Finkelstein started in the boating industry at age 14, working at Minneford’s Shipyard in City Island, N.Y. That was followed by a stint at Chris-Craft, where he assembled boats coming from the factory. After joining the military, Finkelstein was sent to West Point to teach cadets small-boat handling and navigation. He was later hired to service the New York State Police boat near Jones Beach, N.Y.

 

In 1960, Finkelstein leased land beside a marina in Brookhaven, N.Y., and established a boatyard that still exists – and today is same place where John Dory boats are being built by the Stony Brook Marine Services Team. Using modern, industry best material, the classic legend lives on with many modern options and colors.

 

In the 1960’s and 1970’s, Stony Brook Boat and Motor offered a full lineup of marine services and operated a rental fleet. Finkelstein began to design and build fiberglass dories for anglers who wanted a sturdy, safe alternative to traditional wooden boats. He eventually started full production of the 12-, 16- and 18-foot boats for his new company, John Dory Boat Works.

 

Introduced in 1971, the John Dory is a fiberglass skiff‐like boat from 14 to 16 feet in length. It is modeled after the classic lines of the ancient dory, from its clipper bow, wide lapstrake and mahogany brightwork, but including the modern sandwich construction, positive flotation and advanced bottom design found in present day boats.

 

Mr. Finkelstein called his John Dory “the original fiber glass dory” because he said he was the first to style that type of boat with the material that has virtually replaced wood in the marine business.

 

Mr. Finkelstein got the idea for his boat at a party where he was talking with friends about how the dory started and how each area—such as Maine, New England, Long Island and the Chesapeake—had developed its own type. From that discussion, he began researching the Long Island dory then, eventually copying its classic lines, except that he used fiber glass, which other builders had been scared to do, not knowing if it would stand up.

 

One of the questions the Finkelsteins were frequently asked was where they got the name, John Dory. It came from David’s wife Mim Finkelstein, who taught American literature at the Stony Brook campus of the State University. She would explain, there is a popular golden fish called the dory, which legend says, was changed to John Dory after the famous pirate captain, He, in turn, was made famous by the ballad written in 1609.

 

David and Mim tried to capture both by painting the hull yellow after the fish and designing the hull after that bold, earlier age of the pirate. The result is a jaunty, salty rig – The John Dory.

 

In 1974, Finkelstein told The New York Times that he had an eight-man crew building 15 boats a week. “I could hire 30 more people and produce a hundred boats a week for dealers who are crying for them,” he told the paper. “But I would probably lose control over what is now a very happy and profitable operation. I don’t want to end up sitting behind a big oak desk.”

 

During the 70’s the boats were sold through a network of nearly 100 national and international dealers and became a popular choice for rental facilities. The boats also were popular for bonefishing in the Florida Keys and Bahamas. Admirers of the boats called Finkelstein an “admirably authentic American individualist.” He advised many naval architects, designers and other members of the boating industry.

 

David Finkelstein passed away on July 2, 2018 at the age of 87. He is fondly remembered by those that knew him as an amazing person with incredible maritime talents – he is also remembered by the John Dory legend which we proudly continue today in the same shop where John Dory was born.