1977 Downeaster 38

Marketing Description The Downeaster 38 is a cutter rigged offshore passage maker built by Down East Yachts between 1975 and 1981 to a Henry Mohrschladt design. ‘Spahi’ was built in 1977 and has proved to be a comfortable and capable cruiser. She is built using GRP but with a traditional look making her a real head turner wherever she goes. Below decks is warm and comfortable with berths for 6 persons over the forward cabin, saloon and pilot berth. Reliable and well maintained Lombardini engine has completed 1294 serviced hours. Comprehensive electronic navigation package including radar, autopilot, colour Chartplotter and AIS.
Mechanical Vessel is powered by an inboard Lombardini LDW1503M diesel engine. This 38hp workhorse was installed by a previous owner in 2000. Single lever engine control mounted adjacent to the steering binnacle. Engine start panel mounted in the cockpit moulding behind a protective screen. Engine is mounted in a cavernous, illuminated machinery space beneath the companionway. This allows all round access to the engine, battery installation and calorifier. Engine has completed 1294 serviced hours and undergoes an annual service. Most recent was carried out in April 2025.
Electrical The vessel is fitted with both 12 and 240V systems. Bank of 6X12V batteries provide engine start, bowthruster and domestic power. These are recharged via the engine alternator, the onboard smart charger when hooked to shore power or by either the Rutland 1200W wind generator or the 2x100W solar panels, making you self-sufficient wherever you go.  12V switch panels at chart table and companionway. 12V and 240V sockets throughout the vessel. 12V, deckhead lighting in all cabins, saloon and heads compartments. 12V reading lights in all cabins. 
Rigging Cutter rigged sail plan with deck stepped painted aluminium mast and boom. Stainless steel standing rigging inspected by professional rigger in 2024. Mast fitted with mast steps. Roller furling inner and outer jibs with UV strips. Slab reefing main mounted in stack pack on boom. Vessel rigged for spinnaker including associated rigging, winch and pole. Majority of the lines are led aft to the cockpit enabling shorthanded or solo sailing. Sails include a Mainsail, Genoa, inner jib/staysail and spinnaker with snuffer.
Navigation Danforth CompassCetrek Multi Depth sounder/Speed/LogCetrk Wind speed directionNASA Clipper Wind speed/directionRaytheon RX10 monochrome radarStandard Horizon GPS PlotterNavman Tracker 550 colour plotter plotterICOM IC-M127 Euro DSC VHFICOM IC-M710 SSB RadioCetrek AutopilotFuruno NavtexAISNavigation lights including NEW masthead Tri-LightClock & Barometer
Deck Electric Maxwell anchor windlass with cockpit controlsCQR main anchorBruce bower anchorKedge anchorBoarding ladderBowsprit with grateGranny bars
Safety Horn2x Electric bilge pumpsManual bilge pumpSeago liferaft - Requires a serviceAutomatic fire extinguisherManual fire extinguishersFire blanket5x Life jacketsEPIRBJotron TRON SART
Canvas SprahoodBimini with frameInstrument spray coverStack pack with lazy jack linesAll over cover
Miscellaneous Mooring warpsFenders2x BoathooksEngine spares
Accommodation Below decks has full standing headroom and is laid out to maximise comfort and practicality. There is lots and lots of solid and veneered cabinet work and bulkheads. The interior upholstery was completely changed in 2020 using a neutral silver/grey material. Main saloon isa entered via the companionway To starboard is the full sized chart table with instrumentation, chart reading light, chart storage and 12V panel. Aft is a quarter/pilot berth. Opposite chart table is the U-shaped galley. Double stainless steel sink, two top loading fridges with freezer capabilities and a recent Dometic gas fuelled oven with 3-burner hob and grill. Lots of good storage for crockery, cooking utensils and provisions. Step down from galley into saloon with L-shaped seating area to port and single settee/berth to starboard. Offset saloon table allows unhindered access forward. Port side seating area converts to a double and there is a fold down single berth above. In the bow is a huge fore cabin with double V-berth. Plentiful locker storage. Large heads with fore cabin access giving an en-suite feel. Heads with sea toilet, hand basin and shower. Diesel fired cabin heating.
Construction GRP constructed sailing vessel with simulated carvel construction topsides. GRP decks finished in painted nonslip panels. Large cockpit with teak topped locker seating and teak grate on the sole. Aft deck finished in painted non slip Steering binnacle with stainless steel and wooden spoked wheel. Instrument pod with protective cover. Raised coach roof with deck hatches and vents. Granny bars offer protection at mast. Wide side decks finished in Treadmaster. Raised bulwarks finished with teak capping rails. Aluminium bowsprit with protective stainless steel bow rails and standing grate. Long keel with 41% ballast ratio making her very stable in heavy seas. Encapsulated lead ballast.  Keel mounted rudder with underwater areas antifouled in 2023 usin Jotun 5 season application paint.








Disclaimer For a full, detailed specification with additional photographs and direct contact details for the listing office visit our website
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Unless otherwise stated on the specification sheet the following presumptions are made- Sail drive and shaft seals are more than 5 years of age- Fuel and gas hoses and regulators are over 5 years old- Standing rigging and sails are more than 10 years old
Please note that as the broker/agent, we cannot guarantee or warrant the serviceability of any safety equipment included within the inventory, including but not limited to the condition, operation, or service dates of such equipment. It is the responsibility of the buyer to thoroughly inspect and assess the condition of all safety equipment prior to purchase.
NOTE - Please ring our offices prior to visiting, as the boat may be unavailable for viewing or located at a different marina.