Why Sailors Still Want This Slow Old Cruiser – Down East 38
Liveaboard Insurance: Harder to Get, More Important Than Ever: https://www.practical-sailor.com/living-aboard/liveaboard-insurance-harder-to-get-more-important-than-ever/
In this Practical Sailor boat tour, we take a deep look at the Downeaster 38, also known as the Down East 38, a classic full-keel bluewater cruising sailboat from Down East Yachts. Designed by Henry Mohrschladt and Bob Poole, the Downeaster 38 is a heavy displacement offshore cruiser with traditional lines, a cutter rig, long keel, protected rudder, nearly 12-foot beam, shallow 5-foot draft, and about 19,500 pounds of displacement. But is this old-school bluewater sailboat still a smart buy today, or should sailors choose a newer production cruising boat with more space, speed, comfort, and modern systems?
This episode compares the old bluewater boat vs new production boat argument through the lens of the Downeast 38 / Downeaster 38: full keel vs fin keel, heavy displacement vs light displacement, offshore comfort vs dockside comfort, strong old fiberglass construction vs modern production sailboat design, and affordable used cruising sailboats vs expensive refits. With used Downeaster 38 sailboats often listed around $25,000 to $50,000, this classic cruiser raises a serious question for anyone shopping for a liveaboard sailboat, ocean crossing sailboat, budget bluewater cruiser, offshore cruising boat, or old fiberglass sailboat: is the slow, heavy battle axe the smarter cruising sailboat?
Practical Sailor is your trusted resource for reviews of sailboats and sailing gear.
https://www.practical-sailor.com
Chat with us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/PracticalSailor/
Practical Sailor
Enjoy your sailboat more with Practical Sailor. Learn secrets to cruising more affordably. Discover the freedom of living aboard. Outfit your boat with the best gear and electronics. Keep your boat clean and well-maintained with less hassle. Confidently buy (and sell) the right sailboat for you and your family. For more than 50 years, we take the guesswork out sailing with independent boat and product tests and evaluations. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned sailor, Practical Sailor’s videos and articles will teach you how to sail safely and enjoy your time on the water. Visit our website at https://www.practical-sailor.com/
Channel Information:
Social Media Links:
Support Practical Sailor
At WeBoating.com, we profoundly acknowledge the unwavering dedication that Practical Sailor invests in crafting each and every video or voyage. Their passion for delivering exceptional ocean content shines through every frame, and it's a labor of love that deserves your attention.
We invite you to watch their captivating videos here and actively engage with their content, including their social media links above. Liking, commenting, and sharing their work goes a long way in fueling their creative fire.
We're also inviting you to explore the gear, sponsorships, and boat partnerships highlighted in the "Why Sailors Still Want This Slow Old Cruiser – Down East 38" video description, or directly on YouTube. By engaging with these offerings or purchasing services and items, you directly support Practical Sailor, their collaborators, and the brands they're associated with.
To ensure you never miss an offshore update, consider visiting their official YouTube Channel to subscribe, like, and join their community directly.
If you have any feedback, corrections, or additional information about Practical Sailor or their videos, please use the comment form below to share your thoughts with us.
Thank you for being a part of our community and supporting the creators we cherish. Your time and support truly matter!
Latest Episodes from Practical Sailor
Explore the most recent voyages. Subscribe to the channel to never miss an update!
Hunter 41 DS: Fast, Responsive Sailboat That Shatters Expectations! #shorts
Challenging perceptions, the Hunter 41 DS boasts a modern design and impressive sailing performance. Discover a sailboat that defies expectations with its blend of style and capability. #Hunter41DS #Sailboat #Sailing #Yachting #BoatReview
Sail Your Dreams: Learn Cruising Skills at Annapolis Boat Show! #shorts
Discover Cruisers University and expert seminars at the Annapolis Boat Show. Connect with seasoned sailors and elevate your craft. Your journey to mastering the seas starts here. #AnnapolisBoatShow #SailingTips #LearnToSail #Boating
Beneteau 361 – Full Review
Should you buy an older Beneteau sailboat? In this Practical Sailor boat review and yacht tour, we examine the Beneteau Oceanis 361 to see what a 25-year-old production cruiser offers today. We look at its sailing performance, two-cabin and three-cabin layouts, cockpit, galley, separate shower, and ...
Annapolis Boat Show: People, Parking & Sailing Culture! #shorts
Navigating the Annapolis boat show? Skip the downtown parking nightmare! Arrive early or park in Eastport for a cheap sailor's solution. Don't forget comfortable shoes for a day of exploring. #BoatShowTips #Annapolis #SailingLife #EventHacks
Why Are Sailboats So Cheap?
Why are sailboats so cheap right now? The used sailboat market is flooded with affordable boats from the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s, and buyers have more choices than they’ve had in years. In this video, we look at why older sailboats can sell for $10,000 or less, why some boats are practically be...