Dory Splashed

Out in the Alviso Slough 

Finally splashed the Dory.  I have figured out a way to get it onto my truck with a little help, but not requiring two adults. This was a big step forward as I haven't gotten the little trailer set up or registered yet.

So, with little to no fanfare we took it to Alviso and rolled it down the dock on a furniture dolly ( need to make one with bigger wheels).

My initial thoughts, the oarlocks need to be more robust and the angle is off.  7 foot oars are a little too long and with a 70lb child in the bow, the stern of the dory is slightly out of the water which makes it spin.  The bottom is currently flat, so once its butt leaves the water any wind has a tendency to push the boat around.  Once I moved the "ballast' to the stern, it rowed very nicely, fast, revealing that the keel box should be closed as water splashes up out of it when rowing at speed.

With this initial shake down done, I have a new little list.

#1, either put a skeg, rudder or shallow keel on it, so it tracks better.

#2, remount the oar locks so they have a better angle to the water.

#3, take 6 inches off the oars ( at least ).

#4, make a insert of the keel box when not using a sail.