A Dinghy, A Skiff, and A Dory Go Into A Bar

OK, so maybe they drifted onto a sand bar instead of into a bar. After all, they are all boats.

Do you find boat names confusing? There are so many types! Some of the names refer to a kind of boat, in terms of shape/design. And others refer to how the boat is used. For example the word “dinghy” describes the function of the boat. There are sailing dinghies, which are small sailboats, often used for racing. Or you can have a dinghy that is used to get to and from a larger boat (see painting above). In that case the function of the dinghy is to be a “tender” to the larger boat. If you see a yacht named the Wanderer, you might find a dinghy tied up to it called T/T Wanderer, meaning tender to the yacht Wanderer.

A skiff has a flat bottom, a pointed bow, and a square stern (see painting above). Here in Maine many lobster fishermen use them to get to and from their lobster boats. Some row them and others have motors. A skiff can easily be dragged up and down the beach. I’ve even seen one being dragged down a dirt road behind a tractor, not on a trailer. A very versatile boat!

Dories are distinctive. Mostly double ended (pointed at both ends) and with high sides, they are often shiplapped (see painting above). Shiplap is a type of carpentry where the boards overlay one another, making a beautiful regular pattern. Dories have historically been fishing boats, stable when piled high with fish, gear, and one or two fishermen, but they can tricky to get into from another boat. They stack well, also convenient on the working waterfront. They tend to be longer than your average dinghy or skiff, and for some reason are often painted with bright colors. That, of course, appeals to artists. Do a google search on "dory boat images" and you’ll see some beauties.