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  4. Candlefish 16
Plans for the Candlefish 16 from Devlin Designing Boat Builders
Candlefish 16
Candlefish 16
A sleek red Candlefish waits at the water's edge.
A green Candlefish 16 pulled up to the shoreline.
Sam Devlin Candlefish 16, Bridgedeck, grey color.
Candlefish 16
Candlefish 16
Candlefish 16
Candlefish 16
Candlefish 16
Candlefish 16
Plans for the Candlefish 16 from Devlin Designing Boat Builders Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Thumbnail
A sleek red Candlefish waits at the water's edge. Thumbnail
A green Candlefish 16 pulled up to the shoreline. Thumbnail
Sam Devlin Candlefish 16, Bridgedeck, grey color. Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Thumbnail

Candlefish 16

Builder Testimonials

The Candlefish 16 is deep and seaworthy enough to keep her occupants dry, yet light enough to launch off the beach. Perfect for a wide range of uses, with a 10- to 50-hp outboard.

  • Skill Level Advanced
  • Estimated Build Time 300 Hours

Builders undertaking this kit should be comfortable reading traditional boat plans, and have at their disposal stationary tools such as a tablesaw and a bandsaw. The drawings and documentation assume a good working knowledge of woodworking, epoxy, and fiberglass techniques.

The builder's desired finish—"from workboat-style" to "Concours"—and the level of detail in outfitting will impact construction time significantly.

Build this boat if...

  • You consider fishing in your own boat to be one of life's most worthy activities
  • You are looking for a strong and rugged boat in which you can feel safe whether in open water
  • You would like to have a cockpit big enough to bring a few friends along.

  • Classic Appeal

    Traditional looks that will never age

  • For Woodcrafters

    Boatbuilders, sharpen your block planes! 

  • Versatile

    A design that does everything well

Classic Appeal

Some might argue that small craft design reached the zenith of looks and performance in the 19th century. We wouldn't disagree. Designs like this one will still look good in a hundred years.

If you love woodworking, this is a project where you get to make wood shavings. You'll need to be comfortable with a sharp plane and a Japanese pull-saw, but the reward is a work of craftsmanship that's all your own.

Fast but comfortable, comfortable but sleek, sophisticated but easy to build, elegant but straightforward. If you're going to have just one boat...
Build Your Kit Pay in full or choose a flexible payment plan with Learn More
Shipping & Returns

Builders also looked at...

Plan view of Candlefish 16

We Can Help You Build This Boat

We offer classes for many of the boats we sell. For boats, such as this one, we can offer private classes upon request. Some customers also ask us to build the boat for them.
Plans for the Candlefish 16 from Devlin Designing Boat Builders

Plans for the Candlefish 16 from Devlin Designing Boat Builders

Candlefish 16
Candlefish 16
A sleek red Candlefish waits at the water's edge.

A sleek red Candlefish waits at the water's edge.

A green Candlefish 16 pulled up to the shoreline.

A green Candlefish 16 pulled up to the shoreline.

Sam Devlin Candlefish 16, Bridgedeck, grey color.

Sam Devlin Candlefish 16, Bridgedeck, grey color.

Candlefish 16
Candlefish 16
Candlefish 16
Candlefish 16
Candlefish 16
Candlefish 16
Plans for the Candlefish 16 from Devlin Designing Boat Builders Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Thumbnail
A sleek red Candlefish waits at the water's edge. Thumbnail
A green Candlefish 16 pulled up to the shoreline. Thumbnail
Sam Devlin Candlefish 16, Bridgedeck, grey color. Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Thumbnail

Specifications

Length
16' 2.25"
Beam
82"
Draft
7.5"
Hull Weight Dry: 9mm Plywood
630 lbs
Max Horsepower
30-hp

Performance

Stability

5 out of 5
Very Tippy
Very Stable

Speed

5 out of 5
Cruiser
Racer

Cockpit Room

5 out of 5
Close Fit
Huge Cockpit

Payload

5 out of 5
Day Tripper
Freight Hauler

Ease of Construction

1 out of 5
Requires Patience
Very Easy

Overview

The Candlefish 16 is a rugged, capable fishing skiff. Deep and seaworthy, she is well suited to the changeable weather and strong tides of Washington’s Puget Sound and beyond. Deep enough to keep occupants dry yet light enough for beach launching, she performs well with a 10- to 50-hp outboard.

The Bridgedeck Version features wide wraparound bench seating with lockable storage in the center seat. The Open Version offers fore-and-aft bench seating along the port and starboard sides. Enclosed flotation enhances safety while adding rigidity to her 16-foot hull. The Candlefish 16 is the boating equivalent of a pickup truck—strong, rugged, and versatile.

She is easy to build with a straightforward workboat fit and finish, or you can take the time to showcase fine craftsmanship. Either way, she makes an excellent utility skiff.

All versions share the same proven hull, getting you to the fishing grounds quickly while providing a comfortable place to relax as you wait for the fish to bite.

Plywood floorboards are an option for the Open Version; alternatively timber planks can be used and sourced locally.  


LOA:  16′ 2-1/4" --  4.94m

Beam:  6’ 10" --  2.08m

Draft:  7.5″ --  19.0 cm

Max HP:  50-hp


Epoxy required to build the Candlefish 16:

Epoxy required by item:

  • Resin 6 gal
  • Slow Hardener 3 gal
  • Wood flour, cell-o-fil fillers, & pumps

 

NOTE: Boat plans will need to be purchased from Devlin Builders, separately for all kit variations.



Buying Options

Choose Your Boatbuilding Experience

Building your boat begins with selecting the option that best fits your skill level and shop size.

  1. Select Your Configuration

    Build From a Kit:
    Most builders will start with the Base Kit. Everything’s there.
    Build From Scratch:
    Source your own materials and hardware, and work from full-sized patterns.
    Build From a Wood Parts Only Kit:
    We provide the CNC-cut wooden parts and timber. Typical "wood parts only" kit buyers have their own supply of epoxy, fiberglass, and hardware.
    Order Study Plans or Manuals:
    Like to study up a bit first? Download study plans or a copy of the assembly manual.

  2. Choose Options and Add-Ons

    Additional Components:
    Some of our boats have options such as a center console. Many boats can be enhanced with nonskid decking, storage covers, trailers, and more.

  3. Get Building!

    Computer-cut kits feature all of the latest tweaks to ease assembly, including slot-together frames, pre-drilled holes for stitching-and-gluing, puzzle joints, and precision in the fitting of parts.

Buy Now, Pay Later Pay in full or choose a flexible payment plan with Learn More

Standard Configuration

Every builder will need the Candlefish 16 CNC-cut hull parts and building plans.

$3,118.50

Candlefish 16 Open, Plywood Only Kit includes: CNC-Cut Okoum...

Candlefish 16 Open, Plywood Only Kit includes:

  • CNC-Cut Okoume Plywood Parts (13 sheets)

 

NOTE: Boat plans will need to be purchased from Devlin Builders, separately.

Builders Manual not included.

Devlin building manual
$3,465.00

Candlefish 16 Bridge Deck, Plywood Only Kit includes: CNC-Cu...

Candlefish 16 Bridge Deck, Plywood Only Kit includes:

  • CNC-Cut Okoume Plywood Parts (14 sheets)

 

NOTE: Boat plans will need to be purchased from Devlin Builders, separately.

Builders Manual not included.

Devlin building manual
$286.00

Candlefish 16 Open, Hull Timber Package includes: Cypress an...

Candlefish 16 Open, Hull Timber Package includes:

  • Cypress and/or Mahogany Timber Parts

NOTE: Boat plans will need to be purchased from Devlin Builders, separately.

Builders Manual not included.

Devlin building manual
$258.50

Candlefish 16 Bridge Deck, Hull Timber Package includes: Cyp...

Candlefish 16 Bridge Deck, Hull Timber Package includes:

  • Cypress and/or Mahogany Timber Parts

NOTE: Boat plans will need to be purchased from Devlin Builders, separately.

Builders Manual not included.

Devlin building manual
$305.00

Candlefish 16, Fiberglass Kit includes: Fiberglass Cloth &am...

Candlefish 16, Fiberglass Kit includes:

  • Fiberglass Cloth & Tape for the Hull
$439.95

This pre-packaged kit includes 2 gallons resin, 1 gallon non-...

This pre-packaged kit includes 2 gallons resin, 1 gallon non-blushing slow hardener, 1 gallon wood flour, 1 gallon cell-o-fill thickener, metered dispensing pumps. It's the same epoxy package that we include in many of our boat kits.

Economy Kits offer the lowest prices on MAS Epoxy anywhere!

* International Customers: we do not ship this product outside the US.


Don't have a set of pumps? Here's a video on proper use of measuring cups.
$45.00

Devlin's Boat Building Manual: How to Build Your Boat the Sti...

Devlin's Boat Building Manual: How to Build Your Boat the Stitch-and-Glue Way, Second Edition.

384 pages. The bible of modern backyard wooden boatbuilding, expanded with new designs, streamlined techniques, and in a larger format!

Alternative Configurations

$575.00

Candlefish 16 Open, Plywood Floorboard Option includes: 18mm...

Candlefish 16 Open, Plywood Floorboard Option includes:

  • 18mm Okoume Plywood Jointed

 

NOTE: Boat plans will need to be purchased from Devlin Builders, separately.

Builders Manual not included.

Devlin building manual

Videos

A Legacy of Craftsmanship: Devlin Wooden Boat Building

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I order this kit?

Click on the Buying Options tab the top left of this page and follow the directions.

How much does this boat weigh and how much can it carry?

The weight and payload of this boat, along with other statistics such length and beam, can be found under Specs in the Specifications section, which is just below the lead image seen at the top of this page.

Can you send me the plans digitally?

Sorry, but until digital rights management technology for marine architectural work catches up to that used for books and music, we are unable to transmit digital plans. Currently, only study plans and manuals can be sent digitally.

Classes

We Can Help You Build This Boat

We offer classes for many of the boats we sell. For boats, such as this one, we can offer private classes upon request. Some customers also ask us to build the boat for them.

View Classes

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