Downeaster 38 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview

Henry Morschladt and Bob Poole·1974 – 1981·~230 hulls·Down East Yachts
Downeaster 38 drawingBuilder drawing
Hull type
Monohull · full
Rig
Cutter
LOA
38' · 11.58 m
Displ.
19,500 lbs · 8,845 kg
First year
1974

Designed by Henry Mohrschladt and introduced in 1974, the Downeaster 38 represents a pivotal era in American boatbuilding where the rugged aesthetics of Maine’s maritime heritage were merged with the fiberglass production capabilities of Southern California. Built by Down East Yachts Inc. in Santa Ana, the 38 was the flagship that defined the company’s identity: a heavydisplacement, fullkeel cruiser designed for the rigors of bluewater voyaging. With its clipper bow, trailboards, and traditional wineglass transom, the model appeals to the "traditionalist" sailor who prioritizes stability and seakindliness over modern racing metrics. According to the technical archives maintained by the Downeast Yachts Owners Association, the vessel was engineered specifically for "longrange cruising in safety and comfort," a philosophy that earned it a reputation as a "tank" among offshore enthusiasts.

Market snapshot

Median asking · 12 mo
$ 47,361
Ask, not sold · 4 listings
Recent listings · 90 d
3
4 tracked · 12 mo
3-month price trend
+16.1%
vs. 12-mo median
Countries with listings
2
United Kingdom (50.0%) · United States (50.0%)

Recent Listings

4 for sale · sampled 10 newest

Where they're listed

Downeaster 38 listings span 2 countries. United Kingdom leads with 1 listings (50.0%), followed by United States.

Median ask by country
USD · past 12 months
Share of listings
Count · past 12 months

Country breakdown

2 listings · 2 countries
CountryMedian askListings · 12 moActive · 90 dShare
United Kingdom$ 39,7211150.0%
United States$ 55,0001150.0%

Comparable models

Similar length overall, displacement, and era. Click a row to jump to that model's market page.

Peer cross-shop

11 designs · same segment
ModelLOAMedian askListings · 12 moActive · 90 d
Island Packet 3838'$ 102,0003819
Cabo Rico 3838'$ 89,000209
Caliber 3838'$ 84,500159
Downeast 3838'$ 43,750144
Shannon 3837.75'$ 64,950132
Downeast 38 Cutter38'$ 39,000116
Laurent Giles 3838.83'$ 54,155104
Cape Dory 3333.04'$ 30,00084
Endurance 3837'$ 87,26153
Morgan 3837.67'$ 44,97555
Downeaster 38You are here$ 47,36143

Frequently asked questions

01How much does a used Downeaster 38 cost?+
The median asking price for a used Downeaster 38 over the past 12 months is $47,361. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
02How many Downeaster 38 sailboats are for sale?+
3 Downeaster 38 listings have gone live in the last 90 days, and 4 have been tracked across the past 12 months.
03Are Downeaster 38 prices going up or down?+
The median asking price for the Downeaster 38 has increased by 16.1% over the last 3 months compared to the 12-month median.
04Where are Downeaster 38 sailboats for sale?+
The top markets for used Downeaster 38 listings over the past 12 months are United Kingdom (50.0%), United States (50.0%).
05What should I look at instead of a Downeaster 38?+
Comparable models include Island Packet 38, Cabo Rico 38, Caliber 38. See the peer cross-shop table above for pricing and availability.