16' Gardner Semi-dory

[Krueg]

I finally got a copy of The Dory Book a few weeks ago. It already looks like I've had it for years, as I've been reading it over and over.

Anyway, I'm wondering if anybody's built or used the 16' outboard semi-dory. I'm considering building it (got and eighth scale model underway). Any real world comments on this one? I haven't been able to find much on the net, and I'm craving more info than Gardner gave.

Do I need a short or long shaft outboard? Pros and cons of a plywood bottom vs. longitudinal planks... He specifies a plywood garboard and the remaining two planks to be solid planks, any disadvantages to planking the whole thing with ply. This boat would live on a trailer. Any anecdotes relating to build or use of this craft are greatly appreciated. Info on the other size semi-dorys would also be welcome. Thanks

Eric

[AngWood]

I've nothing helpful to say except that it is one of my favorite designs. I have imagined building it many times.

[Krueg]

Yeah, that's pretty much what I've been doing lately every evening after the kids go to bed. I sit on the couch with The Dory Book in my lap and imagine what I'll do.

[kenjamin]

Eric,
Also take a look at the Nexus San Juan dory. It has U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation and unique motor well and seating arrangement that strengthens entire boat. It calls for 1/2" bottom ply and a 15HP or 20HP long shaft motor. I bought plans for it but I plan to build my own version of the Beachcomber-Alpha dory also in Gardner's Dory book.
Kenjamin

[Krueg]

Thanks Ken, I'll take a look at that one.

[kenjamin]

http://128.186.7.22/ken/Nexus-SanJuan.jpg

[dmede]

Krueg, I have a bunch of pics of a 16' semidory I found online, I'll email them to you if you like.

Its one of my favorite designs as well, I have spent a lot of time contemplating its build but alas, not enough room to build it where I am now. I know of at least one person who built the 14' model with all ply (very similar boat).

The well was probably designed for a short shaft but could be altered to fit a long I imagine. You should pay careful attention to the size of the motor well as it was designed for an older, smaller, 2 stroke outboard and will need to be enlarged a bit to fit most modern 4 strokes.

My own preference for the bottom would be longitudinal planks but epoxied together instead of caulked (if thats what he calls for, cant remember now). Id do this mostly because the bottom will get most of the abuse on your boat and I'd worry about the ply delaminating. several planks of 6" port oroford cedar would make a nice tough bottom.

dave

[ 06-29-2005, 12:45 PM: Message edited by: dmede ]

[dmede]

instead of emailing those pics, I found the link I got them from:

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/dp_ski/album?.dir=b9f1&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done

the guy who posted these thought it was a simmons sea skiff but IMO it is most deffinetly the 16" gardner semi dory.

enjoy.

[Krueg]

Kenjamin, I do like the San Juan Dory, but somehow it doesn't do it for me as much as Gardner's semi-dory.

I like the well on the semi-dory, and that lively sheer....

Dmede, thanks, now I really want one. Definitely a semi-dory.

http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/3f7ae8c0_1329a/b9f1/__sr_/f380.jpg?phlKtwCBUNeiF3hE

Funny, pic showed up on the first preview... Oh well.

[ 06-29-2005, 01:17 PM: Message edited by: Krueg ]

[Tar Devil]

Someone here in the forum recently (within the last couple of years) restored the 19' version.

If only the blasted "Search" engine would work... :(

Later,

Phil