the STORY

Founder & Director, Clayton Peterson, began the BoatCo journey over 20 years ago when he noticed a small 'for lease' sign on a weathered mid-century post & beam boat manufacturing building. Captured by the building's gritty industrial charm and inspired by the rich nautical history of Newport Mesa, he embarked on renovating the space and built out an art loft and recording studio. As the creativity flourished, so did the ambiance of the unique building as Clay continued to carve in his design elements, further embellishing a one of a kind immersive venue.

Clay has continued to share his artistry while showcasing local musicians, artists, and culinary creators in this nurturing environment while inviting our community to weave in their own personal stories of celebration, education, and the love of the arts and music. BoatCo is a true treasure, a cultural backbone of Costa Mesa, and a testament to the strength of community sustaining good vibes since 2003.

Off the beaten path and well-hidden without a sign, Boathouse Collective is a multimedia venue showcasing flavorful food and beverage, art shows, live performances, and special events, attracting creatives and art aficionados. The concept of Boathouse Collective is to be discovered by locals through word-of-mouth; we welcome you to ignite your senses.

At BoatCo, we bring you a form of storytelling through the arts, the rhythm of the beat, and the elements that sustain us. Celebrate the artisans, the farmers, and the makers who form the backbone of our ethos. Our connection to Mother Nature and to one another. All in the honor of breaking bread together.

HAND CRAFTED refreshments

Boathouse Collective offers a full service bar serving classic cocktails with a modern twist and creative elixers with health benefits all crafted with ingredients respectfully sourced from local farms. We have an amazing creative force behind the innovative refreshment program at the Boathouse Collective with our talented mixologists. Our team brings a long list of knowledge, incorporating their freshly made shrubs and infusing techniques. Our unique approach in combining natural ingredients shows an innovative passion that can be seen and tasted through our presentation and attention to detail.

Also available are a selection of specialty spirits, foreign and domestic wines, and twelve craft beers from the best local and national breweries served on tap from a vintage factory steam pipe.

Curated by Peterson and a hand-selected steering committee, Boathouse Collective unites with farmers and ranchers who collaborate with our chefs to enhance the beauty of the ingredients with seasonal menus and innovative presentations.

the space & its history

The interior features communal, high-top and bar seating, and decorative objects that point to the history of the building and area. Nautical décor is a nod to the boat-building company Ditmar-Donaldson who hand-crafted wooden ships here during the golden age of Costa Mesa’s nautical industry.

Before Clay's vision to transform the former boat-building space, it first acted as Clay’s art and music studio in 2003. By using all reclaimed materials and vintage objects, he transformed the space into a full service restaurant and multimedia venue now known as Boathouse Collective.

The ceiling is adorned with classic surfboards paying homage to the legendary surf culture of Newport Mesa. The concrete and wood-beam floors have remnants of stickers from collaborative projects Peterson had with his friends at Volcom and other global surf wear brands. The walls are adorned with CJP art installations and hidden gifts left from artists in the area, which remind us of the many art shows, movie premieres, and community events that were held here over the years.  

#KEEPMESACOOL

Boat co. talk show

food | drinks | insight | inspiration

WITH HOST DEREK SABORI OF THE UNDERSWELL

The BCTS is a monthly exploration of the diverse, creative and entrepreneurial talent that resides right here in our backyard. The show’s goal is to contribute to a better world, starting with our own community, by inspiring future leaders with stories of positivity, perseverance, and hard work. It’s an hour that will entertain, uplift, challenge convention, provoke thought, and stir emotions.  

With a focus on the personal journey, host Derek Sabori takes a living-room-chat approach to get the stories that matter, and to draw out the insights that can help professionals and students of all ages as they craft their own career, and personal life, trajectories. 

Previous Guests: 

• Jeff "Yoki" Yokoyama (Maui & Sons, Modern Amusement, Yoki Shop, etc.)

• Kohl Crecelius (Krochet Kids, CEO, Co-Founder)

• Danny Thompson (Drummer, Face to Face, Co Founder and Co-CEO Music Factory of OC) 

• Duke & Paul (Surfside Sports, Founders) 

• Troy Eckert (Kozm Co-Founder & Previous Executive Vice President of Marketing at Volcom)

Watch all previous shows here.

boat co. radio

KOCI 101.5 FM WEDNESDAY 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Every Wednesday KOCI and the Boathouse Collective bring you the Boat Co. Radio Show, Costa Mesa's spotlight on new and emerging music. The show features local artists, in-studio performances and interviews keeping our listeners informed on up and coming shows and local talent happening in Orange County.

Submit your music to Boat Co. Radio: events@boathousecollective.com

For detailed information on Boat Co. Radio click here. 

boathouse weekly happenings

Join the local community and enjoy the perks of Boathouse Collective all week long.

AS OF 2025 ALL EVENTS ARE CURRENTLY TICKETED OR PRIVATE

DON’T MISS OUT! JOIN OUR MAILING LIST FOR UPCOMING SHOWS!

SAMPLE of WEEKLY SHOWCASE

tuesdays

NEWPORT MESA COMMUNITY APPRECIATION NIGHT: 5:00pm - 9:00pm
SONG WRITER'S CIRCLE: 8:00pm - close
Local artists perform live, on stage.

WEDNESDAYS

WARBLE WEDNESDAY: 7:00pm - close
BOATCO RADIO BROADCAST: 8:00pm  - 10:00pm
ACTION SPORTS INDUSTRY NIGHT: 5:00pm - close 

THURSDAYS - Saturday

LIVE PERFORMANCES: Dinner & after dinner entertainment ranging from 5:00pm - 12:00am