Kingfisher 20 Information, Review, Specs

The Kingfisher 20 first entered production in 1959, marking a significant milestone as the initial model in Westfield Engineering's enduring Kingfisher series. The company, which commenced operations in 1959 at Cabot Lane, Creekmoor, Poole, England, focused on Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) construction from its inception. The designer, R.A.G. Nierop, an naval architect with a background including aircraft design (ARAes), infused his philosophy of creating robust, stable, and accessible yachts suitable for cruising enthusiasts.

Throughout its production run, the Kingfisher 20 saw several iterations and variations. The Kingfisher 20 (Mk1), produced briefly in 1959, featured keels molded directly into the fiberglass hull, a transom-hung rudder, a large transom locker, and an engine well at the aft end of the cockpit. Later in 1959, the Kingfisher 20 (Mk2) was introduced, maintaining much of the Mk1's design but incorporating cast iron keels. Some later Mk2 versions also moved the engine into the transom locker with a pivot mechanism. A rare fin-keel version of the Kingfisher 20 was also produced for export.

In 1967, the design evolved into the Kingfisher 20+, which was produced until 1978. This variant saw the rudder shaft moved inboard through the transom and the engine housed on a swivel mechanism within the transom locker. A hinged fore hatch was relocated to the fore cabin roof. A longer cockpit version of the 20+ was also designed, primarily for the American market, adding approximately 70 lbs of weight. A unique Kingfisher 20+JR (Junk Rigged) was also offered between 1975 and 1978, with the fore hatch reverting to the fore deck due to the mast being stepped through the fore cabin roof. Production of the Kingfisher 20 series under Westfield Engineering continued until 1978, when R.A.G. Nierop retired and the construction was transferred to Moorstream Ltd., trading as Kingfisher Yachts, who continued to produce the slightly re-badged Kingfisher 22 until the early 1980s.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of just over 20.5 feet and a waterline length of 18.5 feet, the Kingfisher 20 was designed to be an agile yet forgiving cruiser. Its displacement of 2,600 lbs, coupled with 1,100 lbs of iron ballast, contributes to a relatively sturdy and stable platform for its size. The reported sail area of 177 square feet, combined with a masthead sloop rig, suggests a boat capable of reasonable performance in lighter winds while being manageable in stronger conditions.

A defining characteristic of the Kingfisher 20 is its twin keel configuration, which contributes significantly to its sailing performance and handling. This design provides a shallow maximum draft of only 2.33 feet, enabling the boat to access shallower waters and even dry out on suitable bottoms. Owners consistently praise the twin keel design for its excellent stability and comfortable motion, even in choppy seas and swells, embodying Nierop's design philosophy of safety and ease of handling for cruising families. The hull speed is calculated at approximately 5.76 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior specifications can vary between individual boats and production marks, the Kingfisher 20 was generally conceived as a four-berth sloop, emphasizing practicality and maximizing utility within its compact length. The builder's philosophy prioritized thoughtfully designed and spacious interior layouts for their size. Early versions of the Kingfisher 20 were sometimes offered unfurnished, providing a blank canvas for owners to customize. While specific headroom figures are not universally documented, the emphasis was on creating a functional cruising interior suitable for weekend trips and coastal excursions. Storage solutions would typically include lockers and shelving integrated into the molded fiberglass interior, which in some original boats was noted to be in a blue finish.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Kingfisher 20s often laud the boat for its robust construction and the inherent stability provided by its twin keels, which instills confidence, especially in less favorable conditions. The shallow draft is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, allowing exploration of areas inaccessible to deeper-keeled vessels and simplifying mooring in tidal berths. The active Kingfisher Yacht Owners Association (KYOA) serves as a testament to the enduring appeal and community surrounding these classic British cruisers, providing a valuable resource for maintenance advice and shared experiences.

Common points of discussion among owners often revolve around maintenance typical of boats of their age, such as potential issues with original fittings or general upkeep. However, the overarching sentiment is one of appreciation for a well-built, dependable, and comfortable small cruiser that continues to offer enjoyable sailing experiences decades after its initial construction.