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The 16 foot Pacific
Troller Dory is a lightweight version
of our 19 foot Gun
Dory. The large gun dory has been popular
but it’s a big open water design and way too
much boat for most people. The new boat has the same
look in a smaller, easier to build lightweight hull
that can be car-topped.
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This modified
version of the traditional gunning dory
is built in lightweight ply and epoxy
in a simplified double chine hull form.
(click
images to enlarge) |
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This modified version of the traditional gunning
dory is built in lightweight ply and epoxy in a simplified
double chine hull form. Construction is a straightforward
process of stitching five full-length plywood panels
together with plastic ties, then sealing seams with
glass tape. No building base is required and permanent
bulkheads serve as forms to hold panels in alignment
during assembly. The hull interior is clean and open
with none of the ribs or frames of traditional construction
and reinforcement is provided by the double chine
shape of the hull, compartments, butt-blocks, seats
and gunnel laminations.
| Construction
is a straightforward process of stitching
five full-length plywood panels together
with plastic ties... |
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Compartments are easy to build using ply and epoxy
and also provide seating, watertight dry stowage,
and emergency flotation capability, and may be accessed
by easily installed screw-outs or traditional hinged
yacht hatches. To further streamline building, both
ends of the gun dory are identical so the same plank
pattern can be used 4 times. The entire hull exterior
may be sheathed with glass cloth or glass tape can
be laid over seams to save weight.
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... then
sealing seams with glass tape. No building
base is required and permanent bulkheads
serve as forms to hold panels in alignment
during assembly.
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The gunning dory rows easily and properly equipped
it makes a capable open water boat. The smallest of
electric or gas motors will push the slippery double
chine hull, and a motor can be installed with a clamp-on
mount or in a custom built motor well located conveniently
inside the boat. There is room for two rowing stations,
or it makes a pleasing solo camp cruiser with room
for piles of gear. A drop-in sliding seat rowing unit
such as the Piantedosi can be installed and removed
in seconds, and the boat is fast enough to make an
enjoyable exercise rower which works well in waves
that would disable a rowing shell. Build two of these
and enjoy rowing or cruising together, or just drifting
a quiet stream.
| The smallest
of electric or gas motors will push the
slippery double chine hull. |
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The detailed building plans include over 25 pages
and are written for amateurs and first timers. Plans
are expanded with many new options for materials,
reinforcements and interior layout, and include sketches,
photos, sources, step-by-step and discussion of many
options to modify and customize the boat.
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Plans
are expanded with many new options for
materials, reinforcements and interior
layout.
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Plans
will be available a few days after the boat publishes
in the newest issue of Outdoor Life magazine, due
on the newsstand around the end of May.
Paul Butler - paul@butlerprojects.com
- ButlerProjects.com
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