1986 Cape Dory Cutter Boat in Solomons, MD 20688 US
Built in 1986
Cutter
1 Engine (Universal)
30 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
"Petral" is an exceptional Cape Dory 30 Cutter. She has maintained her original beauty by having had the best of care by her owner. This boat has more than any other 30 footer on the market such as her Pedestal Wheel, cutter rig, lovely varnished exterior teak with full canvas covers to protect it, Reverse cycle air-conditioning and heat, upgraded sails and cavas etc. She is a Carl Alberg design that has withstood the test of time. She is a capable offshore cruiser and would make a couple or family feel safe and secure. Petral would make a great starter boat or last boat. She is a serious Pocket Cruiser with Beautiful classic lines.
Nominal Length
30ft
Length Overall
30ft
Length at Waterline
22.67ft
Beam
9ft
Max Draft
4ft
Displacement
10000lb
Ballast
4000lb
Cruising Speed
6kn
Heads
1
Fresh Water Tanks
60gal
Fuel Tanks
20gal
Holding Tanks
10gal
Hull Material
fiberglass
Hull Shape
monohull
Engine 1
Engine Make
Universal
Engine Model
18
Total Power
16hp
Engine Type
inboard
Fuel Type
diesel
Engine Year
1986
Drive Type
direct
Cape Dory From Practical Sailor Mag
- The Cape Dory 30 (often specified as the 30C for the cutter version) is a classic fiberglass sailboat designed by Carl Alberg and built by Cape Dory Yachts in East Taunton, Massachusetts, from 1976 to 1986. A total of 363 units were produced, with the cutter rig becoming standard mid-production for improved efficiency over the earlier ketch option. It features a full keel for stability and tracking, making it a seaworthy coastal cruiser with traditional lines, modest overhangs, and a subtle sheer.
- The Cape Dory 30 is solidly built, although there is nothing particularly innovative or unusual about the construction. The hull is a solid fiberglass laminate, the deck is balsa cored.
- There’s a fair amount of exterior teak on these boats, including cockpit coamings, toerails, hatch trim, and eyebrow trim around the cabin on later models. This gives the boat a yachty appearance, but it does increase maintenance.
- Unlike a lot of 30-footers, the Cape Dory 30 was designed as a small seagoing boat. For example, it has a reasonable bridge deck, although it is lower than the main cockpit seats and the cockpit coamings. There is also a sea hood over the main companionway hatch.
- Our choice in a Cape Dory 30 would be a latemodel cutter with full-width galley, Edson pedestal, and the Volvo or Universal diesel. For the money, you get a well-designed traditional boat that is a good coastal cruiser for a couple or a small family. We don’t think the boat is big enough for four adults for anything more than weekend sailing.
If you want the looks of an older boat but the construction details and diesel engine found in newer boats, the Cape Dory 30 is a good choice.
Accommodations
- "Petrel" has a very traditional layout for her interior; Starting forward is the master cabin. Here one will find a V-berth with filler, drawers under, ceiling strips along the hull sides, two opening bronze ports, overhead hatch and chain locker forward. Moving aft you enter the head area with the sink and shower to starboard and toilet to port. There are privacy doors between the salon and head as well as between the head and forward cabin.
- Next we enter the Main Salon. She is warm and inviting with her abundant teak cabinetry, teak and holly sole, ceiling strips along the hull sides and teak cabin sides. This by no means makes her dark as she has multiple opening bronze ports as well as an overhead hatch. Ventilation in this boat is terrific. The cushions have all been upgraded from the standard plaid to a lovely soft green that accentuates the teak cabinetry. She has port and starboard settees and the port settee pulls out to make a double berth. There are shelves outboard of the settees and the dining table mounts on the forward bulkhead allowing for mare space when needed.
- Aft of the salon is the athwarships galley. Utilizing both sides of the vessel makes for a larger more workable galley area. Center companionway leads to the cockpit as well as opens for access to the engine compartment.
- Her cockpit may be small but it is quite comfortable. She has a custom Teak helm seat with storage, port and starboard lockers for additional storage of lines, fenders, boathooks etc. She also has a pedestal wheel with teak table, cup holder, compass and misc instruments. More updated instruments are mounted on the forward bulkhead.
Galley
The galley on this boat is quite large and uses both side of the vessel. Sink and stove are on the port side and the large refrig box is to port. This area serves a double purpose, one as additional counter space for food prep and also as a standup navigation station.
- Double stainless steel sinks with hot and cold pressure water as well as a foot pump.
- New Two burner alcohol stove
- Adler Barbour refrigeration in a large insulated box
- Drawer storage to starboard
- Outboard lockers on both port and starboard side for galley ware
Sails and Rigging
Aluminum spar stepped on deck with aluminum boom and aluminum Staysail self-tending boom for her cutter rig. All standing rigging was replaced in 2018.
- Mainsail with Lazy Jacks. Not original and guess is she is 15 years old
- 2018 Yankee high cut by Quantum
- 2020 Staysail by Quantum
- Asymentric spinnaker
- Spinnaker pole mounted on starboard deck
- Furlex foller furling for the starysail
- Furlex roller furling for the staysail and self-tending boom
- All sails are stored, inspected, and cleaned annually by Quantum
- 2020 all sheet lines replaced
- 2019 Replaced staysail topping lift
- Bamboo Chafe protection on the shroads
- Lewmar #15 Primary winches
- All lines led aft to the cockpit for ease in single handing
- 2 Lewmar cabin top winches for halyards
- Jam cleats on cabin top
- Bronze cleats for genoa sheets
- Manual Boom Vang
Electronics
- Icom VHF M-302 Radio below
- VHF hand held at the helm
- Garmin GPS Map
- 2024 Raymarine Auto pilot
- 2025 Raymarnine Apparent Wind and direction
- 2025 Raymarine Depthsounder
- 2025 Raymarine speed log
- Panasonic flat screen TV
- Cyber Home single DVD player - digital stream for TV channels
Mechanical and Electrical
- Universal diesel engine 16 HP
- Reverse Cycle Air-conditioning and Heat
- Rebuilt transmission
- Rebuilt Cutlass bearing
- Stainless steel shaft
- 3 blade bronze prop
- 2018 new Ruddar shoe
- 2013 New holding tank - hard plastic
- 110V shore power
- 30 amp shore power cord
- 2021 engine and house batteries replaced
- Batteries with parallel switch
Deck and hull
- Solid fiberglass hull
- Balsa core deck
- Stainless steel bow and stern pulpits with side stanchions and double life lines
- Stainless steel gate for transom as well as on the starboard deck
- Stainless steel swim ladder on transom
- Blue Dodger with stainless steel hand rail aft
- Canvas cover for the eisenglass on the dodger
- Blue bimini
- Blue connector for dodger and bimini
- Blue canvas pedestal cover
- Full beige canvass covers for the teak toes rails and hand rails
- Teak teo rails
- Teak hand rails
- Teak eye brows
- Teak combings in the cockpit
- Teak companionway boards
- Teak Cowl box - one cowl vent
- 1 battery operated vent
- 1 solar operated vent
- Cockpit cushions - closed cell foam
- Life lsing
- Horse shoe life ring
- EPIRB
- Dock lines
- Fenders
- Red LED lisght by Nav station
- LED light in galley
- SOS beacon with flag - no flares needed with this system
- 2024 New Barrier coat. Paint was removed and barrier applied. No blisters just paint sick and done as a precautionary measure.
- 8 opening bronze ports
- 2 opening hatches
- Sparten Chock added for the anchor
- 25lb plow anchor on teak platform with Sparten roller
Upgrades by year since the present owner bought he
- 2012 - Replaced Bobstay
- 2013 - Replaced halyard, Replaced holding tank and hoses, replaced starter, installed galvanic isolator, professionally checked the rigging
- 2014 - Teak professionally stripped and refinished with Cetol, serviced all Spartan Sea Valves
- 2015 - Replaced Wind gauge, Cetol maintenance coat, Starboard cockpit sea valve replaced
- 2016 - replaced Hot water heater, Serviced port side cockpit drain sea valve, New lagging on exhaust line, Replaced seals/gaskets on water pump, Tighten stuffing box, Changed transmission fluid, Cetol Maint. coats (2)
- 2017 - Replaced Eisenglass in dodger
- 2018 - Replaced all standing rigging, replaced Yankee, Replaced starter
- 2019 - Replaced staysail topping lift, serviced Sea Valves
- 2020 - Replaced staysail, replaced all sheet lines, new Origo 3000 alcohol stove
- 2021 - Rebuilt transmission, replaced starting and house batteries
- 2023 - Cetol maint. coat
- 2024 - Media Blasted bottom; new barrier coat, replaced cuslass bearing, all valves serviced, Replaced head manual pump (groco), Replaced bilge pump float switch, Replaced water strainer in potable system, Replaced Autopilot
- 2025 - Replaced depth sounder, wind gauge, speed log, Replaced Eisenglass in dodger, Cetol maint. coat
- 2026 - Re-bedded companionway cover, serviced Sea Valves.
Disclaimer
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.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 9/10/26 | Initial price | $49,900 |
Overview from around the web 1986 Cape Dory Cutter
Customers have shared a wealth of positive feedback about the 1986 Cape Dory Cutter, highlighting its sturdy construction, classic style, and exceptional sailing performance
Many owners praise its robust design, which offers both reliability and safety on the water, making it a favored choice for long-distance cruising as well as weekend getaways. Sailors appreciate the boat's well-thought-out layout, including spacious cabins and ample storage, which enhance comfort during voyages. The solid craftsmanship and attention to detail in the interior finishes receive commendations for creating a warm and inviting ambiance. Performance-wise, customers often note the Cutter's impressive maneuverability and stability, even in challenging conditions. The traditional full keel design contributes to excellent tracking and easy handling, giving sailors confidence whether they are experienced navigators or novices. Overall, the 1986 Cape Dory Cutter resonates with boaters looking for a timeless vessel that combines charm, functionality, and cruising capability, making it a beloved choice in the sailing community.
Made For
The 1986 Cape Dory Cutter is ideal for sailing enthusiasts who appreciate traditional craftsmanship and seaworthy designs. Its robust construction and classic lines make it a perfect choice for both seasoned sailors looking for a reliable cruiser and newcomers interested in learning the ropes. This vessel is well-suited for coastal cruising and offshore adventures, offering a comfortable and stable platform for family outings or solo voyages. With its spacious cockpit and cozy interior, it allows for extended trips while maintaining a sense of home on the water. The Cape Dory Cutter is particularly appealing to those who value simplicity and functionality, making it a cherished vessel for those desiring a true sailing experience. Whether you're planning leisurely day sails or ambitious long-range passages, the 1986 Cape Dory Cutter combines timeless elegance with exceptional performance.
Finance your dream boat!
Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 1986 Cape Dory Cutter. Enter your down payment, choose a loan term, and adjust the interest rate to see an instant payment estimate — ideal if you're calculating boat payments before you enquire. Wondering how much does a Cutter cost in today's market, or how much does a Cape Dory cost for similar models? This boat financing calculator helps you compare scenarios in seconds, whether you're considering used boat financing or a new purchase.
$
$
%
Principal Loan Amount$ 42,415
Total Payment$75,836.44
Monthly payment
$315.99/mo
Finance your dream boat!
Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 1986 Cape Dory Cutter. Enter your down payment, choose a loan term, and adjust the interest rate to see an instant payment estimate — ideal if you're calculating boat payments before you enquire. Wondering how much does a Cutter cost in today's market, or how much does a Cape Dory cost for similar models? This boat financing calculator helps you compare scenarios in seconds, whether you're considering used boat financing or a new purchase.
$
$
%
Principal Loan Amount$ 42,415
Total Payment$75,836.44
Monthly payment
$315.99/mo
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 1986 Cape Dory Cutter | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $49,900 | $49,900 | $48,000 | $45,000 | $44,500 | $42,000 |
| Location | Solomons | Solomons | Oxford | Cambridge | Annapolis | Rock Hall |
| Nominal Length | 30' | 30' | 37' | 37' | 44' | 37' |
| Beam | 9' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Draft | 4' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Engine Make | Universal | Universal | Westerbeke | Yanmar | Yanmar | Yanmar |
| Total Engine Power | 16 hp | 16 hp | 33 hp | 30 hp | - | 30 hp |
| Days on Market | 1 | 1 | 254 | 77 | 347 | 342 |
| Get in touch |
Meet the Broker
Address
7078 Bembe Beach Rd
Annapolis, MD 21403
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Boat Location
Contact Bluewater Yacht Sales, LLC- Annapolis Office about 1986 Cape Dory Cutter
7078 Bembe Beach Rd, Annapolis, MD, 21403
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