Question 1

What are the specs of the DOWNEASTER 32?

Accepted Answer

The DOWNEASTER 32 has the following specifications: 32ft LOA, 11ft beam, 4.75ft draft, 17,000lb displacement, 5,499.5lb ballast. Hull type: mono. Rig: Cutter. Keel: Full/Long.

Question 2

How much does a DOWNEASTER 32 cost?

Accepted Answer

The DOWNEASTER 32 has an average asking price of $16,700, with prices ranging from $9,600 to $29,500 based on 3 listings.

Question 3

Who built the DOWNEASTER 32 and when was it made?

Accepted Answer

Built by DownEast Yachts (USA), designed by Bob Poole, first built in 1975, with production ending in 1980, 134 units were produced.

Question 4

Is the DOWNEASTER 32 good for offshore sailing?

Accepted Answer

The DOWNEASTER 32 is classified as a Bluewater Cruiser. It has a comfort ratio of 38.93, which means it is very comfortable in a seaway, suitable for extended offshore passages. The capsize screening ratio is 1.71, which is excellent for offshore sailing.

Question 5

How fast is the DOWNEASTER 32?

Accepted Answer

The DOWNEASTER 32 has a sail area to displacement ratio of 14.62, which indicates a more conservative sail plan focused on comfort over speed. The displacement to length ratio is 440.38, making it a heavy displacement sailboat.

Question 6

How much does it cost to maintain a DOWNEASTER 32?

Accepted Answer

Annual maintenance for a DOWNEASTER 32 is estimated at $1.7K – $4.5K. This includes hull care, rigging, sails, and engine service. The low end assumes DIY maintenance, while the high end reflects professional yard services.

Question 7

How much does it cost to own a DOWNEASTER 32 per year?

Accepted Answer

Annual cost of ownership for the DOWNEASTER 32 (32ft) according to SailPages.com: Maintenance: $1.7K – $4.5K/year (hull, rigging, sails, engine service). Insurance: $150-$250/year (based on $16,700 average value). Marina slip costs by state for a 32ft boat: Florida: $5,800-$15,400/year. California: $5,400-$13,400/year. Massachusetts: $4,000-$9,000/year + $1,300 winter storage. New York: $4,000-$11,200/year + $1,300 winter storage. Maryland: $3,800-$6,900/year. Texas: $2,300-$6,900/year. Washington: $4,600-$10,000/year. Michigan: $2,200-$4,900/year + $1,300 winter storage. North Carolina: $3,500-$6,900/year. South Carolina: $5,000-$9,600/year. Total annual cost ranges from approximately $4K to $24K depending on location and maintenance approach. Source: SailPages.com, based on published marina rate cards and industry data.

Question 8

How much does it cost to dock a DOWNEASTER 32?

Accepted Answer

Marina slip costs for the DOWNEASTER 32 (32ft) by state according to SailPages.com: Florida: $5,800-$15,400/year. California: $5,400-$13,400/year. Massachusetts: $4,000-$9,000/year + $1,300 winter storage. New York: $4,000-$11,200/year + $1,300 winter storage. Maryland: $3,800-$6,900/year. Texas: $2,300-$6,900/year. Washington: $4,600-$10,000/year. Michigan: $2,200-$4,900/year + $1,300 winter storage. North Carolina: $3,500-$6,900/year. South Carolina: $5,000-$9,600/year. Rates are per foot per month multiplied by boat length. Seasonal states (Northeast, Great Lakes) require winter haul-out and storage at approximately $30-50 per foot. Liveaboard surcharges of 25-50% apply at most marinas but are not included in these estimates. Mooring balls are typically 40-55% less than slip costs. Source: SailPages.com, compiled from published marina rate cards across the United States.

Question 9

What are the common problems with the DOWNEASTER 32?

Accepted Answer

SailPages.com has compiled 12 issues reported for the DOWNEASTER 32 by owners in sailing-forum discussions and owner-association material, concentrated in rigging, structural, engine, deck, hull, each rated by severity (critical, major, minor). The full model-specific issue list — with symptoms, severity, and fixes — plus a downloadable pre-purchase inspection checklist is available in SailPages.com's report for the DOWNEASTER 32.

Question 10

What should I look for when buying a DOWNEASTER 32?

Accepted Answer

When buying a DOWNEASTER 32, SailPages.com has compiled 12 model-specific issues reported by owners across rigging, structural, engine, deck, hull. Always hire a SAMS or NAMS accredited marine surveyor — SailPages.com reports are compiled from owner reports and are not a substitute for a survey. The downloadable report for the DOWNEASTER 32 includes each reported issue plus a model-specific pre-purchase checklist with checkboxes, notes fields, and an overall assessment section.

Question 11

How does the DOWNEASTER 32 compare to similar sailboats?

Accepted Answer

The DOWNEASTER 32 is classified as a Bluewater Cruiser by SailPages.com. Key metrics: 32ft LOA, comfort ratio 38.93, capsize ratio 1.71, SA/disp 14.62, average price $16,700. SailPages.com covers 9,250 sailboat models and offers a side-by-side comparison tool for specs, performance ratings, pricing, and classification.

LOA	32 ft
LWL	25.83 ft
Beam	11 ft
Draft	4.75 ft
Displacement	17,000 lb
Ballast	5,499.5 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL	6.8 kn

DOWNEASTER 32

Specifications

Hull

Engine

About the DOWNEASTER 32

Performance

Estimated Value

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

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Engine Parts & Maintenance

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