L. A. Dunton was modeled after a ship (the now shipwrecked Joffre) designed by Thomas F. McManus, one of the most influential naval architects of fishing vessels of the early 20th century.

She was named for Louis A. Dunton, a sailmaker who was one of the investors in the syndicate that commissioned her construction.

Even though gasoline engines for auxiliary power were by then a common addition to such vessels, Dunton was not initially outfitted with one.

Buffett removed her rigging and installed a wheelhouse, effectively converting the ship into a ketch with two small sails.

[3] Below decks, there are crew spaces for fifteen in the forecastle, and the main fish hold was amidships.

She is no longer fully rigged, owing to her significantly deteriorated condition, but is still operated as a museum exhibit.