John,
I have a 1983 384. If you go to the Gallery on this site and look at the different models you'll get a taste of what some of the changes were. I am not exactly sure but I believe from the 383 to my 384 we had a taller mast(confirmed 4 ft added), larger boom, dorade boxes, Traveler on the coach roof might have taken place on 383 models, Again not sure when the change occurred 383 or 384 but the rudder is larger. Mine has a Perkins 4108 (50hp). Below deck I am not sure how much if anything were changed in the layout. I think they moved some things around, holding tank, water tanks etc.
Guess what I just found. I have a page from the 384 brochure listing the differences of the 384. I don't have a scanner but if you give me a fax number I will get it to you.
besides what I had listed above, they added teak to the seats, added a bell shape helmsman seat, removabled teak dish and flatware rack concealed in the center support column of the table, Privacy door from forward stateroom, two large opening ports over the galley and nav. table. Varnished teak and holy sole.
That is about all I can see from reading the sheet.
All I can tell you is we love our 384, she's beautiful, responsive, sails well in all conditions and is comfortable below. After sailing a S2 7.9 performance boat for 15 years I was afraid of how she would handle. She does not dissapoint. Yes she will not go fast in light air, but at about 8 knots she starts to move. I don't think you can go wrong with the 384.
John _/) _/) _/)