Build the Open Chub River Dory Workshop
July 19-24, 2026
Roy Pruitt Memorial Shop • Vida, Oregon
Category: Workshops | Boat Building | Arts & Culture | Outdoor Heritage
Experience the Art of Building a Traditional McKenzie River Drift Boat
Few places in America offer the opportunity to build a wooden drift boat on the very river where the design evolved. During this immersive six-day workshop, participants work alongside nationally respected boat builders Cricket Zarn, Glade Zarn, and Brad Dimock of Fretwater Boats to construct a beautiful 13-foot, 6-inch Open Chub River Doryfrom lofting to launch.
Designed for beginners, the workshop teaches traditional plywood-on-frame construction using a modern free-form building method that eliminates the need for forms or a strongback. Students participate in every stage of the build, from lofting full-size plans and scarfing marine plywood to assembling the hull and outfitting the finished boat.
If all goes according to plan, the completed Open Chub will be launched on the McKenzie River Friday afternoon. One fortunate participant will also have the opportunity to purchase the finished boat for the cost of materials through a random drawing.
Workshop Details
Dates
Sunday evening, July 19 through Friday, July 24, 2026
Tuition
$950
- Pay in full or reserve your space with a $500 deposit.
- Remaining balance due by June 1, 2026.
Class Size
Limited to 12 participants
Experience Level
Beginner
Activity Level
Moderate
Meet Your Instructors
The workshop is led by Cricket Zarn, Glade Zarn, and Brad Dimock, founders of Fretwater Boats, whose decades of experience have helped preserve and advance the tradition of wooden river dories throughout the American West.
Participants learn not only how to build a boat but also the reasoning behind every design decision, construction technique, and material selection.
About the Open Chub River Dory
The Open Chub is a versatile adaptation of the classic Briggs dory, designed to perform equally well as a family river boat, fly-fishing platform, or recreational drift boat.
Boat Specifications
- Length: 13’6″
- Beam at the sheer: 83 inches
- Beam at the chine: 54 inches
- Rocker: 9 inches
Throughout the workshop you’ll gain practical skills that can be applied to building wooden drift boats of nearly any size.
Why Is It Called the Open Chub?
The boat’s name honors the remarkable recovery of the Oregon Chub, a native fish that was removed from the federal Endangered Species List in 2015 after decades of collaborative conservation work.
Like its namesake, the Open Chub represents resilience, thoughtful design, and the enduring connection between people and healthy rivers.
A Workshop Built on McKenzie River History
This class takes place in the beautiful Roy Pruitt Memorial Shop in Vida, Oregon.
Roy Pruitt was one of the McKenzie River’s legendary fishing guides and boatmen. Following the devastating Holiday Farm Fire in 2020, Roy’s wife, Shelly Pruitt, fulfilled his dream by building a dedicated woodworking shop on the family’s historic ranch.
Today, participants build boats in a space that celebrates Roy’s legacy while helping preserve one of the McKenzie River’s most important traditions.
Why the McKenzie River Matters
The McKenzie River is recognized as the birthplace of the modern drift boat.
For generations, local guides refined wooden dory designs capable of navigating swift current, shallow riffles, and rocky channels. Those innovations eventually influenced drift boat designs used throughout North America.
When you participate in this workshop, you’re not simply learning woodworking. You’re becoming part of a living tradition that continues to define the McKenzie River.
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is perfect for:
- Fly anglers
- Woodworkers
- Boat builders
- DIY enthusiasts
- River guides
- Outdoor educators
- History enthusiasts
- Families interested in traditional craftsmanship
No previous woodworking experience is required.
Extend Your Visit
Many participants turn the workshop into a weeklong McKenzie River vacation.
While you’re here, consider:
- Fly fishing the legendary McKenzie River
- Hiking to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints
- Mountain biking world-class trails
- Visiting local restaurants and breweries
- Staying in riverside cabins, lodges, or campgrounds
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need woodworking experience?
No. Beginners are welcome.
Will I build my own boat?
Participants work together to build one complete Open Chub River Dory. At the conclusion of the workshop, one participant is selected by random drawing to purchase the finished boat for the cost of materials.
What tools are used?
The workshop emphasizes practical woodworking techniques and thoughtful craftsmanship rather than expensive specialty equipment.
Is lodging available?
Yes. Camping and lodging options are available on the Pruitt property, with additional accommodations throughout the McKenzie River corridor.
Why is the McKenzie River famous for drift boats?
The McKenzie River is widely recognized as the birthplace of the modern drift boat. Local boat builders developed innovative wooden dories specifically designed for these challenging waters, and their influence can still be seen in drift boats across North America.
Make It a McKenzie River Adventure
Whether you’re building your first wooden boat, exploring Oregon’s outdoor heritage, or simply looking for a memorable hands-on experience, the Open Chub River Dory Workshop offers an unforgettable opportunity to learn from master craftsmen while becoming part of a tradition that continues to shape the McKenzie River today.
