With limited documentation available, the Downeaster 38 represents one of the more elusive designs in the cruising sailboat market. This 38-foot vessel appears to have been positioned as a coastal cruiser, designed for sailors seeking comfortable accommodations and reliable performance in nearshore waters. Based on its name and typical sizing conventions of the era, the Downeaster 38 likely featured traditional cruising boat characteristics that emphasized comfort and seaworthiness over pure performance. The "Downeaster" moniker suggests New England maritime heritage, potentially indicating design elements suited to the challenging conditions found along the northeastern Atlantic coast. While specific details about the designer, builder, and production numbers remain scarce, boats of this size and apparent vintage typically offered spacious accommodations for extended cruising, with emphasis on practical layout and storage. The 38-foot length suggests capability for serious coastal exploration while remaining manageable for a couple or small crew. For prospective buyers researching this model, the limited available information underscores the importance of thorough individual boat inspection and seeking out owner networks or maritime forums where existing owners might share insights about the design's real-world performance and characteristics.
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What is the Downeaster 38's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Downeaster 38 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 16.29. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Downeaster 38's comfort ratio?
The Downeaster 38 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 35.4. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Downeaster 38 safe for offshore sailing?
The Downeaster 38 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.76. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Downeaster 38?
The theoretical hull speed of the Downeaster 38 is 7.22 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Downeaster 38 weigh?
The Downeaster 38 has a displacement of 19,500.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 38.00 ft.
How much does a used Downeaster 38 cost?
Based on 3 recent market listings, used Downeaster 38 sailboats typically sell for between $25,000 and $25,000, with a median asking price of $25,000. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Downeaster 38?
The Downeaster 38 was designed by Henry Morschladt And Bob Poole, first built in 1974.