Cape Cod Knockabout Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Cape Cod Knockabout begins in 1925, emerging from the design talents of Charles S. Gurney, co-founder of Cape Cod Shipbuilding. Gurney, recognized as a gifted draftsman, conceived the Knockabout (originally known as the Cape Cod Baby Knockabout) as a robust yet lively sailboat that quickly captured the hearts of sailors. His vision aligned perfectly with Cape Cod Shipbuilding's commitment to traditional craftsmanship and durable construction, a philosophy that has defined the Wareham, Massachusetts-based builder for over a century. The boat rapidly gained popularity as a one-design class, especially in the Upper Cape harbors of Massachusetts, fostering active fleets of 50-60 boats through the 1940s and well into the 1970s.

Initially built with fiberglass and wood composite hulls and decks, a significant evolution occurred in 1960 when fiberglass construction was formally approved for the class, allowing the Knockabout to transition from its original wooden hull to a more modern, low-maintenance fiberglass one. This shift underscored Cape Cod Shipbuilding's pioneering role in fiberglass boat building, where they were among the first to successfully integrate new materials while maintaining their high standards of durability. Notably, spinnakers were introduced to the class in 1938, enhancing its racing capabilities. For those sailing in specific conditions, a fixed-keel "Lake George" version was also produced, offering an alternative to the standard centerboard design., 16]

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cape Cod Knockabout is celebrated for its direct and engaging sailing experience, perfectly suiting its role as a nimble racing dinghy and a comfortable daysailer. With a length overall of 18 feet and a waterline length of 15.5 feet, coupled with a displacement of 650 pounds, she is designed for responsive sailing and easy handling. [2, The boat's open cockpit provides ample space for crew work and sail management, contributing to its popularity in one-design racing circles.

Her centerboard keel allows for a variable draft, ranging from a shoal draft of just 0.75 feet with the board up, ideal for shallow waters and easy launching from a ramp, to a maximum draft of 4.17 feet with the board down for improved upwind performance. [6, Owners frequently describe the Knockabout as ruggedly built and possessing "extreme stability," making it a forgiving and secure platform even in a chop. While generally well-balanced, some sailors note an "outstanding characteristic" of a "heavy weather helm," particularly when pushed hard, indicating her robust nature and tendency to stand up to a breeze. Overall, the Knockabout is recognized as a "wonderful centerboard racing one-design that has stood the test of time," appealing to sailors who value a lively yet stable small boat.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its design as an 18-foot open-cockpit daysailer and racing dinghy, the Cape Cod Knockabout prioritizes sailing functionality and open space over elaborate interior accommodations. As such, it does not feature enclosed cabins or significant headroom typically found on larger cruising sailboats. The layout is centered around its spacious, open cockpit, which is designed to provide maximum room for crew movement, sail handling, and comfortable seating for day sailing. This simple, uncluttered arrangement is well-suited for its primary purpose: spirited on-the-water enjoyment and competitive racing. While specific interior details beyond the open cockpit are not standard, the general construction quality, typical of Cape Cod Shipbuilding, ensures durable fiberglass and wood composite components throughout the deck and cockpit.