Woodenboatusa
Atkin 13 Ft. Swampscott Rowing Dory Custom Built Boat, Wood/Composite
Atkin 13 Ft. Swampscott Rowing Dory Custom Built Boat, Wood/Composite
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The Swampscott Rowing Dory is a classic New England boat dating back to the mid-19th century, originally built for fishermen along the Massachusetts coast. Recognized for its graceful sheerline, rounded hull, and remarkable balance between seaworthiness and light handling, it remains one of the most admired wooden rowing boats in American maritime history.
Our master craftsmen faithfully recreate this historic design using traditional plank-on-frame construction. Built from premium Western Red Cedar, mahogany, teak, and US-made Hexcel fiberglass, then finished with System Three marine spar varnish, each boat requires 4–5 months of meticulous handwork. Every plank, joint, and curve reflects the integrity of the original design. Custom options are available, including size, wood selection, finish, and deck details.
Measuring approximately 13 feet in length, this dory offers excellent stability and rowing comfort. Its slightly rockered flat bottom, rounded bilges, and flared sides provide buoyancy and dryness even when launching through surf. The seating layout ensures proper balance for solo rowing or a crew of two to three.
Simple, strong, and elegant, the Swampscott Rowing Dory captures the enduring spirit of classic American craftsmanship.
Dimensions
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Overall Length (LOA): ~13 ft 4 in (4.06 m)
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Waterline Length (LWL): ~11 ft 6 in (3.51 m)
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Beam: ~4 ft 4 in (1.32 m)
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Draft: ~4 in (10 cm) with one person aboard
Weight & Freeboard
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Approx. Weight: ~145 lbs (66 kg)
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Bow Freeboard: ~1 ft 11 in (58 cm)
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Midship Freeboard: ~1 ft 0⅞ in (32 cm)
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Stern Freeboard: ~1 ft 5⅛ in (43 cm)
Performance & Use
Designed primarily for rowing, the Swampscott dory may also accommodate a small 2.5–5 hp outboard motor. Its traditional hull form—flat bottom with slight rocker, rounded bilges, and generous flare—ensures buoyancy, smooth wave passage, and efficient rowing. Comfortable displacement speeds are recommended; pushing beyond approximately 8 mph will significantly raise the bow.
Construction Notes
Traditionally built in lapstrake (clinker) plank-on-frame construction, with thwarts, footrests, and rowlocks carefully positioned for balanced rowing with one to three people. Modern adaptations in plywood or composite materials are also possible upon request.
Every wooden boat we craft follows authentic Atkin plans, with full credit to the original designers. For each custom commission, we acquire the proper plans and build to order—offering both full-size vessels and finely detailed scale models.
Contact us to discuss specifications and customization options.
History
Developed around 1840 in Swampscott, Massachusetts by Theophilius Brackett, the Swampscott Rowing Dory was designed for fishing and hauling lobster pots in challenging coastal waters. Its rounded hull improved buoyancy and surf launching, while the flat bottom allowed it to rest upright on the beach. Built without a keel, it moved cleanly through breaking waves.
Typically measuring between 14 and 18 feet, the design evolved from earlier wherry and bateau forms. By the early 20th century, it gained popularity as a recreational sailing and racing boat—known in variations such as the clipper, alpha, and beachcomber dories—along the Massachusetts coast. Celebrated for its refined lines and craftsmanship, the Swampscott Rowing Dory is often called the “aristocrat of the dory clan.
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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
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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.