• Welcome to this website/forum for people interested in the Morgan 38 Sailboat. Many of our members are 'owners' of Morgan 38s, but you don't need to be an owner to Register/Join.

I am interested in purchasing a Morgan 38 built on the Catalina 38 Hull!

I

indigo

Fred Marx
Are you happy with your Morgan 38?
How does the boat sail?
Are there some points on the boat that I should inspect very
carefully?
Would you buy a Morgan 38 again?
How do you like the AC/Heater?
Do you have any comments regarding the Gen set?
 
Harvey
I am very happy with my origional 1970, C. Morgan design 38. I was very happy with my 1969 M 30 when I owned that. As you know M 38s come in a lot of different flavors. Each flavor has things that you must look for before you buy it. When Morgan went to the Out Island series I think they were thinking more port-ly than sail-ly. I know that this comment will bring the wrath of all the Out Island owners down on me but I have been know to start arguements around the Xmas dinner table. The Catalina Morgan is built on the Out Island design.
I dont know about the AC/Heater but it sounds complicated and have no idea what you mean by the Gen Set.
Hope I have been of some help. All Out Island owners, wanna race for titles?
Capt. Bob
 
<div>Bob,
I am seriously considering purchasing a 1992 Morgan 38.Are you familiar with this series Morgan?The Gen Set is very loud and the craftmanship does not appear to be as good as Hunters.There are very few Morgans here on the West Coast and getting an owners perspective is difficult.
</div>
 
Harvey
Each of us have our own needs. I needed a boat that I could live on but I had to have a boat that sailed well. My budget was also somewhat limited. My Morgan 38 was a compromise as is everything with sailing. I didnt have $100.000 to buy a newer boat so I bought a boat that didn't force me into debt. I had to give up some of the creature comforts that are found in the newer boats but this was my compromise. A Morgan 38 sistership won the Around Long Island Regatta three times and the lines are traditional. But the boat was built in 1970 and built well. I put in a lot of time and money but I now have the boat that I want. And the boat sails a lot better than some of the tubs that are being built now. Included in this class of tubs are the Morgans being built by Catalina. They just do not meet my standards as far as sailing ability and construction quality. But this is just my opinion. Ask an owner and you will hear differently for everyone buys a boat that suits their needs. I once owned a Buccaneer I am ashamed to say. The boat was a tub but while I owned it, pride would not let me tell the truth about it to anyone who asked. You will find this true with the Morgan Catalina owners also. The M/Cs just don't sail well and the Morgan Out Islands don't sail well also. And the Hunters don't sail well. By "don't sail" I mean they don't sail to my expectations. A lot of Hunters are sold and I am sure that the owners are (A) happy (B) unhappy but to prideful to say so.
What are your requirements? Are you going to cruse or sit at anchor or sit at your dock and drink some rum? All of the above are good avocations. What are you going to do with the boat? You have to decide what you want and find the craft that is just right for you. I have a lot more to say on the subject and would like to express my opinions to you if you are intrested.
Let's take this conversation out of this message board and do it through E-Mail, or over the phone. (757) 363-7381. I am retired living in Va.Beach,Va. Call any time early in the AM or late in the PM. I would love to help you in your quest.
Capt. Bob Engel

 
Harvey
P S to my longer message: I consistently out point and out sail any Catalina I have ever met on the water, both with my Morgan 30 and my Morgan 38.
Capt. Bob
 
<div>Catalina built one 38 in the early 80's that was a great sail boat. Beautiful hull lots of tumble home. Sort of looked like a mini-Swan. Incidentially it was not designed by Frank Bulter it was a S&S design. The only Catalina I know of that Frank did not design and the best sailing boat they ever built. It will out point and out sail the 382.3.4s but don't have the live aboard storage, confort, or the confortable working deck of the Morgan 382 series. However, it is not a bad boat. It sails well and is realatively confortable. I'd keep it on the list.Vic C.
</div>
 
I agree with Bob. The Morgans built by Morgan, are hands down better boats than any Catalina and certainly Morgalinas. I wouldn't trade mine for any new one.
 
I purchased a Morgan 38 last February hull # 65. Other than being attacked by a huricane, the boat has been fine. We chose the boat after chartering several different types and sizes of boats. The boat is small enough that my wife and I can handle it without any problems. It is big enough to allow us to be confortable. I'm 6'-6' and 245 lbs that is not true with many boats. The quaulity of the boat we received was good no major problems with one exception they apparently forgot to insuate the refigerator. Our generator was put in buy the dealer. I was a very, very tight fit with lots of rearangeing of parts. We have 2 A/C units both work very well and will run of the generator. In the South anchoring in the summer you need A/C. If you would like you can contact me for other comments.
Bob

 
We purchased hull # 27 two years ago, and don't regret it at all...we owned a 1991 Catalina 36 prior to that, and, of course find differences between the two, but give the 38 high grades for comfort and performance. We bought the boat looking for a more comfortable living environment, and found everything to our satisfaction. We sail out of Santa Barbara,a dn spend a good bit of time up and down the coast. If you'd care to e-mail me, I'd be glad to answer any specifics for you.
Hank Morgan
 
<div>Harvey,I won't debate the pros and cons of Catalina vs Morgan, etc., but I would be glad to share with you the experience we have had with our purchase of Hull # 27, 1993 Morgan 38. It sounds as if your're from the west coast, so give me a call...805-686-0186 or e-mail hmdamar@aol.com
</div>
 
<div>I am still interested in purchasing a Morgan 38. We have located a 1991 boat.I will be in Santa Barbara on the weekend of the 23rd.Any chance that I could meet you on your boat for 30 minutes to discuss the pros and cons?Harvey Mabry
Hermosa Beach
310.318.6305
</div>
 
<div>We have located a 91 Morgan 39 with a Generator and AC/Heating.The generator is very noisey! This is very discerning as it would be difficult to have a conversation in the saloon when the generator is running.Any suggestions.
</div>
 
<div>Harvey, I left a message on your machine...if you still want to set up a time on the weekend of the 23rd to see our boat, you can e-mail me at hmdamar@aol.com or call at 805-686-0186. Hank
</div>
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top