Dinghies

I have now updated one of the first Selway Fisher designs, the Highlander 7'6". The original design was drawn up in the 70's well before computers and boat design software was available - so the design started with a carved half model from which the...

Designed for a client who wanted a simple stackable fishing dinghy which he could easily carry himself, the Doracle uses just 2 sheets of 4, 5 or 6mm ply. She may be built in 2 pieces with the forward piece stacked inside the aft section. The 2 halves...

The concept of the Northumbrian 10'6" came from the need to have a sturdy and very seaworthy small working dinghy which could be rowed, sailed and motored easily and which would weigh no more than 70 lbs or so. She also had to have a striking appearance...

A client contacted me with the requirement for a self build or kit club racing dinghy for her daughter as a step up from the Mirror dinghies and which could also be built quickly and cheaply by a youngster. The HOBO 12 is the result. LOA...

The Thames 19 is a stretched version of our 17’ Thames Skiff and has the same sweet wineglass shaped transom. She has the same beam as the 12; and 17’ versions and can be fitted out either to have a single or double rowing position. Construction...

We were asked by the Ibis Boatworks to develop a traditional punt for lake use which would have a length that would come out of 2 sheets of plywood - so we used the 20’ Cambridge Punt (page DA13) as a basis - the result is a pretty punt with a...

The DRAKE series of ply sharpies are based upon very simple construction methods. Pre-shaped side panels are bent round frames and transom. An external chine stringer is then added followed by the bottom panel. The plans show basic construction and rig...

The 14’ Goshawk has emerged in the same way that the 16’ Goshawk did—by someone asking for a wider and deeper Skylark. What the client wanted was a small boat which was more than the normal dinghy type which tends to have a mid hull depth around...

Swampscotts as a breed usually have a narrow 'tombstone' transom making them more or less double ended (semi Swampscott dorys have a wider transom) - when they end up with a true 'sharp' aft end, they become 'surf' dorys She can be constructed in stitch...

Following the traditional North American theme is this unusual craft. She is of simple 3/8’’ ply hard chine, flat bottom construction over stout pine frames, with a simple unstayed sprit rig. The original craft were used for fishing and cargo...

A delightful little fun dory for single fishing and rowing. The plans show a simple unstayed sprit boom sailing rig with a hook on leeboard although she will also take a daggerboard. Can be built in 2 identical halves which fit inside each other for...

The Stornoway 9 is the first of a new class of dinghies which incorporate firm bilges and moderately full transoms needed to carry loads safely and to give good sailing qualities without dragging a large transom through the water. The plank shapes...