Yes, I build most of my barges with detachable keel. They are much easier to handle at home and in transportation with a nice flat bottom. I do have one though which has a fixed keel called a "ducks foot"which was a grp moulding made by " Mastman", filled with resin and lead shot, it had a flat bottom so that the barge could sit on it's false keel. Works!

Cheers, Nerys

Yes, the plan is to do just that, the dory is designed that way. Thanks for your comments, Ron

Hi Shipmates,

May be an idea to put in a keel box and have a detachable keel on a blade of aluminium, my Father used this method for his Thames Barge & Norfolk Wherry, thus when the keel is removed the craft can be used as a display piece.

Regards Roy

A bulb and fin can be a problem in a weedy lake. What do you normally use? I can't see a dory sailing without something down deep under her. I like the rig in the pics. You get an indication of the shape of the dory in those pics. I know mine was to say the least, cranky, until she had some weight in her. Then, the more weight, the more stable she became.

Cheers, Nerys

Neyrs here are pictures from the Dory folks.

I also agree that it will need a centreboard with bulb, which is different than my other builds as we have those weeds underneath the surface and on top. But if the bulb is formed correctly it should “catch or snag” them.

A dory would be an interesting project. Stability might be an issue because of the cross section, narrow at the bottom and becoming much beamier near the gunwhale level. Definitely think a fin keel and bulb would be needed. My only experience is with a 16 ft rowing dory I owned many years ago. One had to be careful getting in and out of her as she would tip to one side as soon as you looked at her, though she wouldn't actually dip a gunwhale under water.As far as a sailing model is concerned, should work. Would you deck or part deck her to protect radio equipment?

As far as sailing ability of the dory is concerned, think of the documented evidence of the small fishing dories becoming detached from their mother ships, the Grand Banks schooners and sailing across the Atlantic to Ireland.

I built a New England sharpie model some years ago, she sailed reasonably well. She had two freestanding masts, one right forward, cat boat fashion. I gave her gaff sails on each mast and later added topsails.

I look forward to seeing more of your dory as work progresses.

Cheers, Nerys

On the east coast of Canada and along the New England states the Dory is used for fishing, transporting goods with some larger ones using one or even two masts. A center board was used as needed to help limit the Dory from side slipping.

I am looking to make one after doing some drafting. Probably a 30” model with gaff rig using one mast, and a small jib.

The Dory Shop in Lunenberg, N.S. sent me some photos and are assisting with the project.

Has anyone else done a similar project? I’d like to hear from you.

I know there is a Dory kit available from Bluejacket, but you people know me well enough that I enjoy scratch building.