What Do You Think of the Downeaster 32 ?

[KenH]

I'm looking it to getting a '76-- 32' downeaster instead of a 35' steel.

What do you guys think of the boat and any problems that I might need to know of?
Thanks for any help.

Ken

[Boracay]

If you would supply more details on the boats that you are considering then we can answer your question better.

At the moment all we know is that you are considering an older production fibreglass boat and an unknown steel one.

Don't give identifying details unless you're prepared to be gazumped.

[KenH]

Originally Posted by Boracay

If you would supply more details on the boats that you are considering then we can answer your question better.

At the moment all we know is that you are considering an older production fibreglass boat and an unknown steel one.

Don't give identifying details unless you're prepared to be gazumped.

OK, A 32' downeaster '76 or a 36' Hartog steel. I know more on the 32' but nothing on the 36 Hartog.

I was just wondering if anyone would have info on what I should look for surveying the boats. for each particular boat not boats in general. I know that info.
And what is Gazumped? lol

what other info woulf you need???

[SkiprJohn]

If the Downeaster is like the Roughwater 32 there is a pretty active group here that posts quite frequently. Aries 32 all pretty much the same boat and very popular design. I don't know steel boats.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...a-40886-3.html

[Boracay]

Gazumping is the process whereby someone who has been negotiating to buy a property suddenly finds that another purchaser has brought it.

Not normally applied to boats, but several members have reported that boats they have described on CF have been brought from under them.

Gazumping sounds about right.

My experience suggests that if you know little about steel then you are better sticking with fibreglass. Steel has been more popular here in Oz as there are few cheap production fibreglass boats available.

[Kachemakra]

I just purchased a DE 32 in Everett, WA. I sailed (and motored) it up to Homer, Alaska. Crossing the Gulf of Alaska (Elfin Cove to Seward) and around the Kenai Peninsula, reaffirmed what a fine and solid design the DE 32 has. She handled the largest headwinds and snottiest seas (up to 10 feet) with ease.

Dolphin is a late 1977 with the fold-up table. We had a crew of three, plus me and had enough room in the beamy 11 foot saloon. Overall, I could not think of a finer boat--so many times, as the article about the DE 32 states, I was asked how big she was--most thinking in the upper thirties or forties.

The only flaw in the earlier boats is the mast is not keel-stepped; it does not have a block between the compression post and the keel. But, it is simple to remedy--I put a 3X3 block below the CP and keel.

Rick
S/V Dolphin
Homer, Alaska

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Rick.

Congratulations on your new boat!