Wherry developed as a water taxi for one or two people.  Detailed plans show the small compartment under the stern sheets where the ferry man could keep lunch. The plans also include the l/2" pine false bottom that protected the orig­inal boat from wear as an off-the-rocky­ beach ferry. The plans also show a lighter scantling set used in the wherry built by the students of the Williams College-Mystic Seaport Maritime Studies Program at the Museum.  With its narrow flat bottom and the fair curves of its long, lean shape, this wher­ry builds easily, with only 8"-wide boards needed to lay out the planks. Others have found that she is easy to plank in plywood. If plywood is used, it would be well to drop a size from the grown plank scantlings in order to keep the weight down. From 87 Boat Designs by Ben Fuller.  Plans drawn by Mystic Seaport staff in 1978.

WSP.7.91

Catalog number WSP.7.91