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Why Sailors Still Want This Slow Old Cruiser – Down East 38
June 15, 2026 · 12 min · 32K views
Down East 38 sails powerfully through stormy seas under dramatic sky
What this video covers
The Downeaster 38, a 38-foot full-keel cutter-rigged cruiser produced from the mid-1970s to the early 1980s, remains a popular choice for sailors seeking a traditional, heavy-displacement offshore vessel.0:24 Designed by Henry Morschlatt and Bob Poole, the boat features a 29-foot waterline, an 11-foot 10-inch beam, and approximately 8,000 pounds of lead ballast encapsulated within a full keel.2:25 While its heavy displacement and modest sail area-to-displacement ratio result in sluggish light-air performance, the hull shape provides stable, predictable tracking in heavy seas.4:57 Market prices currently range from $25,000 to $50,000, but prospective buyers must prioritize a thorough survey of the cored deck, hull-to-deck joints, and chain plates for moisture.5:35 Potential owners should also evaluate the cockpit ergonomics for single-handed sail handling and verify the condition of the engine, as many original 24-horsepower Farymann diesels have been replaced with varying levels of quality.7:44 A well-maintained Downeaster 38 offers a robust, sea-kindly platform for long-distance cruising, provided the owner accounts for the significant costs of a comprehensive refit.11:16
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