1989 Cape Dory "BIA"

Listing MLS by Yachtr.com

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.