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DE32 Moana

Recently we have been looking at DE sail boats with alternative layouts. Here you can see in one of the pictures that Moana has the area that is normally a chart table enclosed.

Boat Specifications
MoanaPolynesian word for “Blue Sea”
MakeDowneast Yachts
ModelDowneaster 32
DesignerBob Poole
Year1979
Where BuiltSanta Monica,CA USA
LOD (length on deck)32 feet
LOA (length overall)35 feet 6 inches
LWL (length waterline)25 feet 10 inches
Beam (width of boat)11 feet
Draft (depth in water)4 feet 9 inches
Ballast5,500 lbs
Displacement (weight of boat)17,000 lbs.
Engine27 hp Westerbeke diesel (new in 2002)
Cruising Speed5 knots (approx 6 mph)
Max Speed6 knots (approx 7 mph)
Fuel Tankage60 gallons
Water Tankage93 gallons in two tanks
Primary Anchor35 lbs Delta
Primary Rhode275′of 5/16 High Test Chain (3,800 lbs breaking strength)
Electrical Storagethree group 27 (115 amp hr) and one 8D for a total of 565 amp hours
InstrumentsTwo Garmin GPS 76,Raymarine ST50 wind,depth &speed
CookingThree burner Hillerange propane stove and oven
RefrigerationIsotherm 12 volt with seawater cooling (yes we can make ice cubes)

What we like about the Downeast 32

cutter rigThe rig makes for an excellent sail plan when the weather is above 25 knots.
galleyA u-shaped galley with a three burner stove and decent counter space.
sea berthsTwo excellent sea berths using a lee cloth on the settee and dinette. They are at the waterline and in the center of the boat help us get rest on the passages because they are at the spot with the least amount of motion at sea.
storage spaceThe water and fuel tanks are under the floor leaving the areas under the seating and berths open for storage.
fuel and water tankageWe have more fuel and water tankage than many 40 foot boats. Having it low in the boat is MUCH better for overall stability than on the side decks.
bookshelfWe are both readers. It’s great to have a large choice of novels just waiting for us to read.
light wind sailing abilityA heavy displacement boat does not have to be a motor boat in light winds. You just need more sail area and a little ability to trim those sails correctly. I won’t say she’s an around the buoy racer,but we can keep her moving in 5-8 kts of wind (which means less engine usage).
headWe have a good sized head and shower for a 32 foot boat.
Large Main SalonWe have enough room to have six to eight guests for dinner or drinks. We’ve been on many 40-45 foot boats that don’t have this luxury.
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