Cocktail Class Racer 8ft Custom Built Wooden Boat

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.