12' Dory Skiff (1985)

12-foot Dory Skiff for sale.

The EB Dory skiff is a spirited, fast, small boat for those who like to both row and sail in a small package with minimal fuss.

The construction is rock solid and tight as it was both screwed and West System epoxied by the original builder (Echo Bay Boats). Maintenance has been meticulous over the last forty years. The wood, paint and varnish are in excellent condition as it has been stored inside for most of its life.

Hull construction is 6mm Okoume marine plywood with Honduras mahogany chine, solid mahogany thwarts and rails, with some fir trim. The rig is laminated spruce (new in 2021), centerboard aluminum, and epoxy laminated oak rudder. Hardware is bronze and stainless.

This original version went through an evolution of design and rebuild to get it to its current refinement. Added floatation, a boomed sprit rig, revised rudder and centerboard design (to survive the Maine rocky coast), a gated mast thwart (for easy mast removal), are some examples. This refined configuration has proven itself very well over the years.

Regarding performance, the EBDS is a joy to row, just lean back on the oars and it glides with very little fuss. It tracks very well in a variety of conditions with the ample skeg. There are two rowing stations, but the aft (wider) position is designed ergonomically for rowing. The forward rowing station is for occasional use, mostly to balance the weight while rowing with a passenger. A motor is not appropriate for this boat. The Shaw and Tenney oars nest securely in the boat when not needed. Oar locks are bronze.

Under sail, the EBDS is spirited and fast for her waterline, gaining length as she heels. Her dory origins are evident in her lower initial stability that stiffens considerably on heeling. She’s a joy to sail. Her manner is predictable and confidence building when you get to know her. She is sensitive to athwartship weight placement so this is a boat is best for someone agile enough to adjust seating position quickly in response to wind gusts. I recommend one person aboard for best performance and safer, more convenient handling under sail. The sprit sail was made by Gambell & Hunter Sailmakers about seven years ago but has only been used about 15 or so times, so it’s in excellent condition.

The EBDS handles with a more solid feel than her size suggests. Tracking is solid and the boat does what the rudder tells it to do. The rig size is modest to match her modest waterline beam so you can keep her “planted” with your weight, yet, there’s enough square footage to move you quickly up to speed. The dory shape also provides lots of potential buoyancy to keep the boat buoyant and dry in a harbor chop and passing wakes.

The boat includes a good galvanized boat trailer (1989) with good tires and maintained bearings. Lighting has been upgraded as well. A wood platform was built on top to ease the launching and retrieving the boat, as well as a serving as a light flatbed when needed.

This EBDS has always taken good care of me over the years and selling it is like losing a family member. I hope to find her a good home so this good little boat can continue to provide someone with a great deal of joy and adventure for many years to come.