complexity
The Gloucester Light Dory is a pure rowing machine with no rig, outboard, systems or complexity. It is a simple, elegant boat that is relatively easy to build and a delight to row. With its straight sides and flat bottom, stitch and glue techniques work well with this boat.
The Gloucester Light Dory is a variant of the Banks dory, a type of narrow-bottomed, slab-sided boat common in the North Eastern United States. It is characteristically smaller and lighter, with less overhang and freeboard. The Gloucester Light Dory was designed to be launched through the surf behind a breakwater for daily fishing and lobstering off the Massachusetts shore.
The boat has simple plywood construction and can be built using stitch and glue techniques. The plans for the Gloucester Light Dory are available from H. H. Payson & Company, and a book called "How to Build the Gloucester Light Dory" is also available from the WoodenBoat Store. The book provides step-by-step instructions and photos, as well as sketches of how to set up the build.
The Gloucester Light Dory is best suited for solo rowing, although it can carry a surprising amount of gear. It has a go-anywhere draft of 7 inches and is seaworthy enough to explore islands and inlets. It trims down by the head when rowed by two people and becomes difficult to steer. However, with a third person or additional weight, it balances out. The freeboard is too low for pleasant rowing with a full load, and it is not recommended to venture out in choppy conditions.
Overall, the Gloucester Light Dory is an excellent choice for a light, easy-to-build sculling boat. It performs well and is a delight to row, especially for solo rowers.
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It's relatively easy to build with simple plywood construction
The Gloucester Light Dory is a relatively easy boat to build thanks to its simple plywood construction. The straight sides and flat bottom of the boat make stitch and glue techniques well-suited to its construction.
The boat's designer, Philip C. Bolger, provided an expanded or "laid flat" shape of the side panels, making the preliminaries a quick process. The boat has no rig, outboard, systems, or complexity, making it a pure rowing machine.
The Gloucester Light Dory's simple and fast construction is achieved through its straight sides, which allow for the use of plywood butt joints. The boat's construction is also made easier by the availability of step-by-step photos, sketches, and plans that illustrate how to set up and build the boat.
The boat's simple plywood construction means that it is accessible to both novice and experienced boat builders. The use of plywood also contributes to the boat's performance, with one builder commenting that "there's no trouble moving fast when you want it to".
The Gloucester Light Dory's plywood construction is not only easy to build but also results in a fast, seaworthy, and delightful rowing boat. Its simple construction belies its exceptional performance, making it a popular choice for those seeking a classic and elegant boat that is a pleasure to build and row.
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It's fast, seaworthy and a delight to row
The Gloucester Light Dory is a fast, seaworthy, and delightful boat to row. Its design is simple, with plywood construction, straight sides, and a flat bottom. It is a pure rowing machine with no rig, outboard, or other systems. This makes it ideal for solo rowing, although it can also carry a surprising amount of gear.
The Gloucester Light Dory is a classic design known for its speed and seaworthiness. It has a go-anywhere draft of 7 inches, making it versatile for exploring islands and inlets. Its construction is straightforward, with simple plywood construction that can be built at home using plans and manuals. The boat's sheerline is clean, and the straight sides imply simple and fast construction. The boat is also easy to improve and customise, with additions like oarlock keepers, trailer tie-downs, gunwale guards, and a footrest.
The Gloucester Light Dory is a highly regarded boat for solo rowing enthusiasts. Its speed, seaworthiness, and simplicity make it a popular choice for those seeking a lightweight and manoeuvrable boat. The design has a strong following, with many builders sharing their experiences and modifications. The boat's performance is impressive, with a quick stroke that keeps it moving fast when desired.
The Gloucester Light Dory is an excellent choice for those seeking a fast, seaworthy, and delightful rowing experience. Its simple design, construction, and customisation options make it a versatile boat for solo rowers and gear enthusiasts alike. The boat's speed and manoeuvrability, combined with its seaworthiness, make it a popular choice for exploring a variety of waterways.
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It's a classic design for plywood construction
The Gloucester Light Dory is a classic design for plywood construction. Designed by Philip C. Bolger, the 15'6" boat is fast, seaworthy, and a delight to row solo. It is characteristically smaller and lighter, with less overhang and less freeboard than the Banks Dory, which is common in the North Eastern United States.
The Gloucester Light Dory is relatively easy to build with its straight sides and flat bottom. The simplicity of its lines makes stitch and glue techniques work well with this boat. The plans for the boat are available for purchase, and the construction manual, written by Harold "Dynamite" Payson, provides step-by-step photos and sketches of how to set up.
The boat has no rig, no outboard, no systems, and no complexity. It is a pure rowing machine. The straight sides imply simple and fast construction. The boat's sheerline is delightfully clean, and it has plenty of speed to overcome modest currents. It has a go-anywhere draft of 7" and is seaworthy enough to explore islands and inlets.
The Gloucester Light Dory is an excellent choice for a light, easy-to-build sculling boat.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the Gloucester Light Dory is not a good boat for sailing. It is unstable and tippy, and even its designer, Phil Bolger, refused to design a sailing rig for it.
The Gloucester Light Dory is a good boat for rowing, especially solo rowing. It is fast, seaworthy, and a delight to row. It is also relatively easy to build.
The Gloucester Light Dory is a variant of the Banks Dory, a type of narrow-bottomed, slab-sided boat common in the North Eastern United States. It is characteristically smaller and lighter, with less overhang and less freeboard.
The Gloucester Light Dory can be built using plywood construction, specifically with straight sides and a flat bottom.
