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Captain Heritage

Cocktail Class Racer 8ft Custom Built Wooden Boat

Cocktail Class Racer 8ft Custom Built Wooden Boat

$10,002.00 USD
$10,002.00 USD $10,002.00 USD
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Cocktail Class Racer 8ft The Cocktail Class Racer 8ft is a compact, modern interpretation of classic mid-century wooden racing boats-designed to deliver vintage style in a fun-sized performance package. Inspired by 1940s-1950s mahogany runabouts, the Cocktail Class Racer was conceived as a small, affordable, and easily trailerable craft that captures the spirit of golden-age speedboats. Despite its modest length, its long foredeck, low freeboard, and single-cockpit layout give it the unmistakable character of a true racing runabout. Our workshop faithfully recreates this iconic mini racer using premium marine materials-including Western Red Cedar, Mahogany, Teak, and U.S.-made Hexcel fiberglass finished with System Three marine spar varnish. Each boat is built entirely by hand using the traditional plank-on-frame method, ensuring both authenticity and durability. The graceful sheer line, classic tumblehome stern, and detailed cockpit coaming are carefully shaped to preserve its vintage aesthetic. Typical build time ranges from 3-4 months depending on customization and engine configuration. Clients may customize dimensions, wood species, deck striping, steering setup, hardware finish, and upholstery-transforming this charming 8-foot racer into a personalized statement piece. General Dimensions: - Length Overall (LOA): 8′ (2.44 m) - Beam: 1.2 m (4′) - Weight: 33 kg (72 lb) - Load: 113 kg (250 lb) - Max. Motor Size: 8 HP Performance & Use: Designed for agility and lighthearted performance rather than offshore speed, it offers responsive handling and nostalgic charm in a highly approachable format. Perfect for classic boat gatherings, weekend leisure cruising, or collectors seeking a distinctive small craft, the Cocktail Class Racer celebrates timeless design in a compact, spirited form. We will obtain official plan from Woodenboat.com, with full credit given to the original designers. For each custom commission, we acquire the appropriate plans and construct the boat to order - offering both full-size vessels and finely detailed scale models. Disclaimer: The Cocktail Class Racer is a design based on the 1939 "Skua" by Charles MacGregor. Wooden Boat USA is not affiliated with or endorsed by Charles MacGregor. Contact us to explore specifications, customization options, and build schedules for your Cocktail Class Racer 8ft. The Cocktail Class Racer traces its origins to the early 2000s, when a renewed interest in classic wooden boats inspired designers to create a compact, accessible alternative to full-size vintage runabouts. Drawing heavily from the styling cues of 1940s and 1950s mahogany racers-long foredecks, low profiles, and rounded tumblehome sterns-the concept was to capture the romance of the golden age of speedboats in a much smaller, more affordable format. The 8-foot configuration quickly became one of the most recognizable versions of this modern classic. Unlike its mid-century inspirations, which were often large and powered by substantial inboard engines, the Cocktail Class Racer was intentionally designed for simplicity. Plans were developed for amateur builders and small workshops, allowing enthusiasts to construct their own mini racer using traditional wooden boatbuilding techniques. Typically powered by small outboard or electric motors, the boat offered spirited performance in protected waters while remaining easy to transport, launch, and maintain. Over time, the Cocktail Class Racer gained popularity within the wooden boat community as a "gateway" project-combining nostalgic design with manageable scale and cost. Today, the 8ft Cocktail Class Racer stands as a modern tribute to vintage American runabouts, celebrating craftsmanship, classic aesthetics, and the enduring appeal of handcrafted wooden boats in a compact, playful form.
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What makes our wooden boats so unique and special? 

Hundreds of hours go into the construction of our boats, as perfection is the only options.

- ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY: We use only certified top-grade, hand-selected wood such as Canadian red cedar, mahogany, rosewood, teak and more. 

- THE ART OF CRAFTSMANSHIP: Merging centuries-old customs with technological innovation, we bring you boats that excel in every categories. 

- IN-HOUSE QUALITY CONTROL: Each of our wooden boats goes through a demand quality control process including in water testing before leaving the workshop.

 

About Woodenboat USA™

The story of time-honored traditions of boat building. 

More than just watercraft, our wooden boats, kayaks and canoes represent connections to a legacy of craftsmanship and old world techniques. Woodenboat USA is invested in the type of construction that recalls generations of boat making. Over thirty years in business, our commitment has always been and will continue to be, to excellence, to tradition and to creating products that you can enjoy both for their performance and incredible beauty.

Inspired by history, the names of our watercraft are derived from the northern waterways where natives and settlers have used them for centuries. Merging centuries-old customs with improvements in technology, we bring you boats that excel in every category.

Beginning with pliable, high quality Canadian cedar and hardwood, our craftsmen hand join each individual strip. Hundreds of hours go into the construction of our boats, as perfection is the only option. Once built, the piece is encapsulated in fiberglass epoxy resin adding an extra layer of durability and strength. At last, the water craft is ready for its nautical debut.

FAQ's

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What are your canoes and kayaks made of?

Our canoes and kayaks are made of the highest quality western red cedar and some hardwoods. The larger boats are made of western red cedar, pine, and hardwoods such as oak, mahogany, teak, and some locally available woods. Our wooden watercraft are then coated both inside and out in an incredibly durable American made fiberglass and epoxy resin.

You mentioned that you use fiberglass in your boats, so what is the difference between your boats and fiberglass boats?

We only use 1 or 2 clear thin layers of fiberglass coating on top of the wood for reinforcement and added integrity. You never see any fiberglass, only beautiful, hand-joined cedar and hardwoods.

What is a typical cedar strip canoe or kayak weight?

A 15’ kayak weighs approximately 45lbs, making it very easy for one person to carry. A 16’ canoe weighs about 48lbs.

What type of boats do you build?

Our wooden strip canoes and kayaks are hugely popular for touring and recreational purposes. We also build wooden dinghies, wooden sail boats, classic wooden runabouts, and speedboats. Additionally, we can custom-build any design with which you supply us.

What methods do you use to build the boats?

Focused on integrating traditional technique with modern design, all boats are built by hand, typically taking hundreds of man hours to create.

How do I order?

Please contact our dealers or call (877) 88 Boats for more information.

How long does an order take?

Boats that we have in stock can be shipped to you within a week). New or custom products generally take 2-3 months as everything we sell is 100% hand crafted.

How do you ship it?

We can ship via trucking company very safely. We also insure all freight so in the very rare case that a shipment is damaged during transit, we will take care of the details and immediately replace the item for you. We also have distributors all over the world, so please contact us to find out more information.

How do I become a distributor of your products?

We welcome qualified dealers and distributors all over the world. Please contact us today at (877) 88 Boats or email us at info@woodenboatusa.com for more information.

What kind of warranty can I expect?

For all products we offer a 6 month limited warranty on materials and craftsmanship.

Guidelines for use

CARE:

With a little bit of care and maintenance, your beautiful canoe can last for generations. While our products are certainly durable and solid, they still require the right type of care and handling to ensure that they perform optimally.

  • It is recommended that you rinse your canoe off with fresh clean water after every use.
  • Upon returning from the trip, allow your canoe to air-dry in the shade.

STORAGE:

Besides taking care of your canoe, storage also plays an essential role in maintaining your canoe’s appearance and beauty.

  • Always store your wooden canoe in shade.
  • Turn it upside down on the support thereby keeping it off the ground.
  • Hanging your boat from the rafters in your garage or shop would be ideal storage.

REPAIR:

Minor scratches can be repaired by marine spar vanish or some brand of automobile wax. Smooth the damaged area with sand paper, wipe clean, then apply marine spar vanish.

SAFETY:

Wooden Boat USA strongly recommends that a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is worn whenever paddling.

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