Downeaster 32 Buyer's Guide
The Downeaster 32 is a heavy-displacement blue-water cutter built by Down East Yachts in Santa Ana from 1975 to 1980, with 134 hulls produced and a loyal following among cruisers who value traditional Down East styling. A used Downeaster 32 left the factory with a custom interior, so no two examples on the brokerage market are the same below decks. The cutter rig with its clipper bow and 4-foot bowsprit speaks to the traditional Down East character that draws buyers to this model.
Layouts on the Used Market
Since every Downeaster 32 was completed to its owner's own below-deck preferences, the cabin you inspect may differ sharply from another anchor. A U-shaped galley with a gimbaled stove, refrigerator/freezer, icebox, and stainless double-basin sink is a common thread, but berth count, settee layout, and stowage vary hull to hull. The 11-foot beam gives a roomy saloon with 6 feet 10 inches of headroom, while the galley stands 6 foot 4 inches tall. Freshwater capacity runs 50 to 100 gallons in a stainless tank with a 30-gallon holding tank, so assess the plumbing condition as part of any layout walkthrough.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
Many owners have swapped out the original 24-horsepower Farymann diesel because it was considered underpowered anchor, so verify what engine sits in the bay and how cleanly the repower was executed. The boat was designed with tiller steering but some owners fitted a wheel, a change worth checking for ergonomic fit. The Farymann's emergency hand-cranking feature is a notable original trait if the engine is still in place.
What to Inspect
The original Farymann diesel was underpowered and many hulls have had it swapped, so confirm what sits in the engine bay and whether the replacement was done cleanly anchor. Check the compression post just below the cabin sole for softening or sag, a fault owners tie to a missing wood block between post and keel. Deck delamination is common, and typical leaks trace to through-deck fittings that lost caulk and let water into the deck core — probe soft spots and look for staining. Some owners report the aluminum fuel tank is hard to reach without tearing out carpentry, so assess tank condition and access before committing.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
With only 134 built, the Downeaster 32 appears occasionally rather than constantly on the used market. When you go to look, keep a short list:
- Confirm the engine model and installation quality.
- Inspect the compression post base for sag.
- Probe the deck for delamination and trace leaks.
- Evaluate fuel tank condition and replacement access.
- Review the custom interior for sound joinery.
Comparable models
Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.
Similar boats to compare
4 similar designs| Model | LOA | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Island Packet 32 | 35' | $ 64,900 | 40 | 3 |
| Rival 32 | 31.83' | $ 15,406 | 20 | 2 |
| Downeast 38 Cutter | 38' | $ 35,000 | 7 | 0 |
| Morgan Yachts 32 | 31.92' | $ 27,109 | 7 | 0 |