wherry photos by Don Albrecht
16' Lake Wherry
The lines were taken from a boat dragged out of a field near Lake Minnetonka. Best guess - it was a stock livery boat, common to lakes in the what is now the greater Twin City area c.1880 - 1920's. Most were banged out fast for short hard lives. The larger builders included Minnetonka Boat Works, White Bear Lake Boatworks, and Ramaley Boat Works. Those who lived in a particular area would undoubtedly profess theirs was superior to the others.
A century later this fine design has earned the respect of one off custom construction for the true appreciator of traditional rowing. They are powered by human passion and custom shaped 8 1/2' Pete Culler designed spoon oars.
Below, the builder pulling on his fifth wherry.
