Rowing-Sailing Dory: A Free Bob Whittier Plan
Bob Whittier's modernized dory, based on an old apple-wood-framed boat, can be rowed, sculled or sailed.
The Rowing-Sailing Dory has its roots in an old boat with apple-wood frames. Bob Whittier took that design and modernized the construction for today's builders. You can row it, scull it with a single oar over the stern, or fit a sailing-board rig of 45 to 65 sq ft. It is a versatile, traditional-looking boat that rewards anyone who enjoys quiet, human-powered time on the water.
Rowing-Sailing Dory at a glance
| Detail | Rowing-Sailing Dory |
|---|---|
| Type | Dory |
| Construction | Modernized dory construction based on an old apple-wood-framed dory |
| Power | Oars, sculling oar, or a 45–65 sq ft sailing-board rig |
| Designer | Bob Whittier |
| First published | Mechanix Illustrated, p. 90 |
| Plan sheets | 8 |
Three ways to move
Rowing is the obvious choice, but sculling with a single oar over the stern is a satisfying skill to learn, and handy in tight spaces. When the breeze fills in, the sail rig takes over. Each one suits a different kind of day, and the dory handles all three with an easy, traditional grace.
Modernized construction keeps the dory's character while making it easier to build than the original apple-wood version. Eight sheets cover the hull and each of the propulsion options. Even better, you can switch between them on the same outing, which is something few boats allow.
The original plan sheets
These are the 8 original sheets, scanned from the magazine. For building, use the full-size PDF in the download section below.
Who designed it
Bob Whittier designed the Rowing-Sailing Dory, and it was published in Mechanix Illustrated on page 90. The design modernizes the construction of an old apple-wood-framed dory. It shows how an old design can be adapted for today's builders.
Before you build
- Set oarlock height and seat position to suit your own rowing stroke before final fastening.
- Fit a proper sculling notch in the transom and practise the stroke in calm water.
- Start with the smaller end of the 45 to 65 sq ft sail range while you learn how the dory handles.
Download the plan
All eight original sheets for the Rowing-Sailing Dory in one file, ready to print at full size.
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