Cape Dory 330 Information, Review, Specs

The Cape Dory 330 entered production in 1985, continuing until 1988, with a total of 27 units built. It was conceived as an updated version of the earlier Cape Dory 33. The design lineage traces back to Carl Alberg, a prolific Swedish-American naval architect known for his commitment to traditional lines, long graceful overhangs, low freeboard, and boats that were easy to handle. Alberg's philosophy centered on crafting classic, comfortable family cruisers and capable bluewater yachts rather than pure performance racers.

Cape Dory Yachts, founded by Andrew Vavolotis, reinforced this design ethos with their manufacturing practices. The company was celebrated for its robust, solid fiberglass construction, which ensured durability and a secure feeling on the water, 10]. A hallmark of Cape Dory's identity, maintained in the 330, was its unwavering commitment to full-keel designs, contributing to exceptional directional stability and a comfortable motion in a seaway, 9].

While sharing the same hull as the Cape Dory 33, the 330 introduced several significant updates. These modifications, which included changes to the cockpit and interior in 1986, resulted in a notably different boat. Key distinctions included a taller mast, a bowsprit, and a cutter rig—a departure from the 33's sloop configuration. The 330 also featured a redesigned deck mold, a cabin trunk that was three inches wider, a T-shaped cockpit, and a dedicated propane locker. Additionally, the traveler was relocated from the bridge to the coach roof. A notable interior change was the elimination of the quarter berth, which allowed for a much larger and more open main salon.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cape Dory 330's design ratios paint a clear picture of its intended sailing characteristics. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.0, the boat is generally considered to have moderate light-air performance. Its Ballast to Displacement (Bal/D) ratio of about 0.41 indicates a stiff and stable vessel, capable of standing up to significant wind. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, calculated at roughly 404, firmly places the 330 in the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser.

These numbers translate into a sailing experience lauded for its comfort and predictability. Owners frequently note that while Cape Dorys are "fairly heavy and not the best choice for light air," they "really excel in rough conditions". The full-keel hull form contributes to a "sea-kindly motion," providing a sense of security and stability offshore. The cutter rig, a defining feature of the 330, is appreciated for breaking the sail area into smaller, more manageable sails, making the boat easier to handle in varying conditions. The T-shaped cockpit and coach-roof mounted traveler are considered beneficial, especially when sailing with a family. For singlehanding, the boat is manageable, though an autopilot is often recommended.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Cape Dory 330 prioritizes space and comfort for cruising, benefiting from an interior cabin trunk that is three inches wider than its predecessor. The main cabin is designed to maximize available space, featuring a galley located efficiently aft on either side of the companionway. Unlike the Cape Dory 33, the 330 foregoes a quarter berth, allowing for a more expansive and comfortable main salon.

While specific details often vary with individual boats and owner modifications, the general finish quality of Cape Dorys is known for solid construction using fiberglass as the primary material for the hull, 10]. The 330 also offered increased tankage compared to earlier 33 models, with 20 gallons of fuel and 85 gallons of water capacity, enhancing its cruising capabilities.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Cape Dory 330 consistently praise the vessel's build quality and seaworthiness. Many describe their boats as "well made" and "great boats". The robust construction, a hallmark of Cape Dory Yachts, means many of these classic vessels remain actively sailed and easily insurable decades after their production.

Commonly highlighted strengths include the boat's solid construction and its comfortable, sea-kindly motion, particularly when facing rough seas, 8]. The cutter rig is frequently cited as a positive attribute, simplifying sail handling and making the boat more versatile. The updated T-shaped cockpit and coach-roof mounted traveler are also appreciated, especially by those sailing with children.

While the boats are acknowledged as being heavy and not ideally suited for very light air, this characteristic is often seen as a trade-off for their exceptional performance in heavier weather. Owners typically express satisfaction with their vessels, noting their reliability and suitability for long-term ownership, with some owners having experienced "no problems" over several years of use. Issues like blistering have been noted as uncommon for Cape Dorys, suggesting overall sound construction.