Boat Models, Peapod Dory

If you lived in coastal Maine at the close of the 19th century you'd recognize this double-ender that was used for coastal transport and fishing during the 1890s. Named for its double ended and round sided shape which resembled the garden vegetable, the Peapod Dory was usually about 15 feet long and it could carry more than a standard dory. It's double ended design enabled a lobsterman to row the peapod from either direction, usually standing up and facing forward. The peapod was thought to have originated about 1870 or even earlier.

A really unique decorating piece, this large, highly detailed, professionally built model comes with a stand, wooden traps, floats, a steering oar (not pictured), oarlocks, six rowing oars, and a grappling hook.

She's a beautifully made Peapod Dory measuring 22" long, 19.5" high, and 6.78" wide.

A Little Lobster Information

A lobster trap can cost anywhere from $45 to $60.

Today a 16' Peapod Dory can cost you around $3500.00

In 1996 there were only 144 lobstermen in Maine that tended to 1200 or more traps. Today there are fewer.

Lobsters molt (shed their shells) to grow. They secrete enzymes that soften the shell and connective shell joints. The shell splits up the back and the creature backs out leaving it behind...including the membrane that covered the eyes. They will increase their size by about 20% at every molt. By the time a lobster is of legal size, it will have molted about 20-25 times, averaging 4-5 molts a year. After a molt the animal is vulnerable because the new shell is very soft. It will hide among the rocks on the bottom for 6-8 weeks until its shell hardens enough to offer some protection.

One lobster caught just off shore was released and re-caught by the same fisherman 24 hours later - and 3 nautical miles out at sea!

If you like the Peapod Dory, how about a set of 6 little ones! Please click here!

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