Pilot Gig: Dan
Gig Dan rowed by CWB volunteers
Boat Type
Location
Year Built
ca. 1980
Beam
5'
LOA (Length Overall)
21'
Boat Plans
Project Sponsors
Designed, built and donated by the Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building
Website Link
Oral History
The type of rowing boat is similar to the pilot gigs in the 18th and 19th centuries where fast and seaworthy boats were needed to carry ships' pilots to vessels about to enter a port. The planking is red cedar, frames are white oak, and the fastenings are copper. This type of boat is utilized by rowing clubs in Shelton, Olympia, and Anacortes and has been used in traditional boat competitions as well.
How does it work? Sweep oars have rope grommets that fit around the oars and a thole pin on the gunwale cap. A coxswain calls the stroke and steers with a yoke.
Boat Story
This 21' rowing boat was designed on the back of a napkin by a few instructors of the Northwest School of Wooden Boat building at the Town Tavern in Port Townsend, WA, about 1980. The school's founder, Bob Prothero, donated the unfinished boat to The Center for Wooden Boats in memory of Dan Dygert, a fisherman, boatbuilder, poet and charter member of CWB. The boat was completed through donations in memory of Dan Dygert.
The Dan was recently hauled out and restored by CWB boatshop staff and volunteers. Repairs included a new breasthook, repairs to the stem, plank repairs, interior coated with "boatsauce" and exterior painting.
