A large wooden boat hull is carried by a man across his shoulder, mid-stride. He stands on a paved surface with a forested, misty backdrop, suggesting an outdoor, rural setting.

Norwegian Gunning Dory

Fall 2010

by Paul Butler

This plywood/epoxy Norwegian Gunning Dory is drawn with inspiration from the classic lines of Scandinavian watercraft. The ply/epoxy hull is much simplified from traditional plank-on-frame versions. The lightweight version can weigh less than 60 lb (27 kg), making it an easy car-topper. Instead of the traditional V bottom, there is a flat panel on the hull bottom to simplify construction and provide extra stability.

Above: Paul Butler with his Norwegian Gunning Dory. Photo by Brad Camp.

Safety Features

Watertight fore and aft compartments provide additional hull support, dry storage, and the safety of flotation spaces. Additional compartments are optional and open-water versions can be built self-bailing.

Wooden rowboat rests on green grass. Inside, a small hinged chest sits across an open hatch, its lid propped open, while a rectangular glass panel is set into the boat’s hull.

Capacity and Functionality

Loaded with gear for camp-cruising or with a passenger and gear, the boat becomes increasingly stable for general recreation, fishing, or drifting small streams and exploring waterways. The 15′ 9″ (4.8 m) length and 45″ (1.14. m) beam provide a stable platform. The Norwegian Gunning Dory can also be poled, or paddled like a canoe. There is room for two fixed-seat rowing stations or a single sliding seat; the lightweight hull is fast enough to make open water rowing with a sliding seat interesting.

Wooden canoe rests on a small wheeled cradle on a green lawn, with interior seating and a paddle. The garden backdrop features flowering shrubs and stone steps.

Easy Care

Maintenance is much reduced with epoxy sealed plywood and the slick, hard graphite-covered bottom allows dragging the hull over parking lots, launch ramps, and gravel beaches.

The 30-page building plans are $46 and include photos, sketches, step-by-step directions, and a discussion of many options to help the amateur builder customize the boat to suit usage. See additional photos with 2 interior layouts and details at www.butlerprojects.com.