The Dory Shop
Est. 1917 . Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
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 in red for immediate sale!
A traditional one-man dory from the days of the Grand Banks schooner fishery. Classic fishing dory still used today.
At 17 feet, these dories can be rowed alone or with a partner, they are big enough to handle a motor well or long shaft outboard motor and they also make a fun sailing boat!
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!
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
