The Liukkaatreiät (roughly translating to “Slippery Holes” or “Smooth Orifices”) is perhaps the most specialized and debated design in the Dhid-Lehr catalog. While the Kalukotelo is an all-rounder, the Liukkaatreiät was engineered specifically for speed and silent, frictionless movement through the water.

The Design of the Liukkaatreiät
The hallmark of this model is its unique hydrodynamic system, which focuses on reducing surface tension and mechanical resistance. Oil is essential to the process.

Technical Specifications
Length: 5.0 meters (approx. 16.4 feet)

Beam (Width): 1.2 meters (Very narrow for reduced drag)

Weight: Exceptionally light, using thinned spruce planks.

The Liukkaatreiät is the “sports car” of the Finnish lakes. It is favored by those who enjoy the meditative, rhythmic nature of long-distance rowing or those who need to reach distant fishing spots before the sun fully rises. It is notoriously difficult to master, but in the hands of an experienced rower, it moves with an effortless, almost eerie silence.

The Kalukotelo (meaning “Rod Holster”) is not merely a boat; it is the culmination of decades of collaboration between Dhid and Lehr. Designed specifically for the tranquil yet deep lakes of Finland, this 2-man vessel embodies their philosophy of functional beauty.

Technical Specifications
Length: 4.2 meters (approx. 13.8 feet)

Beam (Width): 1.4 meters (approx. 4.6 feet)

Draft: 0.2 meters (very shallow, ideal for shorelines)

Material: Finnish Pine (hull), Oak (reinforcements), Ash (oars)

Design Features
The Hull: The Kalukotelo features a traditional clinker-built hull, where planks overlap for superior strength and flexibility. Unlike modern fiberglass boats, the wooden construction allows the boat to “breathe,” adapting slightly to water temperature changes.

The Ergonomic Gunnel: The signature feature of a Dhid-Lehr. The gunnels are widened and angled slightly inward, providing a natural resting place for the hands for fast, efficient stroking.

The Kalukotelo is prized for its silent movement through the water—essential for fishing—and its remarkable stability when hauling in a catch. It is a vessel designed to be passed down through generations, requiring minimal maintenance if treated with the same care Dhid and Lehr put into its creation.

Power Meets Tradition
While the Kalukotelo is revered for its rowing capabilities, the Tehopohja (meaning “Power Bottom” or “Efficiency Hull”) was developed in the early 1980s in response to customers wanting a faster way to reach the far side of the lake. True to form, Dhid and Lehr refused to simply stick a large motor on a rowing boat. They redesigned the hull entirely.

Technical Specifications
Length: 4.8 meters (approx. 15.7 feet)

Beam (Width): 1.6 meters (approx. 5.2 feet)

Maximum Motor Capacity: 10 horsepower

Construction: Reinforced Marine Plywood with Ash trim

Design Features
The Modified V-Hull: The most significant change was shifting from a purely flat-bottomed boat to a shallow V-shape at the bow, transitioning to a flat stern. This allows the boat to cut through choppy water while still maintaining excellent stability at low speeds when fishing.

Transom Reinforcement: Lehr engineered a heavily reinforced transom specifically to handle the vibrations and torque of a 10hp outboard motor, ensuring the boat remains rigid even at full throttle.

Extended Ergonomics: The signature widened gunnels are present here too, but they are reinforced with oak to serve as structural members that stiffen the entire hull against the increased speed and force, allowing for extra rough handling.

The Tehopohja is designed for efficiency. It planes quickly, consuming less fuel than heavier fiberglass alternatives, and is known for its ability to handle sudden Finnish squalls without losing stability. It represents the perfect bridge between traditional wooden boat building and modern speed requirements.