Banks dory

Banks dory is a type of dory, a small, shallow-draft boat, which is approximately 20-30 feet in length. It is named after the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, where it was commonly used for cod fishing in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Design and Construction

The Banks dory is characterized by its flat bottom and flared sides, constructed from a few wide boards. The design is simple and efficient, allowing for easy construction and maintenance. The boat is typically built with a removable thwart (seat) in the middle, which can also serve as a rowing station. The bow is sharp and the stern is squared off, a design that increases stability in the rough seas of the Grand Banks.

Usage

The primary use of the Banks dory was for cod fishing on the Grand Banks. Fishermen would set out in their dories from larger schooners, armed with hand lines or longlines. The dory's light weight and flat bottom made it easy to launch and retrieve from the schooner's deck. Despite their small size, these boats could carry a substantial load of fish.

Legacy

The Banks dory is an important part of maritime history, particularly in Newfoundland and Labrador, where it played a crucial role in the cod fishing industry. Today, while they are no longer used for commercial fishing, Banks dories are valued by recreational boaters and history enthusiasts for their simplicity, durability, and connection to the past.

See also

• Dory
• Grand Banks of Newfoundland
• Cod fishing
• Fishing schooner
• Longline fishing
• Maritime history
• Newfoundland and Labrador