Est. 1917 . Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
The Dory Shop
We build dories.
In fact, we have been building the iconic Grand Banks dory and other traditional wooden boats for more than a century, right here on the working waterfront of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.
Although we've added a few power tools, we're proud to say our boats are still hand-built using tried-and-true construction methods, along with quality materials like solid oak transoms, pine and cedar planking, and our signature grown hackmatack frames, all held together with quality copper fastenings. We like it this way. It works, and it will continue to work as long as the sea is salty and the ocean has waves.
We still use the same basic methods and materials, including dozens of wonderfully worn patterns, jigs and moulds, that were used to build dories during the golden era of the Grand Banks fishery a century ago.
Strength and Quality
It’s the defining feature of a Lunenburg-built Banks dory – the naturally-grown frames or what we dory builders call knees.
Our solid frames are shaped to fit our boats, always following the grain for maximum strength, much like Viking Long Ships were built.
History of the Dory Shop
“The Dory Shop of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada was established in 1917 by Henry Rhuland.
At the time there were at least two other dory shops in Lunenburg: Arthur Oxner’s, which was just to the west of the modern-day Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic and another run by William Seaboyer, located just next door.
While the business changed hands, it never ceased production, making us one of, if not the oldest continuous production commercial boat building shop in North America.”
- Historian Ralph Getson, Lunenburg NS
Dories in stock.
Finished boats available today.
2 in stock for immediate sale!
This dory was a classic shore fisherman’s dory.
One person can handle it but two can also row this boat. Like all dories, carries a lot and good in a seaway. Makes a fine sailing dory too.
Included with your boat: Set of oars, tholepins and a classic dory bailer.
Option to add rigging. You can also purchase additional accessories.
Bottom Length - 12’
Overall Length - 15’6”
Maximum Beam - 4’8”
Depth with modest load - 1’5.75””
Weight - 260lbs
Sheer - 1”
Rocker - 4”
Oar Length - 8’ to 8.5’
Capacity - 1400 lbs
1 in stock for immediate sale!
A dory mostly for display, the Morning Glory is popular with restaurants and retailers who are seeking an authentic Maritime presentation. A scale production of our working dories, built the same tried and true way.
They’ve served as salad and oyster bars, anchored a multitude of product displays, and been the neatest-ever beverage cooler at a number of weddings, private homes and cottages.
Included with your boat: Set of oars and a classic dory bailer – which makes the perfect ice scoop!
Bottom Length - 5’
Overall Length - 7’8”
Maximum Beam - 2’5”
Depth - 10.5”
Weight - 45lbs
Oars - 4’ approx.
1 in stock for immediate sale!
The traditional one-man dory from the days of the Grand Banks schooner fishery, the Handline is our best-selling boat and we absolutely know why.
At 17 feet, these dories can be rowed alone or with a partner, they are big enough to handle a motor well and they also make a fun sailing boat. What more do you need?
Included with your boat: Set of oars, tholepins and a classic dory bailer.
Option to add motor well or rigging. You can also purchase additional accessories.
Bottom Length - 13’
Overall Length - 17”
Maximum Beam - 4’11”
Depth with modest load - 1’7”
Weight - 325lbs
Sheer - 1’3”
Rocker - 4’5”
Oar Length - 8.5’ - 9’
Capacity - 1700 lbs
1 in stock for immediate sale!
A dory mostly for display, the Morning Glory is popular with restaurants and retailers who are seeking an authentic Maritime presentation. A scale production of our working dories, built the same tried and true way.
They’ve served as salad and oyster bars, anchored a multitude of product displays, and been the neatest-ever beverage cooler at a number of weddings, private homes and cottages.
Included with your boat: Set of oars and a classic dory bailer – which makes the perfect ice scoop!
Bottom Length - 5’
Overall Length - 7’8”
Maximum Beam - 2’5”
Depth - 10.5”
Weight - 45lbs
Oars - 4’ approx.
Brand new 10’ foot lapstrake copper fastened Whitehall dinghy for immediate sale!
Typical of small craft all over Europe what we call a “whitehall” was originally developed in New York Harbor in the early 1800s, used as a working harbor boat. Known for a fine entry, flared topsides, a broad stern (or sometimes a tombstone transom), and excellent rowing performance. Light, easy to row and seaworthy.
Lapstrake (clinker) construction means the hull planks overlap each other, with each strake lapping over the one below. This gives the hull longitudinal stiffness without heavy framing, keeping the boat light. It also produces that beautiful shadow-line along the hull.
Copper fastening is the traditional and correct choice for lapstrake work — typically copper rivets and roves (washers) through the plank laps, and copper nails into the frames. Copper is soft enough to rivet without splitting the wood, won’t corrode in fresh or salt water, and has good galvanic compatibility with most boatbuilding woods like cedar, mahogany, or oak.
Key building details to know:
Whitehall:
• Planking is in marine mahogany plywood for lightness and strength; frames in white oak.
• Lap seams are traditionally bedded in marine glue or a flexible sealant, not caulked
• Copper rivets are set with a bucking iron against the rove on the inside while peening the outside
• Garboard and hood ends of planks fasten into the stem and transom are the trickiest fits and hold all together.
Length - 12’
Weight - 250lbs
Oar Length - 6’ - 6.5’
1 in stock for immediate sale!
This is a sweet little dory that is still the real deal. Easy to row, good for younger people, still carries a lot. Good as a tender, easy to haul out of the water.
Included with your boat: Set of oars, tholepins and a classic dory bailer.
Option to add rigging. You can also purchase additional accessories.
Bottom Length - 10’
Overall Length - 13’7”
Maximum Beam - 4’3”
Depth - 1’ 3”
Weight - 190lbs
Sheer - 8”
Rocker - 2.5”
Oar Length - 7’ - 7.5’’
Capacity - 1000 lbs
