Cape Cod Knockabout

[nutmeg2g0]

I'm now looking at an older Cape Cod Knockabout as a reconstruction project.

Anybody out there had experience with repairing one? Are there particular problems that I should look for in assessing this boat?

Thanks

[chesterm]

I don't know what your cape cod knowckabout looks like but I have a set of John Hacker Plans for a 23 footer that's nice if you want at set for reading or reference. Got any images? Mitchell in CT.

[Ian McColgin]

I about grew up in a '30's vintage knockabout. Still have the photo of my first independent running aground in 1954 . . .

That old boat sank once too often at her mooring and Dad & I glassed the hull in 1956 I think it was. Don't know the job's longevity as the folk we sold her to in about '64 lost her in a hurricane a few years later.

'Course, there's lots of them around me now.

Here's the deal: It's a great design for Cape waters, especially the Sound side. Lots of wind. She's a bit sluggish, to say the least, in light air. If your part of Maine is part of the dead zone, a knockabout may not be the best choise.

Construction - Likely iron fastened which may be work, canvass decks might need work. If the centerboard trunk needs replacement, look in that back issue for a better than original way to do it.

G'luck

[chesterm]

Oops, sorry Ian. The knockabout I am referring to is a 1920's inboard cuddy powerboat intended for a 50 hp gas or diesel. It's a vessel for the fishing, camping, roughing it sort of guy (or girl) with the tumble home barrel stern and reverse flared topsides. Mitchell

[holzbt]

I replaced the keel and centerboard trunk in one about 15 years ago. I don't recall any particular problems with CC's other than they really need to have some floor timbers added as the bottoms flex and leak. The lack of floors is probably what caused Ian's boat to be a sinker. I know that was the problem with most of the ones that were around here.

[Ian McColgin]

Ah well. I don't know much about stinkpots.

[nutmeg2g0]

Thanks.

Ian, are you referring to a particular WB back issue on centerboard replacement? Do you have the reference?

Thanks again.

P.S. Dead Zone? Where would that be?

[rbgarr]

Re: Dead Zone

Anywhere there are wide swaths of calm and, even worse, currents and ledges that will carry you away from where you want to go and into danger. The CC Knockabout is sort of an early working boat design (round bottom semidory) rigged for racing in stronger winds. A Town Class may be more what you want if you can find one.

However, Cape Cod Shipbuilding in Wareham, Mass. still builds fg CC Knockabouts and may be able to help with parts (rig, fittings, centerboard, rudder, tiller, etc.) There may still be an active fleet of CC Knockabouts in Falmouth, Mass. GL

[Pete Dorr]

Megansett YC has an active fleet.

Megansett Yacht Club
237 County Road, North Falmouth
508/563-9812

I don't find a website for them. I do know that they have weekly races and have hosted the nationals recently. You might be able to get in touch with someone via the club who can share info on repair & maintenance.