Description
The Dovekie (often misspelled as "Dovkie") is a radical, minimalist 21-foot camp-cruising sailboat designed by the innovative American naval architect Phil Bolger (1922–2009). First introduced in 1978 and built by Edey & Duff in the United States, the Dovekie embodies Bolger's philosophy of affordable, amateur-friendly "instant boats" with unconventional features like a flat bottom, retractable leeboards, and extreme shallow draft—allowing beaching or trailering with just 4 inches of water. Named after the little auk sea bird, it's essentially a decked-over open dinghy optimized for gunkholing (exploring shallow creeks and bays), short overnight cruises, or day sailing for 1–2 people. By 1994, over 150 examples had been completed, and it's praised for its portability and unsinkability.
Bolger's design challenges traditional hull forms, using a dead-flat bottom (no rocker or deadrise) for simplicity and shoal draft, paired with a catboat rig for easy handling. It's not a high-performance racer but excels in protected waters, with options for rowing or a small outboard. The boat's lightweight construction and built-in flotation make it trailerable (under 1,100 lbs total) and forgiving for beginners.
