Building the Open Chub River Dory
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Building the Open Chub River Dory

$950.00

A Fretwater Adaptation

Hands on workshop from loft to launch

Evening of Sunday July 19 through Friday, the 24th

· Tuition $950

· Class limit is twelve (12) students.

· Taught by Cricket and Glade Zarn, and Brad Dimock, Fretwater Boats

· Experience level: Beginner

· Activity level: Moderate

· Boat stats: Length 13’ 6”; Breadth amidship at the sheer 83”; breadth amidship at the chine 54”; 9” rocker fore to aft.

The Fretwater crew will lead the open Chub build—a 13’6” family-size river boat designed for versatility and performance. Throughout the course, students will gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to build their own open drift boat of any size. The Chub will be constructed as a traditional plywood-on-frame boat, assembled using a modern free-form method—without forms or a strongback. The course begins Sunday evening with introductions, orientation, and lofting the boat full size. Over the next five days, participants will scarf plywood, fabricate parts, assemble the hull, and complete the outfitting. Rather than relying on expensive or specialized tools, the build emphasizes adaptation, problem-solving, and hands-on craftsmanship. With a bit of luck, the Chub will be launched Friday afternoon. By luck of the draw, one fortunate student will take home the newly built Chub for the cost of materials.

Why the Chub? It is a highly functional adaptation of the classic Briggs dory—equally at home on family outings, serious fly-fishing days, or quiet hours drifting a side channel. The boat’s name, The Chub, reflects a coincidence. The Oregon chub—a small native fish once listed as endangered but restored in 2015 through the steady work of landowners, McKenzie Trust, and many dedicated partners—represents resilience, adaptability, and renewal. Both Chubs are river-borne, and both stand as quiet testaments that with thoughtful design, steady stewardship, and collaboration, boat and fish can live harmoniously within the waters they depend upon.

LOCATION

This class will be held in workshop space at the home ranch of one of our well-known McKenzie Guides, Roy Pruitt in Vida, Oregon on the Mckenzie. Though he has passed, his generous wife, Shelly is providing the space as well as lodging and camping options on the property. The 2020 Holiday Farm fire that devastated 170,000 acres along the McKenzie River also struck the Pruitt property. In its aftermath, and as a tribute to Roy, Shelly built his dream shop space – space in which you will build this classy open dory.

12 in stock

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Description

With the 2007 publication of Roger Fletcher’s Drift Boats & River Dories, these highly maneuverable shallow-draft boats have undergone a surge in popularity. Originally designed as fishing boats on Oregon’s McKenzie and Rogue rivers, these boats have been adapted for the Grand Canyon, and these connections have brought Fletcher, MRDC, Hayes Custom Boats and the Fretwater crew together as kindred spirits to keep alive the honored traditions of building such boats and by passing on these skills.

Registration, Tuition, Cancellation

Registration and tuition are handled online. This Is a 5-1/2 day workshop. To guarantee your spot, please add this item to your cart and checkout.

You will receive a confirmation email upon registration. If you must cancel or withdraw, the following policies apply:

· A full refund will be granted if you cancel not later than June 20.

· If your notice of cancellation or withdrawal is received after that date, your tuition is non-refundable. We suggest registrants consider trip insurance.

· In the event of an unforeseen emergency beyond anyone’s control, MRDC reserves the right to cancel the workshop. Registrants will receive a full refund.

Although lodging is on your own, a list of lodging and camping options will accompany your confirmation notice. These will include camping options at the workshop site and others nearby. The McKenzie River is a very popular summer destination area, so secure lodging arrangements early.

Additional information

Call for Questions

Due to 2025 construction at the McKenzie River Discovery, this class will be held in workshop space at a nearby property, the home ranch of one of our well-known McKenzie Guides, Roy Pruitt. Though he has passed, his generous wife, Shelly is providing the space as well camping options on the property. The 2020 Holiday Farm fire that devastated 170,000 acres along the McKenzie River also struck the Pruitt property. In its aftermath, and as a tribute to Roy, Shelly built his dream shop space – space in which you will build the new river dory adaptations.

For inquiries, contact the workshop coordinator at riverstouch@msn.com. Use McKenzie boat workshop in the subject line.

Hope to see you there.

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