Best Dory Kit

[Arda]

I'm a beginner who's looking to purchase a few simple wooden model boat kits.

 

I've seen on this forum that there are dozens of build logs for the various dory models made by the likes of Model Shipways, Midwest, Bluejacket, etc.

 

I'm curious to hear what you guys think is the most well-rounded entry-level dory kit on the market based on quality of wood and other materials, clarity and accuracy of instructions, ease of construction, etc.

 

I am willing to pay a premium for a model that is well designed and accompanied by excellent instructions and good quality materials, so I am especially curious to hear your thoughts on whether you feel the greater cost of the Bluejacket dory kits compared to the Model Shipways and Midwest kits is justifiable because of these reasons.

 

Thank you for your responses. 

[palmerit]

Not sure if you're specifically looking for a Dory because it's a Dory or because it's simple and good for a beginner. I did the Dory from Model Shipways as my 1 1/2 model ("1 1/2" because I started it while still also doing my first model, the Vanguard Models Sherbourne, as something to work on while waiting for paint or glue to dry on the Sherborne). It was a nice learning experience and produced a nice model, but the wood quality is not great and the instructions have some gaps and while easy to construct, it is easy to make a mistake and not get parts lined up quite right, especially without having much experience - thankfully, I could get on here for help. I have not built another Dory (and have not built a model from Midwest or Bluejacket).

 

Vanguard Models make a bunch of entry-level models (Novice in their skill level) that have very high-quality wood and materials, clear and accurate instructions, are easy to construct, and are sold at a premium price but you get what you pay for. I'm building the Sherbourne. I found it easier in many ways than the Model Shipways Dory (or the Norwegian Pram, or the Lobster Smack). Vanguard also has a bunch of fishing boats that I've read are also great builds for beginners. I have the Vanguard Ranger in the queue for when I'm done with the Sherbourne.

[Arda]

Thanks palmerit,

 

I've had my eye on the Vanguard Ranger, but would ideally like something a little smaller and cheaper to start out with.

[palmerit]

The Model Shipways Shipwright series (Dory, Pram, Smack) have complete instructions (unlike some model manufacturers where the instructions seem to be pretty sparse). I've now had experience with all three (completed the Dory, halfway through the Pram, started the Smack) - I started the last one because I was waiting for some tools I ordered that I wanted to complete the Pram and the Sherbourne. They've all been rewarding to do, and I learned a lot, and they're definitely a progression. Basswood is easy to work with because it's soft (easy to bend with water, easy to shape), but because it's soft it also poses some challenges (easy to break a piece, dent easy, they "fuzz" so it's harder to get a clean edge). I definitely needed with all of them to check out build logs here, but that's what's nice about this site. I've read that Bluejacket also makes quality models, but I don't know anything about them or the quality of the instructions. Both Model Shipways and Vanguard have their written instructions online (models also come with plans, which they usually don't post online), I think Midwest instructions are also online, I can't remember if that's the case for Bluejacket.

Edited December 19, 2024 by palmerit

[JacquesCousteau]

I can't compare it with other dory kits, but I personally found the Model Shipways kit to be a great introduction to model building. The instructions are very detailed (and, as mentioned above, are available online so you can seewhat they're like). There are a few aspects to the build that were a little bit tricky, but it was straightforward enough to check other build logs for clarification. Off the top of my head: it's very easy to put a dent in the planking at the bow and stern, but this can be avoided by placing clamps carefully and using light clamps (I found that bobby pins worked well in many cases). Adding the gains to the planks is a little confusing, so it was useful to see how other people handled it on their buid logs--you really have to think about how the planks will fit together. The wood for the false stem isn't specified in the instructions, but you can just use an appropriate sized strip of scrap wood, which lots of build logs note. Some people have also noted an issue with frame templates, although I didn't experience that, so you can check their logs for how they handled things.

 

I would also consider size, cost, and whether you want it with a sail or not. The model shipways kit is pretty small, which I liked because I didn't have a ton of display space, but maybe you want a much larger model to display. The model shipways kit is also cheaper than the midwest or bluejacket dories, which might matter. Finally, the model shipways kit doesn't include a mast/sail, which the other kits do. It's not hard to kitbash it to add a sail if you want, which is what I did, but it will take a bit of research and some extra materials (which can be had for pretty cheap).

 

Best of luck!

[palmerit]

One thing to note if you’re looking at the Vanguard models is that they’re kind of in three pairs (three different styles, with a smaller and larger variant) - that was told to me by someone who built all six. 
 

Erycina (larger)

Nisha (smaller)

 

Ranger (larger)

Saucy Jack (smaller)

 

Zulu (larger)

Fifie (smaller)

 

[Capt. Kelso]

I built the Bluejacket and Model Shipways kits, both fine kits but different scales. Depending on your skill level, the Model Shipways kit is an easier build. Vast difference in Instruction detail.

[Arda]

13 hours ago, Capt. Kelso said:

Vast difference in Instruction detail.

Thanks Capt. Kelso,

 

I'm guessing the Model Shipways instructions are far more detailed than the Bluejacket?

[palmerit]

3 hours ago, Arda said:

Model Shipways instructions are far more detailed than the Bluejacket?

You can see the Model Shipways instructions online on the Model Expo web site if you want to check them out. They’re fairly detailed. I haven’t seen Bluejacket instructions, but I read that their models are a bit more complicated and detailed and kind of expect that you’ve done a model before. 

[Capt. Kelso]

Arda, yes, the Model Shipways instructions are easier to follow. Also, have many useful tips. One key distinction between the kits is the construction of oars. If you go with the model shipways build, consider an alternative to their oars. The Bluejacket kit uses the more traditional model builder styles versus simply shaping the laser piece. Here's a photo as an example.

[Milkman55]

Just finished my Model Shipways Dory a week ago.  Building the Lobster Smak now.