Plover displaced at standard load and at deep load. The ship had an overall length of , a beam of and a draught of . She was powered by two vertical triple-expansion steam engines, driving two shafts, which developed a total of and gave a maximum speed of . Steam for the engines was provided by two water-tube boilers. Plover carried a maximum of of fuel oil. The ship's complement was 69 officers and men.Lenton, p. 306
