Downeaster 38

[Thomas1985]

What does everyone know about the Downeaster 38? Any owners out there?

Pretty cool looking boats, but you don’t hear much or see much about them?

[Kettlewell]

Here's some useful information: http://downeasteryachts.com/reviews-...s/de-38-review

[MTJon]

I owned a 38' Downeaster cutter rigged sailboat for two years and used it for coastal sailing all through the Channel Islands of California. It is a good solid boat, well built (I think) in Costa Mesa California. I believe it would be a comfortable live aboard / cruising sailboat with enough TLC to the rigging, plumbing, and electrical. Mine had a reliable "old" three cylinder Ferryman Diesel that I always planned to upgrade. . .

[Thomas1985]

Nice!

The one I ran across looks to be largely refit by current owner.

[Mike OReilly]

An acquaintance had one. I got to be on it a few times, including at anchor. Seemed like a nice boat. Looked well built, and solid. Pretty classic lines. Small interior compared to modern vessels, but seemed to have it where it counted (good storage, good tankage).

I recall reading or hearing that they are underpowered for their displacement... but then, so is mine according to the specs .

[Thomas1985]

Been on the market a while. I’m not totally sure why? Looks nice…

https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/197...utter-8460069/

[Cheechako]

My impression upon viewing one to buy was not great build quality, a lot of chopper gun layup. But it seemed solid and thick from what I could tell. I kinda liked the design.... for coastal anyway.

[Thomas1985]

Welp… won’t be going to see this one.

Just got a call I am going to be the new owner (pending survey) of a Cheoy Lee 41!

[gonesail]

i looked at one years ago .. it was in sad shape. beautiful boats but probably all that is out there are projects. encapsulated tanks etc.

[Thomas1985]

The one in the link I shared looks awesome. He’s done a lot of work that appears very well performed.

[Superjunkman]

Originally Posted by MTJon

I owned a 38' Downeaster cutter rigged sailboat for two years and used it for coastal sailing all through the Channel Islands of California. It is a good solid boat, well built (I think) in Costa Mesa California. I believe it would be a comfortable live aboard / cruising sailboat with enough TLC to the rigging, plumbing, and electrical. Mine had a reliable "old" three cylinder Ferryman Diesel that I always planned to upgrade. . .

I had a boat with a single cylinder ferryman. It was a neat little engine that hit above its weight class. I hand cranked it all the time. Was the 3cyl hand crankable?

[J. Kavanaugh]

FWIW, practically speaking, the Downeaster 32 isn't much smaller than the 38.

I owned and lived aboard a DE32 for ~4 years in San Francisco Bay. It was a sturdy, well built boat, and roomy for its length. With its club-footed staysail (and the Monitor windvane my boat had) it was easy to singlehand, especially after moved the main sheet from mid-boom (with no winch) to a traveller system I installed behind the helm.

The biggest concern most have with Downeasters for offshore sailing is the large portlights in the galley, as it's not clear that they'd be strong enough to keep green water out should a breaking wave directly hit the cabin. That being said, my 32 was perfectly comfortable in Force 8 winds and 20-25 seas.

The cockpit isn't very comfortable on either the 32 or the 38, as there are no backrests.

[markwesti]

Check out Mundial the Map Maker on Youtube , they re built theirs and are now down in Mexico .
https://www.youtube.com/@SailingMundial