Preview: Shellback Dinghy

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Putting our biases aside for a moment, if you count the Shellback Dinghies on the dock in Center Harbor, you will find that it easily wins the most popular award, partly because it’s a fun boat to race. She’s fast, seaworthy, and pretty. Isn’t that enough? Her bottom is narrower than the Nutshell Pram, making her tippier but faster. A nice all-around performer, which is easy to build, clean and paint.

Specifications

 Designer  Joel White
 Length and Beam  11’2″ and 4’5″
 Weight  100 lbs.
 Price  $75 (Plans)
 Capacity  2 Adults
 Versatility  Row and Sail
 Construction Type  Glued Lapstrake
 Hull Material  Plywood

 

Ratings Chart

 Rowing  ★★★★★
 Sailing  ★★★★
 Ease of Towing  ★★★★★
 Initial Stability  ★★
 Load Carrying Capacity  ★★★
 Ease of Maintanence  ★★★★
 Affordability  ★★★★
 Car-topable/Portability  ★★★★
 Ease of Build  ★★★★
 Off Center Factor  ★★★★★

 

How to Purchase

You can purchase the plans and the kit for the Shellback Dinghy on the WoodenBoat Store website.

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Comments, Thoughts or Suggestions?

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4 Responses So Far to “Shellback Dinghy”

  • Annie Hill says:

    I had a Shellback for several years and she was definitely the best tender I have ever owned. She was a joy to row with four oars and could easily carry four normal adults. Although we usually carried her on deck, she towed extraordinarily well and she was fun to sail. I got rid of the thwart and replaced it with a fore and aft bench. I put a leeboard inside, through the lower strake on the starboard side – the centreboard meant for a wet bum when rowing. I’m used to solid dinghies and didn’t find her tippy. The only drawback is the length. You need a large boat, or one with a flush deck and be prepared to stow her off centre.

    I’ve tried a 7′ 6″ Nutshell and didn’t like it. The Shellback is a different animal.

  • John Simpkins says:

    I have been interested in this boat for some time, but was sorry to see a one star for car-topability, which is important for me. Was this just due to weight, or were there other factors? Thanks for this great dinghy comparison series!

    • Steve Stone

      Steve Stone says:

      Oops. Error in the rating. We will fix that. I put mine on the car all the time. By myself with a trick or two.