Small Sharpies & Dories

Small Sharpies & Dories

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Small Sharpies & Dories

DESIGNS & PLANS
FOR SHARPIES, DORIES & PUNTS
(PLYWOOD - STITCH & TAPE)

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We have 18 designs for sharpies & dories on this page - all for easy construction.

Note - In the particulars for each design, the dry weight is given for guidance only and will vary depending on the grade/density of plywood and solid wood used - different thicknesses of ply are often used by builders and the dry weight figure is based on the thinnest ply specified.
Also the Guidance Use comments are given in good faith and are based on feedback from previous builders etc and based on standard weight adults - contact us if you want further clarification before ordering/building. E & OE

ORDERING PLANS

For each design you can order either:

PRINTED PLANS sent to you by post - Postage will be added to your order - see postage costs at the bottom of the page

PDF PLANS sent to your email address - make sure we have your email address when you order.

Sharpies & Dories on this Page
Drake 11	Drake 13	Drake 18	Acorn 11'6" Garvie	17'6" Kingfisher Garvie
11'6" Eider Duck Punt	15' Ruddy Duck Punt	15'3" Shelduck Duck Punt	10' Grand Banks Dory	12'10" Signet Dory
14' Exe Dory	Docat	18' Exe Dory	16' Cambridge Punt	20' Cambridge Punt
24' Cambridge Punt	18' Estate Punt	15'9" Drift Boat

DRAKE 11' SHARPIE

The DRAKE series of ply sharpies are based upon very simple construction methods. Pre-shaped side panels are bent round frames and transom. An external chine stringer is then added followed by the bottom panel. The plans show basic construction and rig but the designs may be adapted for many different uses, ie., open motor fishing, beach camping, coastal trekking etc. The North American sharpie, upon which these designs are based, is a study in functional simplicity. They have high initial stability and are efficient sailing boats. You cannot really get a more simple shape to construct and yet their simplicity belies the sailing pleasure that sharpies give. The Drake 11 is an 11’x 4’ simple ply rowing skiff or sailing sharpie. For 1/4’’ or 3/8’’ ply. Sprit rig is shown but may be adapted to any rig. Note that details can be given, if required, for stitch and tape construction.

Drake 11' Sharpie Particulars

LOA 11' 3.36m

Beam 4' 1.22m

Hull Mid Depth 1' 3 1/2" 0.39m

Draft 4 1/2"/3'3" 0.11/0.99m

Sail Area 55 sq.ft 5.12 sq.m

Approx. Dry Weight 70 lbs 31.7 kg

Hull Shape
Sharpie - flat bottom single chine

Construction Method Ply on frame and stitch and tape

Major plywood requirements for hull 4 1/2 sheets of 6mm exterior or marine plywood.

Guidance Use 2-3 adults

Drawing/Design Package
2 x A1 drawings + 5 x A4 instruction sheets

ORDER THE DRAKE 11'SHARPIE PLANS

(Approx. 54 Euros/$61 USD)

NEW DRAKE 13' SHARPIE

The DRAKE 13 fits snuggly between the 11 and 18 footers and offers a lighweight and roomy dinghy/dayboat for family sailing. She can be built with or without the centreboard and rig to offer a simple rowing boat that can be used as a utility tender for fishing etc and which can take an outboard on the transom or fully fitted out with the lug sail, centreboard and rudder, she will offer a great boat for sailing and camping.

The drawings show two ways to build the hull - traditional ply over frame with the framework set up on a strongback or floor and the ply sides wrapped around the frames or, modern stitch and tape construction. For ply over frame the chine stringer/log can be internal or external.

Right and below, an example under construction by Michael Mountney.

Right is an example by John Larkin

Drake 13' Sharpie Particulars

LOA 13' 3.97m

Beam 4' 6" 1.37m

Hull Mid Depth 1' 4" 0.41m

Draft 6"/2'6" 0.15/0.77m

Sail Area 65 sq.ft 6.06 sq.m

Approx. Dry Weight 120 lbs 54 kg

Hull Shape
Sharpie - flat bottom single chine

Construction Method Ply on frame and stitch and tape

Major plywood requirements for hull 5 sheets of 6mm exterior or marine plywood.

Guidance Use 3-4 adults

Drawing/Design Package
4 x A1 drawings + 7 x A4 instruction sheets

ORDER THE DRAKE 13' SHARPIE PLANS

(Approx. 78 Euros/$88 USD)

DRAKE 18' SHARPIE

A very simple 18’x 5’2’’ ply sharpie drawn with a simple unstayed sprit boom rig and a ply centreboard. Ideal for estuary cruising and an excellent ‘big’ boat for first time construction. In it’s basic form 10 sheets of 3/8’’ ply and 1 sheet of 1/2’’ ply are used.

Below is an example of the Drake 18 by Adrian While.

Drake 18' Sharpie Particulars

LOA 18' 5.49m

Beam 5'2" 1.58m

Hull Mid Depth 1'6" 0.46m

Draft 5"/2'2" 0.13/0.66m

Sail Area 143 sq.ft 13.3 sq.m

Approx. Dry Weight 441 lbs 200 kg

Hull Shape
Sharpie - flat bottom single chine

Construction Method Ply on frame and stitch and tape

Major plywood requirements for hull 10 sheets of 9mm + 1 sheet of 12mm Exterior or marine plywood

Guidance Use 5 + adults

Drawing/Design Package 2 x A1 drawings + 3 x A4 instruction sheets

ORDER THE DRAKE 18' SHARPIE PLANS

(Approx. 78 Euros/$88 USD)

ACORN 11'6" GARVIE

Again following the North American theme of solid working craft that are sadly no longer with us we have in the Acorn a sweet little craft which, with modern materials and methods, is easily built. Originally designed for carrying small cargoes she has, like her ancestors bags of carrying capacity and plenty of stability both fore and aft and transversely. She is the perfect tender for the larger boat or a safe estuary cruiser and fishing boat. Whilst a replica in shape, she uses modern building technology and with a double thickness bottom uses just over 5 sheets of 1/4’’ ply. She is 11’6’’x 4’4’’.

Above is an example by Peter Lawson initially using a Mirror 11 mainsail.

Acorn 11'6" Garvie Particulars

LOA 11'6" 3.5m

Beam 4'4" 1.32m

Hull Mid Depth 1'4" 0.4m

Draft 5 1/2"/2'3" 0.14/0.69m

Sail Area 57 sq.ft 5.3 sq.m

Approx. Dry Weight 75 lbs 34 kg

Hull Shape
Flat bottom, single chine, garvie bow

Construction Method Ply on frame and stitch and tape

Major plywood requirements for hull 5 1/2 sheets of 6mm exterior or marine plywood

Guidance Use 2 adults sailing - 3 adults rowing/motoring

Drawing/Design Package 2 x A1 drawings + 6 x A4 sheets of instruction sheets

ORDER THE ACORN 11'6" GARVIE PLANS

(Approx. 54 Euros/$61 USD)

17'6" KINGFISHER GARVIE

Following the traditional North American theme is this unusual craft. She is of simple 3/8’’ ply hard chine, flat bottom construction over stout pine frames, with a simple unstayed sprit rig. The original craft were used for fishing and cargo carrying on estuaries and creeks. She has room for a family of 6 and their gear, and could be adapted for some sleeping accommodation under a boom tent.

17'6" Kingfisher Garvie Particulars

LOA 17'6" 5.34m

Beam 5' 1.53m

Hull Mid Depth 1' 4 1/2" 0.42m

Draft 8"/2' 6" 0.2/0.76m

Sail Area 80 sq.ft 7.44 sq.ft

Approx. Dry Weight 430 lbs 195 kg

Hull Shape
Flat bottom, single chine, garvie bow

Construction Method Ply on frame and stitch and tape

Major plywood requirements for hull 4 1/2 sheets of 6mm + 6 sheets of 9mm exterior or marine plywood.

Guidance Use 4-5 adults sailing

Drawing/Design Package 4 x A1 drawings + 2 x A4 instruction sheets

ORDER THE 17' 6" KINGFISHER GARVIE PLANS

(Approx. 78 Euros/$88 USD)

11'6" EIDER DUCK PUNT

The Eider is a simple plywood duck punt suitable for river and canal rowing and some quiet fishing. We have given her a small transom stern to allow more stowage space and so that she could take a small petrol or electric outboard if required. She is 11'6" long and the plans give the panel shapes for two versions, one with a beam of 3'11" and the other with a beam of 3'4". The larger beam version is ideal for fishing and for taking passengers, whilst the narrower beam version can be used for serious single rowing. 4 sheets of 6mm ply are used and the construction method is simple stitch and tape keeping weight to a minimum. She could be used with a simple sail and leeboard.

11'6" Eider Duck Punt Particulars

LOA 11'6" 3.5m

Beam 3' 11" and 3'4" 1.19m and 1.02m

Hull Mid Depth 9" 0.23m

Draft 3 1/2" 0.09m

Approx. Dry Weight 90 lbs 40.8 kg

Hull Shape
Flat bottom single chine

Construction Method Stitch and tape

Major plywood requirements for hull 4 sheets of 6mm exterior or marine plywood

Guidance Use Usually single adult

Drawing/Design Package 1 x A1 drawing + 4 x A4 instruction sheets

ORDER THE 11'6" EIDER DUCK PUNT PLANS

(Approx. 42 Euros/$47 USD)

15' 'V' BOTTOMED RUDDY DUCK PUNT

The Ruddy Duck has been based upon our simple flat bottomed Eider Duck Punt. We were asked to alter her for more serious rowing by a crew of 2 so we went for a double ended hull shape with a ‘V’ bottom and more rocker. The plans give details for both simple stitch & tape and ply-over-frame construction techniques. Details for the outriggers are given and she could take a simple sail plan with either a daggerboard or leeboards.

15' 'V' Bottomed Ruddy Duck Punt Particulars

LOA 15' 4.58m

Beam 3' 6" 1.07m

Hull Mid Depth 1' 1 1/2" 0.34m

Draft 5" 0.13m

Approx. Dry Weight 170 lbs 77 kg

Hull Shape
V bottomed single chine double ended

Construction Method Ply over frame and stitch and tape

Major plywood requirements for hull 5-6 sheets of 6mm exterior or marine plywood

Guidance Use 2 adults

Drawing/Design Package 2 x A1 drawing + 5 x A4 instruction sheets

ORDER THE 15' 'V' BOTTOMED RUDDY DUCK PUNT PLANS

(Approx. 72 Euros/$81 USD)

NEW 15'3" SHELDUCK DUCK PUNT

The Shelduck Duck Punt is a simple plywood punt suitable for river and canal rowing and some quiet fishing. Although she has the flat bottom of the Eider Duck punt, she is double ended like the Ruddy Duck punt.

Construction is stitch and tape but details are also given for construction using the ply over frame method.

15' 3" Shelduck Punt Particulars

LOA 15'3" 4.65m

Beam 3'11" 1.19m

Hull Mid Depth 10 1/2" 0.27m

Draft (approx. loaded) 4" 0.10m

Approx. Dry Weight 170 lbs 77 kg

Hull Shape
Flat bottom single chine

Construction Method Stitch and tape or ply over frame

Major plywood requirements for hull 6 sheets of 6mm exterior or marine plywood

Guidance Use 2-4 adults

Drawing/Design Package 2 x A1 drawing + 6 x A4 instruction sheets

ORDER THE 15' 3" SHELDUCK DUCK PUNT PLANS

(Approx. 72 Euros/$81 USD)

NEW 10' GRAND BANKS DORY

A simple ply Grand Banks Dory for stitch and tape construction using just 3 sheets of 6mm plywood—she may have stowage/buoyancy compartments in the ends and could take an electric outboard motor.

Below is an example by Tim Garec

10 Grand Banks Dory Particulars

LOA 10' 3.05m

Beam 4'6" 1.38m

Hull Mid Depth 1' 4 1/2" 0.42m

Draft 6" 0.15m

Approx. Dry Weight 60 lbs 27 kg

Hull Shape
Flat bottom single chine - dory type with narrow transom

Construction Method Stitch and tape

Major plywood requirements for hull 3 sheets of 6mm exterior or marine plywood

Guidance Use 1-2 adults - 3 occasionally

Drawing/Design Package 2 x A1 drawings + 5 x A4 instruction sheets

ORDER THE 10' GRAND BANKS DORY PLANS

(Approx. 54 Euros/$61 USD)

12'10" SIGNET DORY

12’10’’ x 3’10’’, (24’’ beam at chine). Approx. wht. 55 lbs. A delightful little fun dory for single fishing and rowing. The plans show a simple unstayed sprit boom sailing rig with a hook on leeboard although she will also take a daggerboard. Can be built in 2 identical halves which fit inside each other for car topping on a Mini. Construction is simple stitch and tape and basic DIY materials can be used. Details are also given in the plans for a transom version - see above.

12' 10" Signet Dory Particulars

LOA 12' 10" 3.91m

Beam 3' 10" 1.17m

Hull Mid Depth 12 1/4" 0.31m

Draft 4 1/2" 0.11m

Sail Area 36 sq.ft 3.35 sq.m

Approx. Dry Weight 55 lbs 24.9 kg

Hull Shape
Flat bottom single chine double ended dory type - drawings also give details for a wide transom modification and a version with wider bottom beam.

Construction Method Stitch and tape

Major plywood requirements for hull 3 sheets of 6mm exterior or marine plywood

Guidance Use 1 adult (2 in wide transom version)

Drawing/Design Package 3 x A1 drawings + 5 x A4 instruction sheets

ORDER THE 12' 10" SIGNET DORY PLANS

(Approx. 54 Euros/$61 USD)

14' EXE DORY

The original Exe 14 plans have been redrawn and updated and as well as including the details for a simple sliding seat (see above), the plans now also include details for a fixed central rowing thwart - see below.

Looking for an enjoyable way to exercise, and a pleasurable few weekends working with your hands? If so, then the 14ft. EXE DORY will certainly meet your requirements. Very simple in construction, using the stitch and tape method to produce a strong and lightweight hull, she has been specifically designed as a single handed training/exercise craft. The 14ft. EXE DORY is light enough to be taken off and onto the roof of a car and, with it’s removable trolley, transported to the water, by one person. With a length of 14ft. and with her two additional seats, she is also ideal for 2/3 to go fishing in. Buoyancy is built-in at each end for safety. Construction is a delight with no arkward shaping or heavily twisted panels - or time consuming framework. Building time is approximately 45 hours.

Below is an example by Chris bell and pupils from the Chase School Malvern.

14' Exe Dory Particulars

LOA 14' 4.27m

Beam 3' 11" 1.19m

Hull Mid Depth 1' 3" 0.38m

Draft 4" 0.1m

Approx. Dry Weight 70 lbs 32kg

Hull Shape
Flat bottom single chine dory type

Construction Method Stitch and tape

Major plywood requirements for hull 3 sheets of 6mm exterior or marine plywood

Guidance Use Single adult (+ 2 children or gear)

Drawing/Design Package 3 x A1 drawings + 5 x A4 instruction sheets

- and the DOCAT -

Based upon two EXE DORY hulls, this nippy little catamaran makes the ideal beach boat and swimming platform for the family. Existing EXE DORIES can be converted and the whole catarmaran is demountable for easy transport. So, instead of having a catarmaran, you in fact have, an exciting beachboat/catarmaran converting to two rowing/training dories. Construction for the hulls is the same as that for the EXE DORIES using simple stitch and tape techniques. Each 14’ dory requires three sheets of 1/4’’ plywood and weighs approximately 70 lbs. The DOCAT has a sail area of 70 sq.ft. and uses a similar sail plan to that of the Highlander 12. However, if you have a spare rig from a similar sized boat, this could also be incorporated. The beam of a 14’ EXE hull is 3’11’’ across the gunwale and 2’ across the chine.

NOTE - the plans have now been redrawn and updated.

Docat Particulars

LOA 14' 4.27m

Beam 10'9" 3.28m

Hull Mid Depth 1'3" 0.38m

Draft 4"/2'3" 0.1/0.69m

Sail Area 72 sq.ft 6.7 sq.m

Approx. Dry Weight 200 lbs 91 kg

Hull Shape
Flat bottom single chine dory type

Construction Method Stitch and tape

Major plywood requirements for hull 6 sheets of 6mm exterior or marine plywood

Guidance Use 2-3 adults

Drawing/Design Package 2 x A1 drawing + 3 x A4 instruction sheets

ORDER THE 14' EXE DORY PLANS

14' EXE DORY PRINTED PLANS

14' EXE DORY PDF PLANS

(Approx. 78 Euros/$88 USD)

DOCAT SAIL PRINTED PLAN

DOCAT SAIL PDF PLAN

(Approx. 30 Euros/$34 USD)

18' EXE DORY

The above example is by Rex Visher.

The 18' Exe Dory has been redrawn for simple stitch and tape construction using 5 sheets of 9mm (3/8’’) ply in it’s construction. Beam is 4’5 1/2’’ across the gunwales and 2’3’’ across the chine. Weight is approximately 200 lbs. The overall shape is similar to that of the 14 footer, but this craft has been designed as a large open fishing/workboat for three or four people to use. As with the North American fishing dories, these boats can be stacked one on top of the other, and cheap materials could be used in their construction. The plans also show details of a sailing rig with rudder and daggerboard and a 5'6" beam version.

18' Exe Dory Particulars

LOA 18' 5.49m

Beam 4' 5 1/2" and 5'6" 1.36 and 1.68m

Hull Mid Depth 1' 4" 0.4m

Draft 4 1/2"/2'6" 0.11/0.76m

Sail Area 70 sq.ft 6.5 sq.m

Approx. Dry Weight 200 lbs 91 kg

Hull Shape
Flat bottom single chine - dory shape

Construction Method Ply over frame and stitch and tape

Major plywood requirements for hull 5 x 9mm of exterior or marine plywood

Guidance Use 3 adults

Drawing/Design Package 4 x A1 drawings + 5 x A4 sheets

ORDER THE 18' EXE DORY PLANS

(Approx. 90 Euros/$101 USD)

16' CAMBRIDGE PUNT

The example shown in the photos is by Keir Finlow-Bates.
We were asked by the Ibis Boatworks to develop a traditional punt for lake use which would have a length that would come out of 2 sheets of plywood - so we used the 20’ Cambridge Punt (page DA13) as a basis - the result is a pretty punt with a length of 15’4” (4.68m)and a beam of 4’3” (1.3m). Mid depth is a generous 14” (0.35m). Details are shown for folding seats and an outboard well - she can also be built in 2 halves for easy storage and simple car-topping.

16' Cambridge Punt Particulars

LOA 15'4" 4.68m

Beam 4'3" 1.3m

Hull Mid Depth 14" 0.35m

Draft 5 1/2" 0.14m

Approx. Dry Weight 125 lbs 56.7 kg

Hull Shape
Flat bottom single chine

Construction Method Stitch and tape

Major plywood requirements for hull 4-5 sheets of 6mm exterior or marine plywood

Guidance Use 3-4 adults

Drawing/Design Package 2 x A1 drawings + 10 x A4 instruction sheets

ORDER THE 16' CAMBRIDGE PUNT PLANS

(Approx. 54 Euros/$61 USD)

20' CAMBRIDGE PUNT

I have often been asked whether we had a traditional Thames or Oxbridge type punt in our design catalogue - now an American client has asked us to draw up a 20' (6.01m) example for simple stitch and tape construction. She has a beam of 3'10" (1.17m) and mid depth of 13" (.32m). Aft is a storage compartment/platform which may be sealed. 4 or 5 sheets of 6mm ply are used and she is fitted out after the hull has been put together with simple frames which give her a very traditional appearance.

20' Cambridge Punt Particulars

LOA 20' 6.01m

Beam 3'10" 1.17m

Hull Mid Depth 13" 0.32m

Draft 5 1/2" 0.14m

Approx. Dry Weight 155 lbs 70 kg

Hull Shape
Flat bottom single chine

Construction Method Stitch and tape

Major plywood requirements for hull 6 sheets of 6mm exterior or marine plywood

Guidance Use 4-5 adults

Drawing/Design Package 2 x A1 drawings + 10 x A4 instruction sheets

ORDER THE 20' CAMBRIDGE PUNT PLANS

(Approx. 72 Euros/$81 USD)

NEW 24' CAMBRIDGE PUNT

This design is an extended 20' Cambridge type punt but with proportionally more beam. Having said that, the beam can be easily altered by changing the width of the bottom plank/panel and frames.
Two methods of construction are shown - ply plank over frame using a simple building jig and stitch and tape. the deign has storage and decking at each end and could take 8 people - details for a simple seat design are given with the drawings.

24' Cambridge Punt Particulars

LOA 24' 7.32m

Beam 5'7" 1.70m

Hull Mid Depth 15" 0.38m

Draft 5 1/2" 0.14m

Approx. Dry Weight 400 lbs 181 kg

Hull Shape
Flat bottom single chine

Construction Method Stitch and tape and ply plank over frame

Major plywood requirements for hull 8 sheets of 9mm exterior or marine plywood

Guidance Use 7-8 adults

Drawing/Design Package 3 x A1 drawings + 11 x A4 instruction sheets

ORDER THE 24' CAMBRIDGE PUNT PLANS

(Approx. 90 Euros/$101 USD)

18' x 33" SIMPLE ESTATE PUNT

A simple ply over frame punt for general estate duties as well as river poling – not as shapely as our Cambridge punts but simple and efficient—the plans show aft storage but she could be fitted out in many different ways and could have a small outboard in a simple well.

18' Simple Estate Punt Particulars

LOA 18' 5.5m

Beam 33" 0.84m

Hull Mid Depth 14" 0.36m

Draft 5" 0.13m

Approx. Dry Weight 110 lbs 50 kg

Hull Shape
Flat bottom single chine

Construction Method Ply over frame

Major plywood requirements for hull 4 sheets of 6mm exterior or marine plywood

Guidance Use 3-4 adults

Drawing/Design Package 1 x A1 drawing + 11 x A4 instruction sheets - includes hull panel/frame shapes for a 10' x 3'7" (3.05 x 1.09m) version.

ORDER THE 18' SIMPLE ESTATE PUNT PLANS

(Approx. 36 Euros/$41 USD)

NEW 15'9" DRIFT BOAT

Drift boats are usually used in tricky rivers with fast running currents and rocky passages for fly fishing. The oarsman sits aft, facing forward and uses the oars to manoeuvre the boat round rocks whilst the boat is carried down river by the current. The fly fisherman stands forward braced against the foredeck whilst he is fishing.

The seating is adjustable and by repositioning the seats, the boat can be rowed conventionally. A very rugged design which can be built using either conventional ply over frame methods or stitch and tape.

15' 9" Drift Boat Particulars

LOA 15'9" 4.8m

Beam (excl. rubbers) 5'10" 1.78m

Width of bottom 3'10" 1.17m

Hull Mid Depth 2' 0 1/4" 0.62m

Draft (approx. loaded) 9" 0.22m

Approx. Dry Weight 298 lbs 135 kg

Hull Shape
Flat bottom single chine

Construction Method Ply over frame or stitch and tape

Major plywood requirements for hull 7 sheets of 9mm exterior or marine plywood

Guidance Use 3-4 adults

Drawing/Design Package 3 x A1 drawing + 6 x A4 instruction sheets

ORDER THE 15' 9" DRIFT BOAT PLANS

(Approx. 90 Euros/$101 USD)

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Post & Packing Charges when Ordering Printed Dinghy Plans

The postal charges on individual items are:

UK - £5

EU/Europe - £11

USA - £18

Elsewhere - £18

All posted items are usually sent by Royal Mail International Tracked Service.
The Post and Packing charges for orders which include more than one item are combined to give a lower P&P charge than if the items are charged separately.
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