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  3. Candlefish 16 Casting Deck
Plans for the Candlefish 16 Casting Deck fishing boat, designed by Sam Devlin.
This image of the Candlefish 16 Casting Deck design by Sam Devlin shows her handsome profile.
A Candlefish 16 Casting Deck fishing boat awaiting the next adventure.
View from the stern of the Candlefish 16 Casting Deck hull shows the wide open cockpit. The step to the raised casting deck is just visible.
There is room for two gas tanks in the stern of the Candlefish 16 Casting Deck fishing boat by Sam Devlin.
Candlefish 16 Casting Deck
Candlefish 16 casting deck in front of the Chesapeake Light Craft shop
Candlefish 16 Casting Deck
Candlefish 16 Casting Deck
Candlefish 16 Casting Deck
Candlefish16 casting deck interior
Candlefish 16 Casting Deck
Candlefish 16 Casting Deck
Candlefish 16 Casting Deck
Candlefish 16 Casting Deck
Candlefish16 casting deck interior stern
Candlefish 16 Casting Deck
Candlefish 16 Casting Deck
Candlefish 16 Casting Deck
Candlefish 16 Casting Deck
Candlefish 16 Casting Deck
Plan view of Candlefish 16 Casting Deck powerboat designed by Sam Devlin
Plans for the Candlefish 16 Casting Deck fishing boat, designed by Sam Devlin. Thumbnail
This image of the Candlefish 16 Casting Deck design by Sam Devlin shows her handsome profile. Thumbnail
A Candlefish 16 Casting Deck fishing boat awaiting the next adventure. Thumbnail
View from the stern of the Candlefish 16 Casting Deck hull shows the wide open cockpit. The step to the raised casting deck is just visible. Thumbnail
There is room for two gas tanks in the stern of the Candlefish 16 Casting Deck fishing boat by Sam Devlin. Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Casting Deck Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 casting deck in front of the Chesapeake Light Craft shop Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Casting Deck Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Casting Deck Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Casting Deck Thumbnail
Candlefish16 casting deck interior Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Casting Deck Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Casting Deck Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Casting Deck Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Casting Deck Thumbnail
Candlefish16 casting deck interior stern Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Casting Deck Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Casting Deck Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Casting Deck Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Casting Deck Thumbnail
Candlefish 16 Casting Deck Thumbnail
Plan view of Candlefish 16 Casting Deck powerboat designed by Sam Devlin Thumbnail

Candlefish 16 Casting Deck

Builder Testimonials


The Candlefish 16 Casting Deck is a rugged, seaworthy skiff with an open layout that provides ample space for casting and storage. Lightweight enough for easy launching yet capable in rough conditions, it delivers reliable performance for anglers and everyday utility use.

  • Skill Level Advanced
  • Estimated Build Time 300 Hours

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! 

  • Sophisticated Design

    Nothing else like it to buy or build

Build Your Kit Pay in full or choose a flexible payment plan with Learn More

Builders also looked at...

Plan view of Candlefish 16 Casting Deck powerboat designed by Sam Devlin

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.

Specifications

Length
16' 2.25"
Beam
82"
Draft
7.5"
Hull Weight Dry: 3/8" Plywood
630 lbs
Hull Weight Dry: 1/2" Plywood
750 lbs
Max Horsepower
50-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
This image of the Candlefish 16 Casting Deck design by Sam Devlin shows her handsome profile.
This image of the Candlefish 16 Casting Deck design by Sam Devlin shows her handsome profile.

Overview

The Candlefish 16 hull is a rugged, capable fishing or utility 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.

This Candlefish Casting Deck version features an open cockpit and generous side decks, along with a raised fishing platform that spans the forward half of the boat. Together, these elements give anglers ample room to cast and move with confidence. Beneath the platform is a large storage compartment for fishing gear and essential supplies.

Lockable storage and enclosed flotation enhance safety while adding rigidity to her 16-foot hull. She’s the boating equivalent of a pickup truck—strong, practical, and versatile.

She can be built with a simple, workboat finish or crafted to a high level of detail to showcase your skills. Either way, she makes an excellent utility skiff.

With her seaworthy capabilities, she gets you to the fishing grounds quickly and provides a comfortable place to relax while waiting for the fish to bite.

LOA:  16′ 2-1/2" --  4.94 m

Beam:  6’ 10" --  2.08 m

Draft:  7.5″ --  19.0 cm

Max HP:  50-hp


Epoxy required to build the Candlefish 16 Casting Deck:

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 Casting Deck CNC-cut hull parts and building plans.

$3,465.00

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

$258.50

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

$305.00

Candlefish 16 Bridge Deck, Fiberglass Kit includes: Fibergla...

$439.95

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

$45.00

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

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

Need Help Building it?

We’re here to help with any questions you might have during the build process.

Phone

Available Mon – Fri, 9am–5pm EST

410.267.0137

Email

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