The Lost Coast Chapter of the |
|
The Glouchester Light Dory is a fun and easy to build rowing dory that was made famous by the Maine Boatbuilder, Dynamite Payson. The boat is built from plans and instructions in the book, available from the Wooden Boat Store. Clear and easy instructions are presented, along with Mr. Payson's thoughts on the process. To build the boat, therefore, one will want to aquire the book, read it, and pore over the plans for many hours. The thought process that preceeds the actual building, as well as the planning and thought all along the way are first and foremost. You do not have to be a great woodworker, you just need thought, care, attention to detail, and the ability to stay with a project and relish every step. Although not absolutely necessary, the ability to follow instructions is helpful. |
|
Next, a lot of set-up is required. The station moulds are laid out and cut; then they are mounted on a frame (or shop floor, if you are lucky to have that kind of room). Careful measuring and leveling are required. Accurate placement of the station moulds is paramount for a fair hull shape. Note the cross piece at the lower left of the picture. This must be carefully measured and installed to hold the transom. At this point - or ahead of time, during that "planning stage" noted above - the transom and stem are cut according to the plans. |
|
This builder modified the recommended method of installing the chines. Payson recommends putting them in - "retrofitting" - after the side panels are attached. He does acknowelege that it can be done as it was here, but recommends the retrofitting approach. This builder decided to install them first, using the technique of ripping a length of 1 X 2 all the way to within a foot of the aft end (to make bending easier), then attaching them to the transom, wrapping them along the sides in notches appropriately cut in the station moulds, and attaching them to the keel in front. |
|
The bottom is applied, side panels are connected using butt joints, laid out according to the plans, and cut out. Special care must be taken to assure all the proper surfaces are thoroughly glued while not glueing the boat to the moulds. Duck tape over the moulds where the glue joints occur works well. The panels are unwieldy at this point and a carefully chosen assistant can be helpful. This builder finds that there is never a shortage of eager assistants when it comes to boat building. Note the table in this picture. Ideally, your table is as long as the planks are. |
|
The boat is removed from the moulds. After the gunnels are attached, considerable longitudinal rigidity is noted that was not there before. There is a lot of cleaning up to do. The excess glue is scraped, inwales are installed if desired, and fitting out of the interior begins. |
|
You now have an identifiable boat. Great pleasure comes from planning out details, sitting in your creation, and furthering the project along. Here, the boat builder is measuring the rowing stations with the goal of keeping the boat balanced and seating two rowers comfortably. There are several formulas that relate the seat with the oarlock pin. The one used here places the aft edge of the seat 12" from the oarlock pin and 7" below it. |
|
Many hours of cleaning, sanding, and scraping ensue. This builder uses penetrating epoxy on all but the metal. Interior details must be finished. Note the cleats applied to the sides for the rowers' heels. Anyone even casually interrested in rowing will appreciate something to push against with the feet, which stabilizes the rower in the seat and allows power to be applied to the stroke. |
|
Masking and painting are next. Rule of thumb is that the more smooth you want the finish to be, the more you will have to sand and repaint. Hence, you paint, sand it off, paint, sand it off, etc. until you are tired of it or are satisfied with the finish. The purpose of paint - protecting the wood - can be accomplished with just a few coats. |
|
The moment has finally come. You put it in the water . . . . . |
|
. . . . and row! |
Back to Boatbuilder's Corner
TSCA Home | Members' Boats | Lost Coast Home
Calendar | Past Events