Wooden Boat USA
17 Ft. Dion Swampscott Sailing Dory (1990) Custom Built Boat
17 Ft. Dion Swampscott Sailing Dory (1990) Custom Built Boat
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Description:
The Swampscott Sailing Dory is an iconic American small craft, originally designed for beach-launched fishing operations along the rugged Massachusetts coast. With its slender hull and finely pointed bow, the vessel delivers impressive rowing and sailing performance while ensuring excellent balance and seaworthiness in both surf and calm waters.
Each Swampscott Dory is meticulously handcrafted in our workshop using Western Red Cedar, Mahogany, Teak, and U.S.-made Hexcel fiberglass, protected with System Three marine spar varnish. Built through traditional plank-on-frame construction, every boat is a one-of-a-kind creation requiring about 4–5 months to complete. Owners may request custom options such as hull dimensions, wood selections, finishes, thwarts, oarlocks, and personalized markings to match their vision.
Distinguished by its sleek profile, flawless varnished surface, and expert craftsmanship, the Swampscott Sailing Dory is both lightweight and durable. It moves gracefully through the water while paying tribute to the enduring heritage of America’s classic working dories. Every plank, joint, and detail showcases the artistry and functionality that have kept this design admired for generations.
Specifications:
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Main Propulsion: Sail / Oars
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Sail Rig: Cat
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Hull Material: Traditional Wood
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Design / Racing Class: Swampscott Dory
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Year Built: 1990
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Designer: Fred Dion
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Length on Deck: 17' (5.18 m)
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Length Overall: 17' (5.18 m)
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Load Waterline Length: 12' (3.66 m)
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Beam: 4'6" (1.37 m)
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Draft: 10" (0.25 m)
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Draft – Board Down (centerboard): 3'2" (0.97 m)
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Engine / Power: Oars / Sails
Each wooden vessel we craft is built from authentic, time-honored boat plans, with full acknowledgment to the original designers. For every commission, we source the proper plans and construct each boat to order—offering both full-size vessels and finely detailed scale models.
History:
The Swampscott Rowing Dory traces its roots to the early 1800s along the Massachusetts shoreline, where it was created for fishermen launching directly from sandy beaches. Its narrow hull and sharp bow allowed smooth passage through surf and shallow water, while its light yet durable build made it easy to carry over sandbars and launch straight into the sea.
Praised for its speed, balance, and versatility, the Swampscott Dory soon became an essential vessel for coastal fishermen. It was simple to row, stable in choppy waters, and capable of handling the demanding Atlantic conditions with ease. Over time, it transitioned from a practical workboat to a beloved recreational craft—an enduring symbol of traditional New England boatbuilding and maritime ingenuity.
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What makes our wooden boats so unique and special?
Hundreds of hours go into the construction of our boats, as perfection is the only options.
- ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY: We use only certified top-grade, hand-selected wood such as Canadian red cedar, mahogany, rosewood, teak and more.
- THE ART OF CRAFTSMANSHIP: Merging centuries-old customs with technological innovation, we bring you boats that excel in every categories.
- IN-HOUSE QUALITY CONTROL: Each of our wooden boats goes through a demand quality control process including in water testing before leaving the workshop.
About Woodenboat USA™
The story of time-honored traditions of boat building.
More than just watercraft, our wooden boats, kayaks and canoes represent connections to a legacy of craftsmanship and old world techniques. Woodenboat USA is invested in the type of construction that recalls generations of boat making. Over thirty years in business, our commitment has always been and will continue to be, to excellence, to tradition and to creating products that you can enjoy both for their performance and incredible beauty.
Inspired by history, the names of our watercraft are derived from the northern waterways where natives and settlers have used them for centuries. Merging centuries-old customs with improvements in technology, we bring you boats that excel in every category.
Beginning with pliable, high quality Canadian cedar and hardwood, our craftsmen hand join each individual strip. Hundreds of hours go into the construction of our boats, as perfection is the only option. Once built, the piece is encapsulated in fiberglass epoxy resin adding an extra layer of durability and strength. At last, the water craft is ready for its nautical debut.
FAQ's
List the details of your shipping policy.
What are your canoes and kayaks made of?
Our canoes and kayaks are made of the highest quality western red cedar and some hardwoods. The larger boats are made of western red cedar, pine, and hardwoods such as oak, mahogany, teak, and some locally available woods. Our wooden watercraft are then coated both inside and out in an incredibly durable American made fiberglass and epoxy resin.
You mentioned that you use fiberglass in your boats, so what is the difference between your boats and fiberglass boats?
We only use 1 or 2 clear thin layers of fiberglass coating on top of the wood for reinforcement and added integrity. You never see any fiberglass, only beautiful, hand-joined cedar and hardwoods.
What is a typical cedar strip canoe or kayak weight?
A 15’ kayak weighs approximately 45lbs, making it very easy for one person to carry. A 16’ canoe weighs about 48lbs.
What type of boats do you build?
Our wooden strip canoes and kayaks are hugely popular for touring and recreational purposes. We also build wooden dinghies, wooden sail boats, classic wooden runabouts, and speedboats. Additionally, we can custom-build any design with which you supply us.
What methods do you use to build the boats?
Focused on integrating traditional technique with modern design, all boats are built by hand, typically taking hundreds of man hours to create.
How do I order?
Please contact our dealers or call (877) 88 Boats for more information.
How long does an order take?
Boats that we have in stock can be shipped to you within a week). New or custom products generally take 2-3 months as everything we sell is 100% hand crafted.
How do you ship it?
We can ship via trucking company very safely. We also insure all freight so in the very rare case that a shipment is damaged during transit, we will take care of the details and immediately replace the item for you. We also have distributors all over the world, so please contact us to find out more information.
How do I become a distributor of your products?
We welcome qualified dealers and distributors all over the world. Please contact us today at (877) 88 Boats or email us at info@woodenboatusa.com for more information.
What kind of warranty can I expect?
For all products we offer a 6 month limited warranty on materials and craftsmanship.
Guidelines for use
CARE:
With a little bit of care and maintenance, your beautiful canoe can last for generations. While our products are certainly durable and solid, they still require the right type of care and handling to ensure that they perform optimally.
- It is recommended that you rinse your canoe off with fresh clean water after every use.
- Upon returning from the trip, allow your canoe to air-dry in the shade.
STORAGE:
Besides taking care of your canoe, storage also plays an essential role in maintaining your canoe’s appearance and beauty.
- Always store your wooden canoe in shade.
- Turn it upside down on the support thereby keeping it off the ground.
- Hanging your boat from the rafters in your garage or shop would be ideal storage.
REPAIR:
Minor scratches can be repaired by marine spar vanish or some brand of automobile wax. Smooth the damaged area with sand paper, wipe clean, then apply marine spar vanish.
SAFETY:
Wooden Boat USA strongly recommends that a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is worn whenever paddling.