Gun Dory

Butler's biggest rowing dory is a 19 ft boat with room for several people, a dog or two and a full camping load. He describes it as close to the lifeboats ships once carried, and the nearly flat bottom lets it float in two or three inches of water while still handling rough water on the way home. It suits salt water, large rivers and lakes.

The multiple chine hull imitates a round bilge but is far easier to build, and it can be made in lightweight or heavy duty form. The plans include several interior layouts and a midships well for an outboard, and the design is meant to be adapted to the owner's use. Awnings or boom tents make sleeping aboard practical. The Pacific Troller Dory is its smaller relative.