Cape Dory 300 MS Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Cape Dory 300 MS emerged from the reputable Cape Dory Yachts, a Massachusetts-based builder founded by Andrew Vavolotis in 1963. While many of Cape Dory's iconic sailboats were the product of collaboration with naval architect Carl Alberg, the 300 MS was notably designed by Clive M. Dent. Cape Dory Yachts built its reputation on creating vessels with exceptional seaworthiness, solid fiberglass construction, and timeless, traditional aesthetics, an ethos that extended to the 300 MS. The company's commitment to quality was so strong that Andrew Vavolotis even established Spartan Marine, a marine hardware division, to ensure that components met his exacting standards.

Produced between 1985 and 1990, the 300 MS was conceived as a "proper motorsailer," a departure from some of Cape Dory's pure sailing designs. This design choice reflects a period where the builder was expanding its offerings to cater to different cruising preferences, including pilothouse cruisers that merged sailing capabilities with enhanced protection from the elements. While Carl Alberg's philosophy often focused on long, graceful overhangs and low freeboard for traditional sailing yachts, Clive Dent's design for the 300 MS clearly embraced the functional requirements of a motorsailer, including a pilothouse. Owners have noted that there were some changes made over the production run, though specific details on these variations are not widely documented.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cape Dory 300 MS is characterized by its long keel hull type and masthead sloop rig, designed to provide a sea-kindly motion and directional stability. Its sailing performance ratios offer insight into its capabilities. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 14.98, the 300 MS is classified as a lower-performance sailboat in lighter winds, suggesting it performs better and is more comfortable when the breeze picks up. This aligns with its motorsailer designation, where sailing efficiency might be balanced with other cruising comforts.

The Ballast to Displacement (Bal/D) ratio stands at around 39.1%, which indicates a good degree of stability. This relatively high ratio means the boat is capable of standing up to more wind, contributing to a secure and comfortable ride in various sea states, a hallmark of Cape Dory's robust construction. Furthermore, with a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 276, the 300 MS falls into the moderate to heavy displacement category. This suggests a solid, stable vessel built for comfortable cruising rather than high-speed performance, consistent with the Cape Dory reputation for sturdy construction. Owners report that while not the fastest boat, it sails well and is capable of motoring at 7-8 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

The Cape Dory 300 MS is renowned for its spacious interior and the practical benefits of its pilothouse design, which offers protection from the elements and often allows for indoor steering. The pilothouse is a key feature, providing a fully enclosed space that extends the cruising season and offers comfort in inclement weather. The interior is designed to be very accommodating, making it suitable for cruising couples, and even for those with pets, given its spaciousness compared to smaller Cape Dory models.

Standard interior arrangements typically include a V-berth forward, a head, a salon area, and a galley, providing essential amenities for extended cruising. The boat's 75-gallon water capacity further supports its role as a comfortable cruiser. While specific headroom details are not provided in the primary data, the general impression from owner feedback and reviews highlights the generous space afforded by the pilothouse and the overall volume of the boat. The emphasis on robust construction by Cape Dory suggests a durable interior finish, often featuring quality wood trim and solid construction, though specific materials would depend on the year of build and any subsequent owner upgrades. The cockpit is also noted as being perfect for lounging at anchor and swimming.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Cape Dory 300 MS consistently praise its unique combination of sailing and motoring capabilities within a comfortable pilothouse design. Many express high satisfaction, highlighting its suitability for cruising. The boat is often described as a charming motorsailer that effectively blends traditional yacht aesthetics with the practicality of a pilothouse cruiser.

Common strengths frequently mentioned by owners include the vessel's solid construction, a characteristic deeply ingrained in the Cape Dory brand, and its comfortable motion in a seaway. The spaciousness, particularly beneficial for cruising couples, is also a significant advantage. While acknowledging it might not be the fastest sailboat, owners appreciate its reliable sailing performance and its ability to motor efficiently at a respectable speed. The Cape Dory Owners Association is a valuable resource for owners, providing a platform for information and community. While generally well-regarded, specific common weaknesses or recurring maintenance issues beyond general upkeep for a boat of its age are not prominently detailed in available owner discussions, suggesting overall owner satisfaction.