BOATOWNER’S BOAT REVIEW
1977 Downeaster 32 Downeaster 32s were built to last, built for comfort and built to go around the world. What’s not to love? By Cyndi Perkins
S
he came with the name, bestowed by her original owner, Mr. Chipman, homeport Bay City, MI. It’s a cheerful moniker that brings smiles—and kids looking for cookies—to the boat. So Chip Ahoy she remains. The 1977 cutter-rigged Downeaster 32—rightfully acclaimed as an ideal choice for cruising couples—was built in Santa Ana, CA. Down East Yachts founder Bob Poole combined southern California tech with sturdy New England sensibilities in designing these generously proportioned beauties with clipper bows, four-foot bowsprits and faux planking lines. These are “big” 32s that are often mistaken for 36-to-40-footers. While said to bear some resemblance to a Westsail, Pacific
Cruising & Sailing Florida, The Southeast & The Bahamas
Downeaster 32 Stats LOA 35’6” LOD 32 LWL 25’10” Beam 11’ Draft 4’9” Weight 17,000 pounds (empty) Sail Area 602 sq. feet (cutter-rigged) Engine Yanmar 3YM30 Cruising speed: 5 knots (approx. 6 mph) Mast Height 47’ (deck-stepped)
SOUTHWINDS June 2019
33