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John Harris at speed in a Cocktail Class Racer.
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Cocktail Class Racers on the move at Kent Island Yacht Club.
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Cocktail Class Racers at speed
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Cornering the buoy the drivers accelerate their Cocktail Class Racers.
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Three Cocktail Class Racers wait at the beach. The boat in the foreground was built at CLC and soon to be named DARK AND STORMY.
John Harris at speed in a Cocktail Class Racer. Thumbnail
Cocktail Class Racers on the move at Kent Island Yacht Club. Thumbnail
Cocktail Class Racers at speed Thumbnail
Cornering the buoy the drivers accelerate their Cocktail Class Racers. Thumbnail
Three Cocktail Class Racers wait at the beach. The boat in the foreground was built at CLC and soon to be named DARK AND STORMY. Thumbnail

Cocktail Class Racer

Builder Testimonials

A miniature racing powerboat that screams around the course in competitive fleets. Too much fun.

  • Skill Level Beginner
  • Estimated Build Time 80 hours

This project was designed with the beginner in mind. Assembly manuals and documentation are calibrated for builders who are using epoxy and fiberglass for the first time. In kits, little or no trimming and fitting of parts is required.

Build this boat if...

  • You enjoy the sensation of speed as your bow repeatedly smacks the water
  • The thought racing at 20 miles an hour in a tiny boat enchants you
  • You enjoy tinkering with small engines
  • Friendly competition in small boats appeals to you.

  • Classic Appeal

    Traditional looks that will never age

  • Need for Speed

    For racers seeking escape velocity

  • Quality Materials

    Only the best professional-grade materials

  • Superior Support

    Tech support is free and unlimited

Classic Appeal

Some might argue that small craft design reached the zenith of looks and performance in the 19th century. We wouldn't disagree. Designs like this one will still look good in a hundred years.

It's hard to find designs like this in the production world. Combining the strength and light weight of wood-epoxy composites with simplified construction, this one's designed to be fast and fun.

Quality Materials

Our kits ship with the same first-class marine plywood, timber, epoxy, and fiberglass that we use in our own boatbuilding shop. It's not cheap, but these boats are meant to last forever!

Superior Support

Have a question about your project, large or small? You can speak to a boatbuilder at CLC, on the phone or by email. Send questions to info@clcboats.com!

 Build Your Kit
Shipping & Returns

Builders also looked at...

Take One of our Boatbuilding Classes

We offer classes for many of the boats we sell. Teaching sites stretch from Maryland to Washington State and from Maine to California. Click here to find out more.
John Harris at speed in a Cocktail Class Racer.

John Harris at speed in a Cocktail Class Racer.

Cocktail Class Racers on the move at Kent Island Yacht Club.

Cocktail Class Racers on the move at Kent Island Yacht Club.

Cocktail Class Racers at speed

Cocktail Class Racers at speed

Cornering the buoy the drivers accelerate their Cocktail Class Racers.

Cornering the buoy the drivers accelerate their Cocktail Class Racers.

Three Cocktail Class Racers wait at the beach. The boat in the foreground was built at CLC and soon to be named DARK AND STORMY.

Three Cocktail Class Racers wait at the beach. The boat in the foreground was built at CLC and soon to be named DARK AND STORMY.

John Harris at speed in a Cocktail Class Racer. Thumbnail
Cocktail Class Racers on the move at Kent Island Yacht Club. Thumbnail
Cocktail Class Racers at speed Thumbnail
Cornering the buoy the drivers accelerate their Cocktail Class Racers. Thumbnail
Three Cocktail Class Racers wait at the beach. The boat in the foreground was built at CLC and soon to be named DARK AND STORMY. Thumbnail

Specifications

Length
8' 0"
Beam
48"
Hull Weight
72 lbs.
Max Payload
250 lbs.

Performance

Stability

4 out of 5
Very Tippy
Very Stable

Speed

5 out of 5
Cruiser
Racer

Cockpit Room

2 out of 5
Close Fit
Huge Cockpit

Payload

1 out of 5
Day Tripper
Freight Hauler

Ease of Construction

5 out of 5
Requires Patience
Very Easy
Cocktail Class Racers competing at Kent Island Yacht Club in Maryland.
Cocktail Class Racers competing at Kent Island Yacht Club in Maryland.

Overview

The Cocktail Class Racer is a ridiculously nifty 8-foot-long racing boat. 

Originally known as the "Skua," this 1939 design by Charles MacGregor was published in The Rudder magazine as an example of what could be done with a novel new material called "plywood."

The Cocktail Class Wooden Boat Racing Association, which came about in 2008, revived the old design and has built up the class as a forum for safe, fun, ultra-inexpensive powerboat racing. Their regattas attract dozens of boats all over the U.S.

Most racers use the class-specified 6-hp outboard; there is an 8-hp class as well. Refer to page 12 of the current Class Association rules for all current engine options.

CLC started producing a computer-cut kit in 2011, with help from the esteemed Farr Yacht Design office in Annapolis. Keith Carew and other designers at Farr pitched in after-hours to assist in converting the Cocktail Class Racer's old-fashioned plywood-on-frame construction to state-of-the-art stitch-and-glue, suitable for first-time builders. The kit parts slot together like an egg crate, so assembly is quick and accurate. CLC's Cocktail Class kit is light, stiff, fast and, of course, "class legal."  

Kits and plans ship with an extensive, easy-to-follow assembly manual with almost 400 photos and drawings illustrating every step.

 

Chesapeake Light Craft on Modern Marvels!

Our first prototype, helmed by Aaron McWain, won the 2011 Cocktail Class Nationals.  The History Channel show, Modern Marvels, featured the construction of a couple of Cocktail Class prototypes in our shop.  You can watch the show here.

 

For additional information on the Cocktail Class Racer and the Cocktail Class Wooden Boat Racing Association, please visit ccwbra.com. 

Check out the CCWBRA Calendar of Events here.

Get tips on motor installation and learn about association events on the CCWBRA blog.


 

Note: "Cocktail Class Throttle Component Kits" include the proper attachment fitting for use with OMC 6-hp motors and 1970s or older OMC 8-hp motors.  Newer 8-hp motors will require manufacturer-specific cable attachments that are not included in our throttle kit. 

 

Buying Options

Choose Your Boatbuilding Experience

Start your kit-building experience by selecting the option that best fits your goals. Don’t have the confidence to build on your own? No worries! Join a boatbuilding class or hire us to build a custom boat for you.

  1. Select Your Configuration

    Build From a Kit:
    Most builders will start with the Base Kit. If you plan to sail your new boat, you will also need to order the Sailing Component Kit.
    Build From Scratch:
    Source your own materials and hardware, and work from full-sized patterns.
    Build From a Wood Parts Only Kit:
    "Wood Parts Only" kit buyers have their own supply of epoxy, fiberglass, and hardware.
    Order Study Plans or Manuals:
    Like to study up a bit first? Download study plans or a copy of the assembly manual.

  2. Choose Options and Add-Ons

    You can choose from a range of popular options to outfit your boat, many of which are intended to ship with the Base Kit. 

  3. Get Building!

    Computer-cut kits feature all of the latest tweaks for easy assembly, including slot-together frames, pre-drilled holes for stitching-and-gluing, puzzle joints, and precision in the fitting of parts.

Standard Configuration

Every builder will need the Cocktail Class Racer CNC-cut hull parts and building plans.

Sale
$1,699.00 $1,359.20

The complete kit includes computer-cut parts in 4mm, 6mm, and...

The complete kit includes computer-cut parts in 4mm, 6mm, and 9mm okoume marine plywood, an external jig for hull shaping, a premium epoxy kit, fiberglass cloth for inside and out, copper wire and other sundry hardware bits.  (Steering and throttle controls sold separately.) Kits include a lavishly illustrated 143-page spiral-bound shop manual with almost 400 step-by-step photos and instructions ideal for first-time boatbuilders. 

This Complete Kit ships with a Premium Epoxy Kit: Learn more!

Cocktail Class Racer - Kit Parts Diagram

Alternative Configurations

$1,269.00

The Cocktail Class "Skua" wood parts only kit includes comput...

The Cocktail Class "Skua" wood parts only kit includes computer-cut parts in 4mm, 6mm, and 9mm okoume marine plywood, an external jig for hull shaping, spanish cedar rubrails, and a 143-page spiral-bound shop manual with complete step-by-step photos and instructions ideal for first-time boatbuilders. Typical "wood parts only" kit buyers have an existing or ready supply of their own epoxy, fiberglass, and hardware.


 
$455.00

This kit is for builders working from CLC's Cocktail Class "S...

This kit is for builders working from CLC's Cocktail Class "Skua" plans.  This gives you the "eggcrate" internal frame and longitudinals, cut in the highest-quality marine grade plywood.  You will need to purchase CLC's Full-Sized Plans and Patterns package in addition to this kit. This frame kit is not compatible with other Skua plan sets.
$139.00

Full-sized patterns for CLC's stitch-and-glue version of the ...

Full-sized patterns for CLC's stitch-and-glue version of the Cocktail Class Association's "Skua" racer.  Includes patterns for every part, including the nifty slot-together "egg crate" interior framework.  The plans option includes a lavishly illustrated 143-page spiral-bound shop manual with almost 400 step-by-step photos and instructions ideal for first-time boatbuilders.

 
$25.00

143 page step-by-step building manual.

143 page step-by-step building manual.
$20.00

This option comprises the latest version of the illustrated a...

This option comprises the latest version of the illustrated assembly manual, emailed in the form of a large PDF, with 8.5" x 11" (216x280mm) pages.  

Please note:  This option is for builders who want to study the process before taking up their tools. The manual includes a materials list, tool list, and of course step-by-step construction details from start to finish.

While the manual is expansive in detail, the manuals alone lack sufficient detail to fabricate parts.  You will still need to purchase the plans or a pre-cut kit to build the boat. Plans are available through the mail. We regret that we are not able to transmit plans or CAD/CAM data digitally.

Upon placing the order, you'll receive an email with a link to the PDF.  Be sure to use a correct email address! If you have filters in place, be sure that emails from "admin@clcboats.com" are not blocked.  

Orders from outside the lower 48 U.S. states will need to wait until the next business day for processing and email delivery of their manual.

Copying or transmitting any part of this document is prohibited, as is posting or displaying any part of it online.  
$2.99

You can get printable study plans for most of your favorite ...

You can get printable study plans for most of your favorite kits and plans by return email --- for just a few dollars! 

When you order a set, you'll receive the study plans emailed in the form of PDFs at 8.5" x 11" (216x280mm).  

These printable drawings (most are two pages) help give a sense of the construction process and a feel for what the full-size plans or kit contain. Please note that a boat can not be built from Study Plans; they are to preview a project in print media; the Study Plans are an excellent broad-strokes look at the process. The subsequent escalation for more information is to order the boat's print instruction manual (where available), which will walk you through the project step-by-step.   

Upon placing the order, you'll receive an email with a link to the PDF.  Be sure to use the correct email address! If you have filters in place, ensure emails from "admin@clcboats.com" are not blocked.

Additional Options

$320.00

Having trouble finding a good throttle arrangement for your O...

Having trouble finding a good throttle arrangement for your OMC 6-horsepower outboard?  This UFlex side-mount throttle is lightweight, gives you the precise control you need in a race, and it's easy to install.  Separate gear and throttle levers. Includes control box, Uflex cables, and connection kit for OMC 6-horsepower outboards.  
$255.00

Install the same clean, attractive, precise, and sturdy steer...

Install the same clean, attractive, precise, and sturdy steering system that won the 2011 Cocktail Class Nationals.  Complete instructions for this system are included in the CLC Cocktail Class manual.  

NOTE:  8-horsepower users must use heavier bungie cord, 3/8" (9mm) or stronger.

Kit Includes:
CNC-cut Plywood Steering Hub Assembly
Plywood Washer
Harken Double Micro Blocks
Harken Single Micro Block with Swivel
Stainless Steel Eyestraps
#8x3/4 Stainless Steel Pan Head Wood Screws
#8x3/4 Stainless Steel Pan Head Machine Screws
#10 Stainless Steel Flat Washers
#8 Stainless Steel Acorn Nuts
#10x1 Stainless Steel Pan Head Wood Screws
1/2"x12" All-Thread
1/2" Stainless Steel Acorn Nut
1/2" Jam Nuts
Perko Swivel Rope Pulley Set
3/16” Samson XLS Line
Bungie Cord (Black)
Aluminum Outboard Adaptor
¼-20 x 2-1/2” Stainless Steel Machine Screws
¼-20 Stainless Steel Locking Nuts
¼” Stainless Steel Flat Washers
$55.00

We've been using this miraculous material as deck pads on Kah...

We've been using this miraculous material as deck pads on Kaholo paddleboards. We've been really impressed with its functionality, durability, and good looks. Called SeaDek, it's nonskid padding that's marine-grade, UV-stable, self-adhesive, and can be cut on our CNC machine.

Applied to the bottom of a small boat, it vastly improves your traction AND it's got enough cushioning (5mm) to protect your knees. The light gray color looks pleasing in all kinds of boats.

You can order it custom-cut for all of CLC's smallcraft, or in sheet form to cut yourself. Just clean up your varnished or painted hull bottom, peel the backing off, and stick it down. Measure carefully---the adhesive is emphatically waterproof and will last for years and years.

For our boats, the flooring is computer-machined to fit the interiors perfectly. We include radii at all corners, and the patterns are carefully designed to fit around features like daggerboard trunks, mast steps, and other interior details. Flooring is in port and starboard halves, which looks good, adds traction (as the 3/4-inch wide gap down the middle channels away bilge water), and makes the material easier to peel-and-stick. Click "more images," above, for drawings of the flooring in each of our smallcraft designs.

We recommend marking the bottom panels with a pencil before installation to ensure proper alignment. The adhesive is watertight, VERY strong, and durable. If you need to refinish your interior in the future, you can mask off the nonskid flooring with tape.

Use the pull-down, above, to select each boat or sheet size.

Driver leans hard over bow to increase the speed of a Cocktail Class Racer.
Driver leans hard over bow to increase the speed of a Cocktail Class Racer.

What builders are saying

Please thank everyone at CLC for all of the help over the last many months. We had some fine-tuning to do to our little Molotov Cocktail Class Racer before the October event, but had a blast regardless. I really can’t speak more highly of how professional and friendly each and every member of your staff has been. Most places I deal with have one or two bad apples who aren’t friendly and not much fun to buy from. CLC doesn’t have that, and it’s refreshing. We couldn’t be more pleased with how the whole partnership worked.

Gary Reich, Editor of PropTalk Magazine | MD
Verified Builder

Many thanks for a great kit and an enjoyable project. I built this Cocktail Class Racer to be my granddaughter's first boat. She is very excited to start using it. Almost finished with the project, just a few more things to do and we will be running.

Tom E. | FL
Verified Builder

Videos

Building a Cocktail Class Racer from a CLC Kit

Urbanna Cocktail Class Boat Race

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Cocktail Class Racer Oktoberfest Regatta 2022 (CCWBRA) Safe Harbor Great Oak Landing

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I order this kit?

Click on the Buying Options tab the top left of this page and follow the directions.

If I buy one of your boat kits, what else will I need?

Chesapeake Light Craft kits contain all the parts and materials you need to build the boat. The kit includes pre-cut parts, hardware, epoxy, fiberglass, plans and instructions. Our standard kayak kits also have the seats, hatches, bulkheads, footbraces, and the deck-rigging. About the only thing kits don't include is the final finish: paint or varnish. Your boat's color scheme is entirely up to you.

You'll need a few ordinary tools, like a cordless drill, a decent 5-inch sander, and for most boats a wood plane. You'll need disposables such as sandpaper and paint brushes and mixing cups.

You need a workspace a couple of feet bigger all the way around than the boat you want to build, and you'll need to be able to maintain temperatures between about 55 degrees F and 95 degrees F during steps when epoxy is being applied or curing. Since a lot of boatbuilding gets done during winter, we've written up some tips on how to heat a cold space cheaply, easily, and safely.

How much does this boat weigh and how much can it carry?

The weight and payload of this boat, along with other statistics such length and beam, can be found under Specs in the Specifications section, which is just below the lead image seen at the top of this page.

Can you send me the plans digitally?

Sorry, but until digital rights management technology for marine architectural work catches up to that used for books and music, we are unable to transmit digital plans. Currently, only study plans and manuals can be sent digitally.

Great Big Fun in a Small Package

Cocktail Class Racers on plane.

Planing Increases your Speed

In a boat this small, your body weight is the best way to modify the angle at which the hull hits the water. The farther you lean over the bow, the more the boat planes, and the faster it will go.

Three Cocktail Class Racers Beached after racing.

Easy to Beach When the Racing is Done

When the races are over for the day, the boats are easy to beach so you can celebrate the race results with a different form of cocktail class.

John W. built ORANGE CRUSH, a Cocktail Class Racer.

Easy to Move On and Off the Trailer

The hull weighs about 70 lbs. Even with the addition of a motor, these little gems are easy enough to move about on land and even lift on to or off of the trailer with a few friends to help.

Cocktail Class Racers heading towards the camera.

Share the Joy by Participating in CCWBRA Races

The Cocktail Class Wooden Boat Racing Association was founded in 2010 to organize races of a new rebuild of a 1939 design by Charles MacGregor called the "Skua". In 2011, CLC started cutting plywood hulls. Now these boats are being raced in over 30 states and seven different countries. The CCWBRA holds races throughout the summer. Find a race near you and join in the fun!

The Cocktail Class Racer DARK AND STORMY on display at CLC.
The Cocktail Class Racer DARK AND STORMY on display at CLC.
Extras

SHARING THE JOY!

Cocktail Class Racing has grown phenomenally since the idea of building these little runabouts took hold during a cocktail hour in 2007. The first boat was launched in February of 2008 and by that Memorial Day, the first Founders Cup was held with 12 newly constructed plywood boats participating.

If you are considering building this boat, take a look at some of these sites to see how much fun you are going to have.

The 2019 CCWBRA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

CCWBRA 2019 KIYC REGATTA

COCKTAIL CLASS RACING: A NEW KIND OF BOATING

Cocktail Class Racer Project on the CLC Builders Forum

Build a Boat in a Week by Bourbon Bites

Classes

Take One of our Boatbuilding Classes

We offer classes for many of the boats we sell. Teaching sites stretch from Maryland to Washington State and from Maine to California. Click here to find out more.

View Classes

Related Products

Need Help Building it?

We’re here to help with any questions you might have during the build process.

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Available Mon – Fri, 9am–5pm EST

410.267.0137

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