Authentic heritage & Pedigree

1963•Cape Dory Cruisers was founded in 1963 by Andrew Vavolotis in Bridgewater MA building a small fiberglass sailing dinghy, the Cape Dory 10.  Later Cape Dory moved to Taunton MA, producing thousands of sailboats from 22 to 45 feet.

•Carl Alberg designed many of the company's models, favoring simple lines, narrow beams, and often utilizing a full keel for superior handling in heavier winds, which became the classic Cape Dory sailboat look.

1968- Cape Dory company launched its first powerboat, at 28’, and in later years the company focused more on powerboats, trawlers, and some commercial fishing boats.

1992- Cape Dory ceased operations for a short period  in 1992 and  sold a number of its designs to New York's Newport Shipyards, which ceased operations in 1996. 

1996-Some molds and designs were acquired by Robin Hood Marine, which builds the old Cape Dory boats as the Robin Hood 36 and 40 Cutter sailboats, and the Downeast Poweryacht 33 – all as custom orders.

2007- The Marinaut 220 is developed and introduced as the Marinaut 215 providing a new, unique and fresh design to launch the Cape Dory Cruiser product line.  The idea for the Marinaut started in the early part of 2007.  Ben Toland was helping Dave Thompson add two feet to his 16 foot C-Dory Cruiser.  They were just finishing up when Ben suggested that they build a boat.  One thing lead to another and eventually they decided to build a boat similar to those Ben had designed and built in the past.  Ben is a member of the Toland Family which is the original founder's of C-Dory Boats.  With Ben's experience building C-Dory over 1,000 C-Dory boats throughout a 20 year period and Dave's experience using them, plus the information Dave had gleaned from his time on the C-Brat forum, they decided to build a 20 foot 3 inch boat (later changed to 21' 6"). 

2017- The Cape Dory Cruisers brand, designs and molds were recently acquired by Madison Bay Holdings, LLC a Seattle based company with a legacy of over 35 years experience within the boat and recreational industry.  Madison Bay Holdings was founded and is owned by marine industry veteran Ricardo Ruelos.  Mr. Ruelos is also former shareholder and Executive Vice President of C-Dory Marine .

2018-Cape Dory molds to produce a complete product line of Cape Dory Cruisers & Yachts have been shipped to Florida.  Production of the first Cape Dory Cruisers is set to begin starting with the Cape Dory Marinaut 220 Pilot House Cruiser and the Cape Dory 25 ft. Center Console, Open Express and Cuddy Cabin  models.

 2019- Cape Dory Cruisers begins manufacturing of boats in Sarasota, Florida and secures first purchase orders.

2019- Cape Dory Cruisers adds new models to the product line including a 20 ft. Carbon Fiber Center Console and Composite Core boat along with other Center Console sizes 22 ft., 24 ft. and 26 ft.  A 26 ft. Catamaran Bay Boat is also added to the product mix.