Duck Trap WherryThe idea for design began in the early 80s with a desire for a relatively lightweight pulling boat with a champaign-glass stern, a plank keel, and traditional (sweet, "old fashioned") lines.
Back then few people outside of boatshops were familiar with the term wherry, which came as no surprise–many still aren't. In fact, the term is an ancient one that seems to have come from the Low Countries of Europe prior to the 15th century. Adding to the confusion is the fact that the term has been misapplied over and over, encompassing burdensome river-borne coal carriers and in this country, even collegiate racing shells of the 19th century.
The wherries we know best are workboats, and always have been. In Elizabethan times they served as water taxis along the Thames even before Adm. Anson and the rise of the Royal Navy. On this side of the Atlantic they appeared in the Maritimes as "Trap Skiffs", and here in Maine as "Salmon Wherries". The Duck Trap Wherry is the latest branch of that well-established family tree that has been growing steadily for centuries.
As far as we have been able to determine, we have built more wherries than any one of the "old timers" from this part of the coast where wherries thrived in the 'longshore salmon fishery. And when we use the term Wherry we are referring to a round-bottomed boat with a plank keel, a tuck (reverse curve of the planking in the after sections), and a champagne-glass shaped transom. None exceed 20' overall, and all are driven by oars and/or sail power. Being nearly identical on the waterline fore and aft, they are particularly adept at working close to shore, not to mention off shore in a following sea. They are easily driven, handle a sea with aplomb, and are a delight to behold. In case you haven't visited our plans page yet, you should know that her construction plans, and many others, are available from Duck Trap Woodworking.
The very first Duck Trap Wherries we built employed traditional construction, and specifications included white cedar planking over an oak backbone and steam bent ribs. They were copper and bronze fastened for longevity, with riveted laps and ribs–trim was usually Honduras Mahogany. The finished weight of a traditionally built16 footer is about 175 pounds. Actually, that's a good weight for a boat of that length because it makes her heavy enough to "set her down on her lines" as we say, but not so heavy that she becomes unmanageable ashore.
Designers and boatbuilders are seldom satisfied, however, so we decided to apply glued lapstrake construction to our design in order to lower her finished weight to less that 100 pounds–that's where our lightweight version began. Specifications for our 14' glued lap version included Okoume plywood keel, 6mm Okoume plywood planking, and Spanish Cedar brightwork. We retained her traditional lines and plank layout, but were able to do without the ribs and floorboards. (Her plank keel is nearly 15" wide amidships, so it does double duty as a walkway.)
This photo is our second lightweight boat–the fancy version
that took first place honors at the Wooden Boat Show in Mystic, CT. She's 2
pounds lighter at 84 lbs., and features not only a radiused transom but curved
thwarts as well! Here she's is suspended from the shop davits–we build
on the second floor. We offer loftings of both the standard and curved stern models. Either
one can be built traditionally or using glued lap construction.
Regardless of the construction method you choose, your Duck Trap Wherry can be built from our standard plans. Because there are obviously differences between building using traditional methods as opposed to glued lap construction, we've written a book to help you make the transition from one method to the other. Actually, the book can be used for nearly any glued lap building project. You might want to check out the link if you haven't already.