Gloucester Gull (Gull Light Dory)

Description

The Gloucester Gull (also known as the Gloucester Light Dory or simply Gloucester Gull Light Dory) is a classic lightweight rowing dory designed by renowned American naval architect Phil Bolger (often in collaboration with builder Dynamite Payson for plywood construction plans). Introduced in the 1980s (with plans published in books like Go Build Your Own Boat by H.H. Payson), it's a modern interpretation of traditional New England dories once used for cod fishing on the Grand Banks—seaworthy, practical, and efficient for solo or light-crew rowing. The design prioritizes simplicity, speed, and stability in protected waters (e.g., bays, marshes, or coastal inlets), with a narrow beam, flared sides, and flat bottom for easy construction and excellent tracking. It's built stitch-and-glue or taped-seam plywood (some fiberglassed bottoms for durability), weighs around 90–125 lb depending on materials (fir plywood on pine frames common), and excels as a pure rowing machine—no rig, no outboard standard (though some owners add small sailing rigs or motors). It's at its best for solo use but can carry gear or a passenger surprisingly well, with a reputation for being fast, stable, and delightful to row (often called "the perfect one-woman dory" in owner stories). Plans are still available from sources like H.H. Payson & Co. or Instant Boats (~$45), and it's a popular home-build or school project boat (e.g., examples built by students or amateurs).