Downeaster 32 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview

Drawing Diagram

Builder drawing

Hull type

Monohull · full

Rig

Cutter

LOA

32' · 9.75 m

Displ.

17,000 lbs · 7,711 kg

First year

1975

The Downeaster 32 is a quintessential heavydisplacement cruiser, designed by Robert Poole and produced by Down East Yachts in Santa Ana, California, during the mid1970s and early 1980s. Conceived as a rugged, bluewater vessel capable of transoceanic passages for a shorthanded crew, the 32foot model was the smallest in a lineage that included the Henry Mohrschladtdesigned Downeaster 38 and the larger Downeaster 45. While many cruisers of this era were transitioning toward lighter, finkeel designs, Poole remained committed to the traditional "Downeast" aesthetic, characterized by a full keel, a cutter rig, and a robust fiberglass layup. This model reflects the builder’s close ties with the Westsail heritage, sharing a philosophy of overbuilt construction and seakindly motion that prioritized safety and comfort over racing speeds.