Cotuit Skiff Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview

The Cotuit Skiff is a quintessential piece of American maritime heritage, representing what is arguably the oldest continuous one-design racing class in the United States. Originating in the late 19th century—with designs dating back to 1873—this 14-foot gaff-rigged catboat was specifically engineered to navigate the shallow, tidal waters of Cotuit Bay on Cape Cod. Traditionally constructed with a flat-bottomed hull and a broad beam, the design was popularized by the Peckham family and later refined by builders such as the Cotuit Skiff Company, which eventually introduced a fiberglass version to ensure the class's longevity. While its lines appear simple, the boat is a specialized tool for shallow-water tactical racing, serving as the foundational vessel for the Cotuit Mosquito Yacht Club, an organization that has fostered competitive sailing in these skiffs since 1903.