Dory vs. Skiff — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 21, 2024
A dory is a small, shallow-draft boat with high sides and a flat bottom, ideal for stability in rough waters, while a skiff is a broader category of lightweight, open boats used primarily for recreational fishing in calmer waters.
Difference Between Dory and Skiff
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Key Differences
Dories are known for their unique construction with high sides, sharp bows, and a flat bottom, which make them stable and seaworthy in choppy conditions. Whereas skiffs, generally having a flatter hull, are better suited for calm, shallow waters, making them popular for inshore fishing and leisure activities.
While dories were historically used for fishing off the Grand Banks, their design allows them to be easily stacked and transported on larger ships. On the other hand, skiffs are versatile and used in a variety of settings, often chosen for their ease of customization and handling in various water types, from rivers to coastal areas.
Dories often feature minimalistic interiors to maximize carrying capacity and stability in rough waters, making them practical for commercial fishing tasks. Skiffs, however, typically come equipped with more comfortable seating and storage options, catering to recreational users who might spend long hours on the water.
The traditional construction of dories includes a method known as plank-on-frame, which contributes to their durability and ability to handle heavy seas. In contrast, skiffs are often built using modern materials like fiberglass or aluminum, which provide lightweight strength and require less maintenance.
Dories are praised for their economical use of materials and ease of rowing or sailing, often seen in historical and cultural contexts as workboats. Skiffs, however, are more commonly powered by outboard motors and are seen as more recreational or sport-oriented boats.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Commercial fishing, rough waters
Recreational fishing, calm waters
Hull Shape
Flat bottom, high sides, sharp bow
Flat or slightly curved bottom
Construction Material
Wood, plank-on-frame
Fiberglass, aluminum, wood
Typical Features
Minimalist interior, can be stacked
Comfortable seating, storage, motorized
Cultural Significance
Workboat, historical fishing use
Recreational, sport fishing, leisure
Compare with Definitions
Dory
Designed to be easily stacked on decks of ships.
The fishing schooner carried several dories stacked on her deck.
Skiff
A lightweight, open boat often used for fishing.
He enjoyed taking his skiff out on the lake for a quiet day of fishing.
Dory
A small, shallow-draft boat with high sides and a flat bottom.
The fisherman used his dory to navigate the choppy coastal waters.
Skiff
Available in various materials including fiberglass and aluminum.
His new fiberglass skiff required very little maintenance.
Dory
Often constructed using traditional plank-on-frame methods.
The wooden dory was beautifully crafted with classic techniques.
Skiff
Popular among recreational fishermen.
Every summer, he would take his skiff to the coast for bass fishing.
Dory
Known for its stability in rough seas.
His dory remained stable even as the waves grew larger.
Skiff
Suitable for calm, shallow waters.
The skiff was perfect for navigating the shallow marshes.
Dory
Historically used for commercial fishing.
Old photographs show dories loaded with cod on the Grand Banks.
Skiff
Frequently motorized for easier navigation.
The motorized skiff allowed them to travel faster across the water.
Dory
A dory is a small, shallow-draft boat, about 5 to 7 metres or 16 to 23 feet long. It is usually a lightweight boat with high sides, a flat bottom and sharp bows.
Skiff
The term skiff is used for a number of essentially unrelated styles of small boats. Traditionally, these are coastal craft or river craft used for leisure, as a utility craft and for fishing, and have a one-person or small crew.
Dory
A small, narrow, flatbottom fishing boat with high sides and a sharp prow.
Skiff
A flatbottom open boat of shallow draft, having a pointed bow and a square stern and propelled by oars, sail, or motor.
Dory
Any of various marine fishes of the order Zeiformes, having a spiny dorsal fin and a laterally compressed oval body, especially the John Dory.
Skiff
A small flat-bottomed open boat with a pointed bow and square stern.
Dory
(nautical) A small flat-bottomed boat with pointed or somewhat pointed ends, used for fishing both offshore and on rivers.
Skiff
Any of various types of boats small enough for sailing or rowing by one person.
Dory
Any of several different families of large-eyed, silvery, deep-bodied, laterally compressed, and roughly discoid marine fish.
Skiff
A light, fleeting shower of rain or snow, or gust of wind, etc.
A skiff of rain blew into the shed and the two men moved their chairs back.
Dory
A wooden pike or spear about three metres (ten feet) in length with a flat, leaf-shaped iron spearhead and a bronze butt-spike (called a sauroter), which was the main weapon of hoplites in Ancient Greece. It was usually not thrown but rather thrust at opponents with one hand.
Skiff
A (typically light) dusting of snow or ice (or dust, etc) (on ground, water, trees, etc).
Dory
(obsolete) Of a bright yellow or golden color.
Skiff
An act of slightly pruning tea bushes, placing new leaves at a convenient height without removing much woody growth.
Dory
A European fish. See Doree, and John Doree.
Skiff
To navigate in a skiff.
Dory
The American wall-eyed perch; - called also doré. See Pike perch.
Skiff
To fall lightly or briefly, and lightly cover the ground (etc).
Dory
A small, strong, flat-bottomed rowboat, with sharp prow and flaring sides.
Skiff
To cut (a tea bush) to maintain the plucking table.
Dory
A small boat of shallow draft with cross thwarts for seats and rowlocks for oars with which it is propelled
Skiff
A small, light boat.
The pilot of some small night-foundered skiff.
Dory
Marine fishes widely distributed in mid-waters and deep slope waters
Skiff
To navigate in a skiff.
Skiff
Any of various small boats propelled by oars or by sails or by a motor
Common Curiosities
What is the main difference between a dory and a skiff?
The main difference is their design; dories have high sides and flat bottoms for rough waters, while skiffs are versatile, shallow-draft boats suited for calm waters.
What type of fishing is best with a skiff?
Skiffs are best for inshore fishing, particularly in calm, shallow waters.
Can you use a skiff in rough water?
Skiffs can be used in mildly choppy water, but they are not ideal for very rough conditions.
How do dories handle in calm water?
Dories can handle well in calm water but are specifically designed for stability in rougher seas.
What is the price range for a new skiff?
Prices vary widely based on size, material, and features, typically ranging from $1,000 to over $30,000.
Do dories come equipped with motors?
Dories can be equipped with outboard motors, though they are also commonly rowed or sailed.
What safety measures are necessary when using a dory in rough seas?
It's important to have life jackets, communication devices, and an understanding of the boat's handling characteristics.
Are dories difficult to maintain?
Dories, especially traditional wooden ones, require regular maintenance to preserve their integrity.
Which boat is easier to transport?
Skiffs are generally lighter and easier to transport, especially modern versions made from aluminum or fiberglass.
Can skiffs be used for commercial purposes?
While possible, skiffs are more commonly used for recreational purposes rather than commercial fishing.
How many people can a dory carry?
It depends on the size, but traditional dories can typically carry between 1 and 4 people.
Can dories be customized?
While not as commonly customized as skiffs, dories can be modified, especially in their rigging and interior layout.
Are there any famous models of skiffs?
Popular models include the Carolina Skiff and Boston Whaler, known for their durability and versatility.
Is a skiff a good choice for a beginner boater?
Yes, due to its stability, ease of handling, and simple maintenance, a skiff is a great choice for beginners.
What kind of maintenance does a fiberglass skiff require?
Fiberglass skiffs require periodic cleaning, waxing, and checks for hull integrity.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
