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 heavy-displacement, full-keel cruiser designed for the rigors of blue-water voyaging. With its clipper bow, trailboards, and traditional wineglass transom, the model appeals to the "traditionalist" sailor who prioritizes stability and sea-kindliness over modern racing metrics. According to the technical archives maintained by the Downeast Yachts Owners Association, the vessel was engineered specifically for "long-range cruising in safety and comfort," a philosophy that earned it a reputation as a "tank" among offshore enthusiasts.
Downeaster 38 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview
- Make
- Downeaster
- Model
- 38
- Builder
- Down East Yachts
- Designer
- Henry Morschladt and Bob Poole
- Number Built
- 230
- Production Year(s)
- 1974 - 1981
Below are the most recent Downeaster 38 sailboat listings (up to 10).
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| Source | Year | Make | Model | Price | Cabins | Heads | City | Country | Listing Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DISCLAIMER: We are not affiliated with any external listing websites in any way. We simply aggregate publicly available listings to make it easier for buyers to find sailboats for sale. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the listings, so please verify all information with the seller before making any decisions.
Market Overview
Price & Volume Trends
Monthly breakdown
| Month | Listings | Median Asking Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | 1 | $38,000 |
| Apr 2026 | 3 | $55,000 |
Median Price by Country
Listings by Country
| Model | LOA | Median Price (USD) | Listings | Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Island Packet 38 | 38' | $99,000 | 28 | 11 |
| Cape Dory 36 | 36.12' | $48,500 | 18 | 8 |
| Shannon 38 | 37.75' | $64,950 | 13 | 4 |
| Cabo Rico 38 | 38' | $89,000 | 13 | 4 |
| Downeast 38 | 38' | $42,500 | 11 | 4 |
| Caliber 38 | 38' | $84,500 | 11 | 7 |
| Downeast 38 Cutter | 38' | $39,250 | 8 | 3 |
| Endeavour 40 | 40' | $49,900 | 7 | 2 |
| Caliber 33 | 32.5' | $35,000 | 7 | 4 |
| Cape George 36 | 36' | $89,500 | 7 | 4 |
| Downeaster 38 | $47,450 | 4 | 3 |
| Country | Median Price (USD) | Listings (past 12 months) | Recent (90d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $39,900 | 1 | 1 |
| United States | $55,000 | 1 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a used Downeaster 38 cost?
- The median asking price for a used Downeaster 38 over the past 12 months is $47,450. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
- How many Downeaster 38 sailboats are for sale?
- We have tracked 4 Downeaster 38 listings over the past 12 months, with 3 listed within the last 90 days.
- Are Downeaster 38 prices going up or down?
- The median asking price for the Downeaster 38 has increased by 15.91% over the last 3 months compared to the 12-month average.
- Where is the cheapest place to buy a Downeaster 38?
- United Kingdom currently has the lowest median asking price at $39,900, while United States is the most expensive at $55,000 — a 38% difference.
- What are similar sailboats to the Downeaster 38?
- Comparable models include the Island Packet 38, Cape Dory 36, Shannon 38. See the comparison table above for pricing and availability.