Easterly 38 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Easterly 38 is characterized by its significant displacement and a hull form that prioritizes stability over light-air agility. Designed by Mike Brennan, who hailed from a family of traditional boatbuilders, the 38 features a moderate-to-heavy displacement hull that handles chop with a dampened, sea-kindly motion. Unlike the flatter-bottomed designs that would follow in the 1980s, the 38 has enough of a "V" entry to prevent pounding when heading into a head sea.

Owners often describe the steering as heavy but reliable, with the boat’s tracking ability being a standout feature due to its longish fin keel and protected rudder. The sail plan is a traditional masthead sloop, which provides a balanced helm in moderate breezes. Because of its weight, the Easterly 38 requires a freshening breeze (usually above 10-12 knots) to truly find its groove. Once powered up, however, the vessel carries significant momentum, making it a predictable platform for short-handed cruising. While no specific magazine test data from the late 70s is digitally archived, technical summaries from the period suggest the boat was intended to compete with the likes of the Morgan or Gulfstar cruisers of the same era, focusing on comfort and ease of handling rather than racing performance.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Easterly 38 was its primary selling point, offering a level of volume that was impressive for a 38-footer in 1977. The model was most commonly produced in a center-cockpit configuration, which allowed for a completely private master stateroom aft, often featuring a dedicated head. This layout was a hallmark of the "SL" (Sloop/Luxury) designation frequently seen in late-production models.

Inside, the use of heavy teak joinery and a traditional cabin sole creates a warm, classic ambiance. The main salon typically features a U-shaped dinette to port and a straight settee to starboard, providing ample seating for a full crew. The galley is generally located in the walkthrough to the aft cabin, a design choice that secures the cook in a "U" or galley-line shape, which is highly functional while the boat is heeled. The sibling models, such as the Easterly 36, featured a similar center-cockpit philosophy but lacked the generous headroom found in the 38, which approaches 6'4" in the main salon. The forward V-berth is spacious enough for two adults, making the 38 a legitimate two-cabin cruiser.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Easterly 38 should focus their inspections on the realities of 1970s fiberglass construction and the specific "Mississippi-built" heritage.

• Deck Core Saturation: Like many boats of this era, Easterly utilized balsa-coring in the decks. Inspection of stanchion bases and chainplate penetrations is critical, as these are common points for water ingress, which can lead to localized soft spots or widespread delamination.
• Fuel and Water Tankage: Original tanks were often made of aluminum or coated steel. After nearly 50 years, these are prone to pitting and corrosion. Because of the boat's interior layout, replacing these tanks often requires significant "surgery" to the cabin sole or cabinetry.
• Chainplate Anchoring: The 38’s chainplates are glassed into the hull or bolted to heavy bulkheads. It is essential to check for "bleeding" or rust streaks on the bulkheads, which indicate the stainless steel may be suffering from oxygen starvation and crevice corrosion.
• Original Plumbing and Wiring: Many Easterly yachts were fitted with gate valves rather than modern seacocks. These should be replaced immediately if still present. Similarly, the original 12V electrical systems often lack the capacity for modern electronics and may require a complete rewire to meet current ABYC standards.

Community & Resources

While there is no longer a formal factory-supported association, the community for Easterly Yachts is primarily housed within broader cruising forums. Owners frequently congregate on CruisersForum and SailNet to exchange technical drawings and restoration tips. Because Mike Brennan’s designs share DNA with other regional builders from the Gulf Coast, technical advice for the Easterly 38 can often be found through groups dedicated to 1970s-era American cruisers.

The Verdict

The Easterly 38 is a quintessential example of a "heavy metal" cruiser from the golden age of fiberglass. It is best suited for a couple looking for an affordable live-aboard that offers more interior privacy and structural mass than modern, light-displacement production boats.

Pros

• Exceptional interior volume for its age, especially in the aft cabin.
• Heavier displacement provides a comfortable, sea-kindly motion in rough weather.
• Strong "hand-built" aesthetic with extensive interior teak.
• Reliable tracking and predictable handling for long-distance coastal cruising.

Cons

• Vulnerable to deck saturation and core issues if not properly maintained.
• Sluggish performance in light air (under 10 knots).
• Limited production run makes specific replacement parts (like custom castings) difficult to source.
• The center-cockpit design, while great for the interior, creates a high-profile hull that catches the wind when docking.