The DEER ISLE 28 was designed to offer the amateur builder or professional fisherman an economical vessel with straight forward construction and excellent sea-keeping ability. The plans include lobster boat, sport fisherman and center cockpit cruiser versions and the boat can be built as a general workboat or yard tender as well. The hull is a single chine shape with steep deadrise where the hull meets the waves at speed and has proven to be both fast and soft riding in a chop. Fastenings are bronze bolts, drifts and Anchorfast nails.
Power can be by single or twin outdrives, a conventional inboard engine or outboard power.
Indeed, one heavily built workboat, powered by a single 200 hp outboard, ran from Washington state to Alaska at an average of 20 knots despite chop and rip tides, and had a top speed of over 25 knots. This vessel is now used to take drums of fuel, food and other supplies to hunting and fishing camp barges along the Alaskan coast. The workboat and sport fisherman versions provide weekend accommodations for 2 plus a small head and galley. The cruiser version features an aft cabin with 2 additional berths and makes a perfect craft for a family. Complete plans include rights to build one boat, plus reasonable consultation during construction.