Designed by Richard Wilson, the Kingfisher is an outboard-powered skiff whose lineage can be traced back to New England dories. Her topsides are planked in lapstrake plywood, and she has a double bottom that provides both flotation and self-bailing capability.

Richard Wilson has designed and built many boats in the past, but this is his first small boat design.

"I wanted a boat with a stable hull that was easily driven by a 20hp outboard, easily handled by just one person, and easily built. Kingfisher fits all those criteria."

The boat is a traditional looking dory with a flat bottom and double chine. Its high bow, sweeping sheer, moderately raked flat transom, and an outboard motor mounted in a well all contribute to its attractive, clean lines. The decision to mount the motor inboard was partly driven by aesthetics - Wilson feels it's a better looking boat in profile it the outboard doesn't show - and partly by function.

This makes the transom of the boat available for such tasks as setting nets, and boat access. The flat hull is ideal for investigating the nooks and crannies of harbours and estuaries.

The twin keels allow kingfisher to be left to sit on her own bottom on a beach or mudflat and to be launched and retrieved from a simple flat deck trailer.

Kingfisher Power Dory: Easy to build small boat design

Feature article in WoodenBoat Magazine's 2010 edition of Small Boats

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