QT Dinghy




	The 12’ QT features molded teak floorboards and sculpted seats to provide an extraordinarily comfortable ride, whether rowing out to the mooring, or out on a morning exercise row.

We wanted to build an elegant little rowing boat; one that is pleasing to look at, row and that tows well. We also wanted to use non-traditional techniques and materials, yet achieve very traditional appearance: light weight, yet substantial.

We laid two ply of Southern white cedar over a male mold with West System epoxy as the binder. We have a lightweight and very strong hull structure. Next we epoxied a layer of eight-ounce fiberglass cloth inside and out. This adds significantly to the total strength though its main purpose is to provide chafe protection. The finish is Awl Grip.


	Features: Buoyancy—and a lot of it. If this boat ever flips over with my grandchildren in it I want them to crawl back in and have the gunwales above awash so they can bail out the water without having to play the game of “can I bail out faster than it sloshes back in?” Frankly, that’s a game no one should have to play. By the very nature of the hull material this boat is buoyant.


	The addition of close-cell Styrofoam into the “dog” seat, the forward rowing seat, and the aft settee should be enough to achieve the buoyancy goal. I am not going to personally test it until mid July.


	Dimensions

L.O.A.	11’05”
Beam	54”
Seat Width	Ample
Weight	165 lbs.

Teak Floorboards—don’t they look nice? The lowest point in the boat is under the center seat. Raise the seat and find the ideal place for a bilge pump, or for sponging out that last trace of water. You can also latch and lock this compartment for security.

Seats—take a close look at these seats. I took the shape from the local Methodist Church pew. Sculptured for comfort. Wide enough so that those of us with mature butts don’t feel cheated. Note the nice condiment on the front of the rowing station seats to help prevent “spill over”. These seats are balsa core material covered with beautiful mahogany veneer. Pretty, strong and light weight.

Oars—our modus operandi. Note that the stern is too thin for an outboard clamp. Painted white on the front side and red on the working side for greater visibility.

Oarlocks—thru bolted to stainless steel plates set into the rail using two additional fasteners; they are in place for the long haul. I chose the round oarlocks because as you approach the Big Boat and lift your oar out of the way, the oarlock should come too. Open oarlocks wait right there, ready to take a big gouge out of your nice paint job. They also require one more motion to remove them, at a moment when there is usually none to spare.

Gunwall guard—I have used a new Dacron material. It isn’t supposed to rot, mildew or sunburn. Time will tell.

Price—We aren’t giving these boats away, and that’s not what you would expect for a dinghy that is designed and built to last a lifetime. The QT is an heirloom quality tender!

Available in your choice of colors. Contact Frank Luke for more information