Dory Book

A comprehensive book about dories, their history and 23 designs with full construction details. Included are 153 illustrations, 23 plan sets, and index.

Summary: doryman reflections
Rating: 5

this book is a good mix of history and details about building any number of small craft. Nicely written and worth the price.

Summary: A classic…may it never go out of print.
Rating: 5

I picked up a copy of THE DORY BOOK in 1993. I wanted to build a rowing/sailing craft that would be relatively stable in weather. I read Gardner's book cover to cover, decided that there was enough detailed information to guide a first-time boat builder through the construction of almost any of the boats described, and started building the Dion Swampscott dory in my basement that December. With the book open on my work bench, I slowly turned a pile of oak and northern white pine lumber into a 17' dory that has served me well in a variety of settings, from Lake Champlain to Penobscot Bay to the waters off Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. My only regret is that I never got to take John Gardner's boat building course at Mystic Seaport. The book will guide anyone with reasonable woodworking skills through the almost mystical experience of building a classic small craft. If you have any interest in boat building, this book belongs in your library, if not on your work bench.