Shelter Island Boat Works

Before deciding to go ahead with the Mower Dory build, I thought I would build a model first. As accurate plans and construction details are lacking, building a model will help me to understand the construction issues. I am using John Gardner’s plans as drawn in his book, Building Classic Small Craft. I am also consulting the Dory Book by Gardner, which has a wealth of construction information particular to dory construction. It has been extremely helpful as I am not familiar with dory construction.

The model will be at the same scale of 1′ = 1″ as are my fleet of other model boats.

Here are a sequence of photos of the start;

Fixed Frames

Molds, Transom, Frames, and Bottom

Lapstrake Planking Started – Lined Off via Frames

Planking Done

“Steam” Bent Frames Added in between Fixed Frames

Centerboard Trunk and Centerboard Finished

Attaching the False Stem

Rough Cut Decking

Cambered Laminated Deck Beams

… and a Little Paint

Testing the Rig, Deck, and Coamings

Varnished Seats. Now onto Varnishing Tiny Things

… and Some Tiny Things

The Sails – Made with Masking Tape

Made quite a bit of progress. Hull is all painted, trim is on, rigging almost done, tiller and rudder installed. While model making is fun I learned a great deal about how to build the full-size boat. From the hull planking at the ends to the rigging. More on that later.

… and then the Jib and some Details

Done