11'2" Shellback Dinghy
The original print version of this article can be viewed as a PDF or purchased from the WoodenBoat Store.
Join to view PDF Purchase 11'2" Shellback Dinghy PlansIt would be hard to imagine a better all-around small boat than the Shellback Dinghy. She is a pleasure to row, and fast and responsive under sail. She is easy to build and maintain, docile and well mannered under tow, small enough to handle easily but big enough to carry a good load. And, she looks great—handsome with just paint, or lovely with a little varnish.
Plans
What designer Joel White did for the pram with his terrific Nutshell design, he has done again for larger dinghies with the Shellback. Here is a boat that is elegant of line, can be built by the beginner, and will outperform just about any production dinghy on the market. Scores of these fine boats are already improving the waterfront scene, and you might even be able to find (or start) some hotly contested Shellback racing in your area.
The more experienced builder will have no trouble building Shellback from the plans alone, but for the beginner there is lots of help. First, there’s the 53-page monograph How to Build the Shellback Dinghy. The Shellback Model Kit ($79.95) will help you sharpen your boatbuilding skills on a smaller scale. And, complete boat kits are available: $1,295.00 for the rowing version; $1,495.00 if you want to sail as well.
Line Drawings
As a teaching tool, the Shellback Dinghy design provides an education in the fine points of sailing, rowing, and sculling for sailors of all ages, her standing lug rig easily dropped altogether if the winds come on too strong. She is not easily adapted to outboard power, primarily because the weight of the motor throws her fine hull out of trim, but she rows well enough to provide plenty of efficiency and speed, even with a load. She is distinctive enough in appearance to attract admiration at every turn, a unique blend of traditional design and modern wood construction.
Construction Plans
Plans for the Shellback Dinghy design come on six sheets and include lines, construction, building jig, plank layouts, and full-sized patterns for molds and other parts. WB Plan No. 109, $75.00.
Completed 11’2″ Shellback Dinghy Images
All photos by Delaney Brown The Shellback is well behaved under oars. Neither the plans nor the book Building the Shellback Dinghy indicate a brace for the rower’s feet, but the addition of one would allow for a more powerful pull.
The Shellback sits in near proper trim even with a light rower in the bow and a bigger passenger sitting in the stern.
The Shellback Dinghy is a wonderful entry level craft for both kids and adults learning how to sail.
Pam PaysonWhen taking the helm, sitting on the bottom is the most convenient position. Floorboards make that a more comfortable option when some water gets aboard.
photographs by Bruce HoladayPETIT BATEAU patiently awaits a grandchild.
Bruce sails the boat from a ramp across from the Coast Guard base in Oakland.
After successfully carrying RIDDLE the last 50’ and splashing down into the pond, it was time for a victory lap.
I had my Shellback sailing last night at a local club. Since I use her as a sailboat, rowboat, and camping canoe I am pretty sure that she is the only boat in the club that has been eased over a beaver dam!