Dories are not only seaworthy but are also able to carry a lot. With the weight of people, fish or gear, because of their slack bilges, they become extremely steady without being sluggish. Their narrow sterns (transoms) are great in a following sea. In the tradition of the river bateaux, they are also handy for running white-water stern first. Their sheer is good for not taking water in over the bow. The shape of their bottoms, moreover, allows them to slide in a beam sea to avoid broaching-to.

Dories up to and including the size of the trawl dory are easily rowed by one or two people. Unlike some lighter craft they enjoy a fine run. The larger dories can be rowed with sweeps (longer oars), two rowers to a thwart (seat). All dories may be sculled over the stern or pulled or pushed standing up for short distances.

Outboard motors are often used either in the traditional inboard well or just forward of the transom. Brackets on the quarter for a small motor can also be used.

Dories may also have sailing rigs. Years ago they had only one sail (with gaff or sprit) to run home to the mother ship on the Banks with a catch of fish