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rparker
Member
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Posted: Fri Mar 17th, 2006 08:47 pm |
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I'm in the process of finishing off a Swampscott Dory given to me that was started some 30 years ago. Construction is
tape and glue plywood and from what I read, Dory's made this way, rather than traditionally heavily built, tend to be "tender" and require some ballast. I have seen at least one reference to using metal centerboards for just this purpose and was wondering if this has been tried by anyone in the group? My next question is one of design; Is the shape, and location indicated in the Dion design optimal? Any help or direction would be greatly appreciated.
Parker
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L.W. Baxter
Member
| Joined: | Sun Apr 24th, 2005 |
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| Posts: | 9 |
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Posted: Thu Mar 23rd, 2006 12:28 am |
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Parker, I built a Dion Swampscott Dory of plywood planking. Launched it a couple springs ago. I built the centerboard to plan, but with laminated and glassed plywood. I find that it sails very well. The boat is excellent in every respect.
As far as the construction style, I wouldn't think that the lighter hull should be a liability. Lighter is almost always better. I don't think adding weight to a dory is a good idea, unless it will be dedicated to sailing only. In that case, a metal centerboard might make her sail better. Maybe. But, I think that the sail plan as designed is so low that shifting passenger weight can keep her on her feet where she should be, a metal c-board would generally contribute little.
I would finish the c-board to design and put it just where Gardner drew it. It will make a fine little sail boat. I got my sails made by Dabbler for a very reasonable price, nicely done.
I also installed a motor well in mine and use it for fishing. She also rows very well, of course!
Here are a few pictures, and I would be happy to jaw some more if you would like!
--Lee
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rparker
Member
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Posted: Fri Mar 24th, 2006 07:59 pm |
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Thanks Lee. And a very nice job you did too! Which leads me to my next quandry, the gunwhales were installed, but not finished and as such, it appears that the plan was to partially deck(approximately 5" at the waist). I'm wondering whether to bend some planking, stripbuild, or remove and go with the traditional design. Having said that, can you send some pics of your gunwhale detail?
Parker
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L.W. Baxter
Member
| Joined: | Sun Apr 24th, 2005 |
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| Posts: | 9 |
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Posted: Mon Mar 27th, 2006 08:27 pm |
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Parker, here's a shot that kind of shows my gunnels. They are done to plan, with solid blocking, approximately 1 1/2" square, between the frames heads, then a white oak cap laid flat over it. At the ends, the gunnel cap is tapered back to make it look less chunky. This is detailed on Gardner's drawings.
All the parts can be fashioned by scribing your boards while holding them in position over the boat. Trim and fit, trim and fit, etc.
As far as partially decking over your boat, I can't really see why. The Dion is a relatively high-sided dory, especially on the ends, which keeps the water out even in fairly rough conditions. Decking over makes more sense to me in a lower model optimized for sailing performance, where achieving less windage has sacrificed some of the freeboard. I'm sure it would look and perform well, but would make things more cramped, in terms of passengers or gear. If your primary purpose is sailing alone or with a single passenger, decking over could be good. But there again, the Swampscott dory is meant to be sailed "on her feet", so keeping out loose water should not be a problem.
It would be interesting to see some pictures of your boat, if you could post them.
--Lee
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