Another Oar Cruiser based on the Pacific Troller Dory

For this Oar Cruiser, I used an unmodified hull of Paul Butler's Pacific Troller Dory. I added decking and another alternative for weather protection while sleeping aboard.

Another PTD Based Oar Cruiser Buttoned up for Sleeping

Covering the cockpit are two hatches with fixed skylights. Two mooring/anchoring cleats and a fairlead at the bow facilitate anchoring without climbing on the foredeck. See writeup at the end of this post for details. 

While Rowing, the the Two Hatches are Stored on Deck

The hatches are held in place while rowing by side coaming extensions and a tie-down strap (not shown). The reverse reading compass is on the after hatch with a sight line from the rowing seat.

Top View Showing Slatted Floorboards, Rowing Seat (on left) and Foot Rest 

The outriggers hook onto the side coamings and are adjustable fore and aft and can be easily removed by sliding them forward and lifting them off the coaming. A detailed description of these outriggers is here.

Each side of the Hull is Fitted with Two 4" (102 mm) Clear Deck Plates

Two ports on each topside provide ventilation while sleeping. Oars are shown in racks would include tie-downs (not shown). The coaming is 4" (102 mm) high and includes oak strips enabling movable outriggers.

Specifications:

• Length:15' 4" (4.7 m)
• Beam: 48" (1219 mm)
• Estimated Water Line Length: 13' 9" (4.2 m)
  
  
• Est. Water Line Width: 24" (610 mm)
• Est. WLL/WLW Ratio: 6.9:1
• Est. Hull Speed:  5.2 knots, 9.6 kph, 6.0 mph
  
  
• Cockpit length: 6' 6" (2.0 m)
• Cockpit opening: 4' 6" by 24" (1.4 m by 610 mm)
• Cockpit headroom with hatches: 24" (610 mm)
  
  
• Two watertight end compartments: 2' 3" long (686 mm) by hull width
• Two storage compartments (inboard of the two end compartments), with hinged openings, are 2' (610 mm) long by hull width
• Span is 52" (1321 mm) suggesting 8' 6" (2.6 m) oars.  

Summary-Pros:

• Plans are in the form of a booklet that describes every step for building the hull and is easy to follow.
• The full decking and coaming add to the sea worthiness of an already sea worthy hull.
• The two hatches, when closed, provide a weather proof sleeping cabin that will stand up to high winds from an evening thunder storm. 
• She has sufficient protected storage for supporting a multi-day cruise.

Summary-Cons:

• Too heavy to car-top.
• Windage (top hatches stowed on decks) will be greater than a plain hull. Leave the top hatches at home when you use it as a day boat.

This PTD Oar Cruiser is, in my opinion, an effective compromise between a fast day boat, such as Gavin Atkins OarMouse, and other Oar Cruisers with temporary shelters.