Simple sailing dinghy plans?

Discussion in 'Boatbuilding' started by Jatgm1, Jul 25, 2025.

  1. Jatgm1
    Joined: Jun 2025
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    Jatgm1 Junior Member

    Does anyone know of simple sailing dinghy plans that someone with limited experience could use to improve their skills building boats? Nothing super complicated, and preferably plans that can be made without having to buy cnc cut pieces online. I'm working with a fair set of tools ‍
     
  2. gonzo
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    gonzo Senior Member

  3. jehardiman
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    jehardiman Senior Member

  4. Milehog
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    Milehog Clever Quip

    I will argue against dories for this purpose.
    They have a lot of overhang and very low volume especially at the aft end which effectively reduces the boat's useable capacity by a couple feet. On a tiny boat you do not have length/capacity to spare and the helmsman has to sit toward the middle of the boat and utilize a Norwegian push-pull tiller.
    Double enders experience this to a degree as well. Many tiny boats have transoms on both ends to maximize capacity.
     
  5. gonzo
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    gonzo Senior Member

    In small boats you most often hike out or sit on the gunwhale.
     
  6. Milehog
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    Milehog Clever Quip

    The point I'm trying to make is you have to stay out of the ends of of boats like dories whereas boats with transoms are more forgiving.
    One of my sail boats is a 15' double ender and the Norwegian tiller is necessary to keep trim under control.
     
  7. gonzo
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    gonzo Senior Member

    Seems to me that the norwegian tiller forces you to be closer to the stern. A fore/aft tiller gets closer to the middle of the boat.
     
  8. Milehog
    Joined: Aug 2006
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    Milehog Clever Quip

    Norwegian tiller example on a sistership of my Skerry. ;)

    [​IMG]
     
    bajansailor likes this.

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