1989 Cape Dory

The 1989 Cape Dory 30 Motorsailer (also known as the Cape Dory 300 MS or MS300) is a pilothouse motorsailer designed by Clive M. Dent and built by Cape Dory Yachts in East Taunton, Massachusetts. 

Cape Dory produced only about 47 of these boats between 1985 and 1990, making them relatively rare. They blend traditional yacht aesthetics with practical motorsailer features for comfortable coastal or extended cruising, especially for couples or small crews. 

initial Listing - More photos coming soon!

• LOA: ~29.85–30.5 ft (9.1–9.3 m)

• LWL: 26.5 ft (8.08 m)

• Beam: 11.42–11.5 ft (3.48 m) — notably wide for a 30-footer, providing good interior volume and stability

• Draft: 3.92–3.11 ft (1.19 m) — shoal draft for gunkholing

• Displacement: 11,500 lb (5,216 kg)

• Ballast: 4,500 lb (2,041 kg) lead, long/full keel

• Sail Area: ~442 sq ft (reported; total fore + main triangle ~477 sq ft)

• Sail Area/Displacement: ~13.9–15 (moderate; easy to handle)

• Hull Speed: ~6.9 knots

• Engine: Westerbeke W-46 diesel (46 hp), freshwater-cooled, with ~50 gal fuel capacity (V-drive in some)

• Water: ~75 gal (some listings show 30+ gal)

• Rig: Masthead sloop (some with in-mast furling options)

• Comfort Ratio: ~25 (comfortable motion)

• Capsize Screening: ~2.03 (good stability for its type) 

This is a solid fiberglass hand-laid hull (no core in hull), with a deck/cabin often balsa-cored. It features a full keel for tracking and seaworthiness, a pilothouse for all-weather steering with 360° visibility, and a large cockpit (~40 sq ft) suitable for entertaining. The interior is noted for generous space in a 30-footer: large V-berth (one of the biggest in its class), galley, dinette, head with shower, and good storage. Teak joinery gives it a warm, traditional feel. 

It performs well as a motorsailer: sails decently (tacks in ~90° in some reports) but shines under power (cruises ~6–7 knots efficiently). The pilothouse allows short-handed or protected sailing in bad weather, with controls accessible from inside. 

Owners and reviews praise the solid construction, comfortable motion, and versatility for cruising (coastal, Bahamas, etc.). It’s a “cult classic” for those wanting a bluewater-capable yet shoal-draft boat with trawler-like comfort.

The MS300 is a motorsailer, so it prioritizes comfort and all-weather capability over pure sailing speed:

•  Sail area/displacement ratio (~14) indicates it’s slightly under-canvased for light air but stable and capable in 10–15+ knots.

•  Pilothouse allows steering from inside with sheets/controls accessible; many have roller furling (in-mast or jib) for easy handling. 

• Combines well with the engine for motor-sailing in marginal conditions.

• Standard Engine: Westerbeke W-46 (original equipment on most boats). Reliable, relatively quiet for its era, and well-suited to the boat’s displacement. Many examples have been rebuilt or have low-to-moderate hours (e.g., ~1,950 hours in one recent listing). 

• Fuel Capacity: 50 gallons (189 L) — efficient at ~0.75–1+ gal/hour depending on RPM/load.

• Cruising Speed: Typically 6–6.5 knots at comfortable RPM (e.g., 1,800–2,200). Can push to ~7–7.5 knots max in calm conditions. Hull speed is around 6.9 knots. 

• Range: Excellent for coastal cruising; 50+ gallons supports long legs at economical speeds.

• Handling: The full keel provides excellent tracking with minimal helm corrections. The wide beam and flat run aft reduce stern squat. It behaves predictably like a “diesel pickup truck” — stable and reliable rather than quick or agile. 

Engine and generator hours are as of the date of the original listing and are a representation of what the listing broker is told by the owner and/or actual reading of the engine hour meters. The broker cannot guarantee the true hours. It is the responsibility of the purchaser and/or his agent to verify engine hours, warranties implied or otherwise and major overhauls as well as all other representations noted on the listing brochure.

The company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change or withdrawal without notice.

Listing MLS by Yachtr.com