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Dovekie
Designer: Phil Bolger  ·  Builder: Edey & Duff  ·  First built: 1978
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About the Dovekie

Named after the small Arctic seabird, this compact sailboat represents a thoughtful approach to small-boat design that emphasizes seaworthiness over size. With its modest dimensions, the Dovekie appeals to sailors seeking an intimate connection with the water and wind without sacrificing capability. The boat's design philosophy centers on simplicity and reliability, making it particularly well-suited for coastal cruising and daysailing adventures. Its compact cockpit and straightforward sail plan create an environment where single-handed sailing feels natural and secure, while still accommodating a small crew for shared experiences on the water. Notable for its sturdy construction and honest sailing characteristics, the Dovekie rewards sailors who appreciate traditional boat handling over high-tech convenience. The boat's proportions suggest careful attention to stability and sea-keeping ability, traits that inspire confidence when conditions become challenging. For sailors seeking their first boat or those looking to downsize without compromising on sailing pleasure, the Dovekie offers an appealing blend of manageable size and genuine sailing capability. Its design reflects a time-tested understanding of what makes a small boat both enjoyable and seaworthy for coastal adventures.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 21.42 ft / 6.53 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 19.00 ft / 5.79 m
Beam 6.67 ft / 2.03 m
Max Draft 2.50 ft / 0.76 m
Min Draft 0.33 ft / 0.10 m
Displacement 600.00 lb / 272 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 143.00 ft² / 13.29 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Double-ended with leeboards
Rigging Type Cat (Marconi)
Construction FG
Designer Phil Bolger
Builder Edey & Duff
First Built 1978
Last Built 1998
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
32.21
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
3.75
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
3.17
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 5.84
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 452.82
How It Compares

vs. Chrysler 22 Fk, Hunter 22, Westerly 21

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Dovekie ★
21.4 ft
Chrysler 22 Fk
21.6 ft
Hunter 22
21.5 ft
Westerly 21
21.5 ft
LWL
Dovekie ★
19.0 ft
Chrysler 22 Fk
19.0 ft
Hunter 22
18.5 ft
Westerly 21
18.8 ft
Beam
Dovekie ★
6.7 ft
Chrysler 22 Fk
7.8 ft
Hunter 22
8.0 ft
Westerly 21
7.8 ft
Displacement
Dovekie ★
600 lbs
Chrysler 22 Fk
3 lbs
Hunter 22
2 lbs
Westerly 21
3 lbs
Ballast
Dovekie ★
Chrysler 22 Fk
725 lbs
Hunter 22
1 lbs
Westerly 21
1 lbs
Sail Area
Dovekie ★
143 sq ft
Chrysler 22 Fk
Hunter 22
213 sq ft
Westerly 21
210 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Dovekie ★
32.2
Chrysler 22 Fk
Hunter 22
17.8
Westerly 21
14.2
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Dovekie ★
Chrysler 22 Fk
Hunter 22
37.7 %
Westerly 21
45.8 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Dovekie ★
3.8
Chrysler 22 Fk
15.3
Hunter 22
13.1
Westerly 21
18.9
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Dovekie ★
3.17
Chrysler 22 Fk
2.15
Hunter 22
2.32
Westerly 21
2.01
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Dovekie ★
Chrysler 22 Fk
Hunter 22
186
Westerly 21
247
Hull Speed
Dovekie ★
5.8 kts
Chrysler 22 Fk
5.8 kts
Hunter 22
5.8 kts
Westerly 21
5.8 kts
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