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Greetings all,
I'm the new owner of BLISS, a 1975 Downeaster 38. Got her a month ago and still checking things out. She certainly has her issues but the price and relative condition was just right. Interestingly enough the original manual came with the boat. Hull ID AAY00050375-381. She's got new standing rigging, a rebuilt Perkins 4-108, good hull, solid deck, new main. But her problems are just as sweet. Bowsprit is rotted, needs a companionway hatch (currently a plywood), running rigging, possibly a new jib sail, and the port side cabinet is rotted away.
Would like to ask if there's anyone who could offer a picture of the port side cabinetry. I have some parts, trim but have no idea where they go. I have a general idea and saw some photos but couldn't tell how the backing board fits against some of the trim I have.
Thanks,
Manny.
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This is the port side of my DE38 hull number 70. I believe it is the original layout. What is probably confusing is that the back rest of the seat was made to swing up and form bunk beds. This would create a double on the bottom and a single on top. A few problems that probably caused the water problems are the large windows and the chain plates going thru the hull deck joint. The chain plate problem was solved by moving them to the outside of the hull. The large window leaks could be resolved by gluing a sheet of plexiglass to the outside of the cabin with 5200 and a few bolts. This I have not done yet. While you're looking for things to do, check out the SS straps that hold the gooseneck to the mast. Mine had hair line cracks that could have caused a real problem. All and all you have yourself a good honest cruising boat that will sail well and keep you safe.
Cheers and beers,
Jim
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Happy New Year and congratulations on your new baby.
My DE38 is also 1975 vintage and I'll take a few snaps today when I visit her.
I have been through a lot of rebuilding but each boat has its own issues so I'll not try to guess.
Keep posting here as questions arise and I'll try to help.
Fair winds
Bob
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Here are three shots of the port side berth without the bottom cushion.
You can see that it is very wide and has fittings to add an upper berth. Also supports to move the back cushion forward to make the seat more comfortable.
I have not developed either of those features.
The storage area and bookshelf are the same as Jim's
Hope this helps.
Bob
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...don't know why these images are up side down in the post, but if you click on them they show properly!
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Thank you all!! The picture really helps.
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Manny,
Welcome, these class of boats are all in all really good, even with their faults.
When I bought our boat Manukai, built 3 months after yours, there was rainwater damage and I had to remove all the portside cabinets. The water source was from the deck scupper drain.
I also found my mast compression post under the cabin sole was mushy as was reported by other owners. I am still working on rainwater leaks.
I hope you have many years of enjoyment with your boat.
Smooth sailing.
John
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