Cape Dory is making a comeback, which is good news for those of us who were fans of its Down East style of cruising powerboats as well as its Carl Alberg-designed sailboats. Madison Bay Holdings, LLC, a Seattle-based investment company, just announced it will launch a new series of Cape Dory powerboats from 22 to 36 feet. And the company says “you can expect to see the all new Cape Dory Sailboat series in the future, completing the heritage, pedigree and authenticity of the iconic Cape Dory brand.”
The new Cape Dory line will be manufactured in Sarasota, Florida, and the first boat will be the Cape Dory Marinaut 22 Pilot House Cruiser (pictured at top), but it also will be made in other configurations. The second boat will be a 25-footer with center console, express and dual console models.
The company also will make new versions of the popular Cape Dory 33- and 36-foot Down East boats (a 36 is pictured above). They will be available in a variety of power options, including outboard, single and twin diesel, and electric. It also will launch a new line of Cape Dory Catamaran Luxury Yachts from 42 to 75 feet.
Madison Bay Holdings, which has specialized in the marine and recreational industry for 35 years, has bought the rights to manufacture and sell Cape Dory Yachts. It will set up a new dealer network. Cape Dory was started in 1963 and basically stopped making production boats in 1992.
The new Cape Dory line will be under Ricardo Ruelos, one of the original shareholders of O’Brien Water Sports. He has worked with a number of boat companies; most recently he was CEO of Westship World Yachts, making boats from 105 to 140 feet. He also was a VP of North American and Asian sales for Sealine Yachts. The Madison Bay Holdings website says the company “is now working with Northern Marine in a business development relationship.”
Madison Bay Holdings also makes Summit Coaches, an upscale 38-foot RV. For more:
